"F-Father-in-law?!"
Soren’s eyes widened in shock.
Standing before him was a man in his late forties, yet still radiating youthful energy and presence. Wavy black hair swept back elegantly, matching the luxurious black tuxedo he wore. He looked like one of those CEOs from television shows.
Which made sense, because he actually was one.
Darius Morvain.
Head of Morvain Industries.
One of the most influential Awakened and businessmen in Kalmira.
And he was also Ethea’s father.
"P-Please, come in," Soren managed, recovering from his surprise.
Despite the second sudden visit in such a short time, he stepped aside and gestured for the man to enter.
"Then pardon the intrusion," Darius smiled, stepping into the house.
His gaze swept the interior with practiced efficiency, taking in every detail. Then his eyes landed on Ethea, who was sitting in her wheelchair by the table, not reacting at all to her father’s arrival.
Darius’s expression brightened immediately, warmth flooding his features.
"Ethea, my dear daughter," he said, walking toward her with a gentle smile. "It’s been far too long since I’ve seen you."
He stopped beside her wheelchair, his voice dropping to a softer, more tender tone.
"How I’ve missed you. Have you been well? Are you eating properly? Getting enough rest?"
He reached out and placed a gentle hand on her forehead, checking her temperature as if she were a sick child.
"Hmm, no fever. That’s good." He brushed a strand of hair from her face. "You look better than I expected, honestly. The color in your cheeks has returned a little. "
Ethea remained silent, her gaze fixed on her lap as her shoulders locked tight.
Darius studied her face for a moment longer before straightening with a soft sigh.
"Still as quiet as ever, I see," he murmured, though his smile remained warm.
Soren noticed the subtle stiffness in Ethea’s posture, the way her fingers had curled tighter in her lap.
’...’ He stepped forward. "Father-in-law, would you like to join us for lunch?"
Darius turned toward him, the gentle expression shifting smoothly into one of pleasant surprise.
"Oh? Perfect timing, then. I was starting to feel a bit hungry." He finally let his hand slip from Ethea’s head, giving her one last, lingering pat. "I’d be delighted to join you."
Soren moved toward the kitchen, inwardly surprised by his agreement. "Please, have a seat. I’ll bring everything out."
Darius settled into a chair at the small dining table, his posture relaxed and at ease. Despite the modest surroundings, he didn’t show even a hint of disdain or discomfort, acting as naturally as if he were in his own home.
He watched as Soren brought out the dishes.
"You’re quite the host, Soren," Darius said with an approving nod. "I’m impressed."
Soren set the plates down and positioned Ethea’s wheelchair closer to the table before taking his own seat.
Then they started eating.
The conversation flowed easily enough. Darius asked about how Soren was adjusting, whether Ethea was doing fine, and if they needed anything.
Soren answered politely, keeping his responses brief but courteous.
Darius was all smiles as he watched Soren carefully feed Ethea, his expression softening as if seeing something that pleased him.
Then, suddenly, his tone shifted.
The warmth faded, replaced by something more serious.
"Soren," Darius said, setting down his utensils. "I saw the Valmere family’s butler on my way here. Did something happen?"
Hearing his father’s words, Ethea’s gaze shifted toward Soren as well, her ice-blue eyes watching him intently.
Soren smiled bitterly inside and let out a quiet sigh.
"Nothing much," he said after a moment. "He just came to deliver something."
Darius studied him for a few seconds, clearly sensing Soren’s reluctance to elaborate.
But he didn’t press. Instead, his expression softened again, and he nodded.
"Alright. As long as everything’s okay."
He paused, then leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping into a more earnest tone.
"Soren."
Soren looked up.
"I want to thank you," Darius said seriously. "For marrying Ethea. For taking care of her. I know the circumstances weren’t ideal, and I know our family... made difficult choices."
His gaze was steady, sincere.
"But seeing her now, seeing how you’ve been treating her—it means more than you know." He placed a hand over his chest. "If you ever need anything. Anything at all. Just ask. I’ll be ready to help."
Soren felt something shift in his chest. Some of the anger he’d been holding toward this man, for what they’d done to Ethea, for abandoning her, dissipated a little. Just a little.
He shook his head. "It’s me who should thank you, Father-in-law. For giving me your daughter. I’m blessed to have such a beautiful and amazing person as my wife."
Darius’s eyes widened slightly before he threw his head back and laughed, loud and hearty.
"Indeed, indeed! My daughter is the best in the world! The best wife you could ever ask for!" He grinned widely. "Of course, after her mother."
Soren couldn’t help but laugh as well.
Ethea, sitting between them, almost rolled her eyes at the two men but managed to keep her composure, her expression remaining neutral.
Just then, Darius’s phone buzzed.
He pulled it from his pocket, glancing at the screen. His smile faded slightly as he read the message.
"Ah, I apologize." He stood from his chair, slipping the phone back into his pocket. "Something urgent came up at the office. I’m afraid I’ll have to cut this short."
"Of course," Soren said, standing as well. "Thank you for visiting."
Darius walked toward the door but paused, reaching into his jacket. He pulled out a sleek business card and a black credit card, extending both toward Soren.
"Here. My personal number. And this—" He gestured to the credit card. "—is a little gift from me. Use it however you need. For Ethea, for the house, for yourself. Don’t hesitate."
Soren’s eyes widened. "Father-in-law, I can’t—"
"You can, and you will," Darius interrupted smoothly, pressing the items into Soren’s hand before he could refuse. "Consider it a father’s gratitude."
Before Soren could protest further, Darius was already moving toward the door.
He paused at the threshold, glancing back with a warm smile.
"I’ll come again soon. Take care of her, Soren."
Soren moved quickly to the door, but the man had already disappeared from view.
’...Right. He’s a 7th Circle too. I almost forgot.’