Outside the conference center, the early evening air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of rain.Miley hugged herself against the breeze as they waited near Julius's car. His security team moved efficiently around them, coordinating, reporting, clearing the path for them to leave. Yet Julius stayed by Miley’s side, not more than a step away, his posture protective without being overbearing."You cold?" he asked casually, glancing at her from the corner of his eye."A little," Miley admitted.Without a word, Julius shrugged off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders. The fabric was still warm from his body, and it swallowed her frame, but she didn’t have it in her to protest. She looked up at him, surprised by the simple gesture."Thanks," she said quietly.He grunted a little, stuffing his hands into his trouser pockets. "You can thank me later. Preferably after you stop looking like you’re about to collapse."Miley chuckled under her breath. "I’m fine, really.""You always sa

After the chaos at the summit, Julius knew things couldn't return to normal so easily. That night, he arranged to meet a few of his most trusted military buddies at a low-profile bar outside the city.Officially, the meeting was to catch up over beers — but the real reason ran deeper. Julius needed their input on the Home Front Horizon project, to make sure every possible security risk had been anticipated. More importantly, he needed fresh intel.The group who had ambushed the summit hadn't claimed allegiance to any known faction. They moved like trained operatives but struck with a kind of brutal recklessness that was worrying. Whoever they were, they weren't amateurs. And Julius wanted to know exactly who he was going to war with.Hours later, after downing too many bottles and trading battle-scarred jokes, the men finally insisted on dropping him back at the estate. They were half-drunk, loud, and yet there was a current of unspoken understanding between them — a brotherhood born

Julius left the house with a heavy heart and an even heavier conscience. The front door clicked shut behind him, but her words— “Then I’ll marry you”—echoed in his head like a siren in an empty hallway. He needed space and silence.Miley had proposed marriage.She proposed to help him …help him by marrying him.And it was not just any marriage. A no-obligation, pretend-to-be-his-wife arrangement. That would be Logical, strategic for his current condition..completely safe on paper, making him free from all the obligation.But nothing about it felt safe. Nothing about her-soft, stubborn, golden-hearted Miley-was meant for this world of shadows and backdoor politics, where missions ended in blood and trust could be lethal.He drove with no destination in mind, but his instincts led him to the lake. The moonlight rippled gently across the water, casting silver shadows on the still surface. The place was quiet. Just like he needed. He knew he could stay here for a while before his heart ma

The courthouse doors clicked shut behind them, sealing away the vows they had just exchanged with the kind of quiet finality that felt heavier than expected. Miley clutched the modest bouquet of wildflowers, baby’s breath and pale wild roses, still she was not entirely able to believe they were hers. Her fingers brushed over the petals like a dream she didn’t want to end.“We’re married,” she said, her voice barely louder than a breath.Julius gave a faint nod, glancing sidelong at her. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I was too worried yesterday. I should’ve gotten you real flowers.”Miley blinked at him. “These are real flowers.”He gave a small huff of amusement. “You know what I mean.”She did. And yet, the idea of him stepping off the sidewalk to pick them just for her made them more precious than a florist’s bouquet ever could be.But she could not tell him that , yet, even though she really wanted to scream this from the top of her lungs that no flower, no bouquet in the entire world co

The morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the estate, casting golden streaks across the wooden floor. Miley was still in bed when the scent of roses hit her nose, dozens of them. She blinked, stretched, and sat up, only to gasp.The entire living room had been transformed. Roses in hues of red, pink, and white were everywhere bundles on tables, bouquets in vases, and petals scattered across the floor like confetti from a royal celebration. Gifts in ornate wrappings adorned the foyer. Beside one of the larger flower stands stood a note with an elegant golden seal.Julius, who had just finished his morning black coffee, picked up the card and frowned. “Duke of Glamorgan,” he murmured.Miley peered over his shoulder, reading aloud, “To the newlyweds—my blessings and warmest congratulations. Miley is like a daughter to me. I couldn’t be happier. I've arranged a private dinner for the two of you tonight. Wear something fitting.”Julius sighed and rubbed his temple. “I have