The Legendary War God Returns

Chapter five

Moments after the dinner ended, Orion went off to look for Lydia. While he was busy pondering the report Ethan gave him, she seemed to have gone somewhere.

He kept searching until he arrived at the small guest room within the mansion. When he looked inside, he saw Lydia seated on a couch, seemingly going through a stack of documents. 

Orion frowned. It was almost midnight, and while most family members had gone off to sleep, she was still awake.

“Hey baby, are you still awake?” He opened the door gently so he wouldn't startle her.

Regardless, it did. Lydia’s body perked up, and she immediately piled the documents and tried to hide them.

Orion shook his head with a slight smile. He had seen it and had walked over already, yet she wanted to hide them?

Though, he did understand her actions. She might not want him to be worried. However, as her husband, he couldn't help the feeling.

“The company is struggling financially right?” He guessed as he took a seat close to her. 

Lydia blushed as she couldn’t hide the documents any longer, nor could she flee from his penance, which might further prompt his suspicions.

In the end, she sighed and nodded. She could try to hide the truth, but the documents were already present as proof.

“The family business has been experiencing financial difficulties for the past few years. It’s becoming so bad and overwhelming.” She said with a sulking expression while her grip on the document tightened a bit.

“We might all be living in a mansion; however, much of the family’s wealth is tied up in the company. I have been working extra hours, taking on additional responsibilities to cover personal expenses yet there’s no much improvement.”

The frown on her face deepened when she recounted every detail and how it could keep getting worse at this point.

“I have been secretly paying several household bills that my dad refuses to cover. It's becoming too much, and there appears to be no end to it.”

The pain, frustration, and tiredness were all conveyed in her voice. Orion was shocked. He could vaguely remember that before he left, the financial status of the family was stable and quite better. He didn’t expect it to be in shambles, and what was worse, could actually collapse.

“I feel it’s mostly because of Damien’s decisions and several failed investments. All those decisions had weakened the company's finances.” Lydia explained as though she had read his unspoken questions out of thin air.

“What about your dad? Didn’t he do anything about all these?” Orion asked, still in a daze.

Lydia sighed and shook her head.

“I repeatedly told him to investigate the financial problems, but he kept dismissing my concerns.” She sighed heavily.

“Why didn’t you tell me how difficult the situation had become?” Orion subconsciously asked with a knot tied in his chest.

Lydia’s face turned darker with a pained look.

“How could I when I didn't even know if you were alive?” She scolded.

Orion pressed his lips into a thin line when he realized he was at fault. After a short silence, he looked at her and spoke. 

“I am so sorry for leaving you alone with so many unanswered questions.” 

Lydia looked into his eyes, seeing the genuine glint in them to validate his words; however, she couldn’t help but admit a couple of things with a sad smile.

“There were moments I wondered if you had forgotten about me. I even felt my family might have been right about you.” 

Her chest tightened more. “But still, I couldn't bring myself to sign the divorce papers.”

She dropped the document unexpectedly and went on to pick something up on the table behind the couch. Orion stared at her, about to say something, when he caught a glimpse of what she was carrying.

It was a small decorated box. She sat down on the couch and opened it. Inside, there were a couple of wedding photos of both of them from years ago. As she took it out, a smile bloomed on her face, and so did Orion.

Both of them were still a lot younger, and though their physical appearance had matured, they hadn’t changed much from how they looked. Shortly, she took out a note from the box and showed it to Orion.

His eyes widened. How could he not remember the note? His handwriting was carefully and lovingly crafted on it as he made a promise to her that he was going to return.

“I read this note over and over again whenever I miss you.” Lydia smiled sweetly, holding the note like it was a rare gem she never wanted to lose.

Orion felt his heart tightening by each second. He clenched his fist tightly as the weight of emotion surging inside him became overwhelming. A few signs of moisture appeared in his eyes in the process.

Momentarily, he gently held Lydia's hand. His hand locked into hers and he said resolutely.

“You don’t have to face everything alone again. I promise you, I’ll stay by your side, always.” 

He might not be able to reveal his identity to her yet; however, he wanted her to have full assurance through his words.

“As for the company's financial situation, I’ll help you organize and review all the financial problems.” He said, looking at the pile of documents on the table.

Lydia was touched, but at the same time she became worried.

“I don’t want you taking responsibility you can’t afford.” She shook her head and patted his hand gently with an assuring smile. “I’ll handle it.” 

“Are you underestimating me?” Orion suddenly cocked a brow at her. 

“It seems you don’t know what this husband of yours is fully capable of doing!” He said teasingly, and unable to control the urge, Lydia began to chuckle.

The sight was so heavenly as Orion watched her beautiful face. It was the first time since his return he had seen her laugh. Under that sad smile of hers, he was able to make her laugh at least. It was a moment he cherished.

“Okay. I've got to bed now. It’s getting late.” Lydia said moments later as she started feeling sleepy.

Orion nodded in approval. After all, it was already so late. She stood up, but before walking off to her room, she paused and turned to look at him.

“Do you intend to stay with me permanently?” She asked curiously.

“Yes, baby. I am not going anywhere.” He nodded. 

She blushed before walking off to her room to sleep. Orion watched her leave for a while before he pulled out his phone to call Ethan. 

On the second ring, it was picked up. 

“Hello Ethan, I want you to arrange discreet financial assistance for my wife but without making her feel indebted or interfering with her professional independence.” He ordered solemnly.

A gasp erupted from the other side before Ethan replied. 

“Sir, do you want to reveal your identity to her?” 

“Not yet. I’ll tell her when the time is right.” Orion said with a smile on his face. For now, it was still so early. 

Ethan went silent briefly then proceeded to explain a few more things to him. 

However, at the same time, inside Lydia’s room, her phone that was on top of the drawer suddenly lit up with a text.

“Your husband isn’t the man you think he is.”