Return of the Legendary Runesmith
Chapter 127 126- Pretend?

Edward was…shocked beyond belief.

The last time he'd seen Ariana, something inside him had awakened. Maybe it was better to say that the spark had come alive again after meeting her.

He'd thought he'd buried his feelings for her long ago—after she'd rejected him. But now, seeing that she'd achieved her dream and was still single, he wondered: maybe…she wouldn't reject him this time.

Maybe she didn't love him, but surely, there was no one better than Edward to take care of her. She had to marry someday, right? So why not marry a man who cared deeply for her and knew her better than anyone else?

He'd support her work and even let her continue as Headmistress after marriage. He knew her father would have agreed too—Edward had always had a good reputation in his eyes.

As for his own father, Edward was sure he could have convinced him somehow.

Everything started to feel so perfect that Edward felt he was on cloud nine. The woman of his dreams...would become his wife.

Just thinking about it sent him over cloud nine.

But everything fell apart when he saw Adrian appear and hold Ariana in a way only a man holds his woman. And Ariana didn't push him away. Instead, she leaned into his touch.

She…had accepted Adrian as her partner. There was no doubt. Edward knew Ariana too well.

But wait—

Maybe she was just pretending! Ariana wasn't the type to fall for a man so easily. A few weeks ago, they were just cousins and coworkers. And now she was his lover? That couldn't be true.

"I'll talk to her," Edward decided and rejoined the celebration.

....

Meanwhile, in the main hall, Adrian stood with Ariana by his side, facing his father and stepmother.

Adam had noticed something strange between them—the way they spoke, the way they stayed so close. It was clear there was something going on. And Adam wasn't the only one; many others were watching them too.

Finally, Adam called them aside for a private talk.

For the first time in a while, Ariana felt nervous. It wasn't an Acolyte or some ancient being that made her feel this way—but her uncle, her possible father-in-law.

She couldn't meet his eyes. Her gaze fell to the floor as she held Adrian's hand. And all while, Adrian faced his father confidently.

Adam's eyes narrowed as he looked at their joined hands. "When did this happen?" he asked.

Adrian smiled. "Just a few days ago. I confessed, and she accepted me."

He had no reason to lie. He loved her, and she loved him. He knew people would frown on their relationship, just like the ones giving them strange looks right now. But Adrian didn't care.

All he needed was Ariana's love. Now that she'd chosen him, he would face the world proudly.

Adam frowned. "You know what this means, right? You grew up with her. You've called her your elder sister all your life—and now you're holding her hand like this. Do you think people won't talk?"

Adrian let out a sigh. "Dad… do you think I care what they say? I care about you and your blessings."

Adam's brows stayed furrowed. "I don't understand what changed. Are you sure about this, son?" he asked, his voice full of concern.

"Dad, trust me," Adrian said firmly. "I've never been so sure of anything in my life." He pulled Ariana's hand closer to his chest, drawing her gently closer. "I want her in my life, and I know I'll never regret this decision."

The certainty in his eyes impressed Melissa, while Ariana looked at him with warmth.

Slowly, her fear faded. She turned toward her uncle and said, "I've always thought things through. I never wanted to hurt the people I care about. But for Adrian, I'm willing to do anything. No matter what, I don't want to be apart from him."

Adam could see it—the fire they carried for each other. They looked ready to walk away from everything just to be together.

After a brief pause, he finally spoke,

"Guess this is inevitable," he sighed. Then he said, "I'll talk to Victor about it."

Ariana and Adrian both stiffened, eyes wide as they turned toward him.

"Wait—just like that? You'll really talk to him… about us?" Adrian sounded hopeful.

Adam couldn't help but chuckle. "Hold on, son. I haven't given you my blessing yet. But I'll talk to Victor and try to stop him from attacking you the moment he sees you holding his daughter's hand."

Ariana and Adrian both blushed, but neither of them let go of each other.

Adam glanced at Melissa and saw her smiling. She seemed to agree with his decision.

"Don't you want to say something to them?" he suggested, drawing attention to the elegant woman beside him.

Melissa looked a little flustered at being pulled into the conversation. A few weeks ago, she'd told Adrian to leave and never come back—but fate had twisted things so that now they were smiling at each other again.

Luckily, Adrian hadn't yet told his father that he was no longer part of the Lockwood family. Ariana was still part of the family, and to get her father's permission, he needed Adam's help. How convenient~

Melissa smiled at him, a playful glint in her eyes. "You two look good together," she said. "And since you're not blood-related, there won't be any problems in the future."

Her words made Ariana blush, but she held Melissa's gaze and replied softly, "Thank you for accepting us… Mother."

Melissa scoffed lightly and nodded. "Welcome to the family, dear daughter-in-law."

***

A few hours later, Adrian and Ariana had to separate, though they didn't want to.

Many people from the Vermillion side surrounded him, asking questions. Ariana started feeling a little bored, so he gently urged her to have a drink and wait for him.

She wanted to stay with him, but the constant talk of achievements and complicated terms made her head spin. Eventually, she gave in. She accepted a drink and stepped out of the palace, walking into the garden.

She was walking mindlessly with a glass of wine in her hand—when suddenly,

"Huh?" She didn't notice when but suddenly someone appeared behind her and hugged her from behind.

His hold was firm and his face pressed against her neck.

She knew in a second that it wasn't Adrian.

And the voice confirmed it,

"Aria…please don't do this to me…you don't have to pretend to be-ah!"

Edward wasn't able to finish as suddenly as his vision shifted, and he was thrown over her shoulder and slammed on the ground.

*DHAK*

The sound resonated aloud, gathering the passing guests' attention.

Ariana's eyes were wide with anger as she slammed the glass on his face and shouted, "Don't you fucking touch me!"

Her voice gained much more attention and instantly she was surrounded by guards—raising their spears.

It was then a roaring voice rang from the palace entrance, "What did you do to my son?!"

It was the King.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. Shit about to turn loose. If you enjoyed reading the chapter then do me a favor and leave a review.