Chapter 45 Incompetent Husband
[Nyx]
The alarm screamed at 5:30 AM, shattering the fragile peace of sleep.
I reached out, silencing it with a practiced motion, then turned to find Lysander already awake, propped on one elbow, watching me with those amber eyes that seemed to see straight through my defenses.
"Morning," he said, his voice still rough with sleep in a way that made something warm curl low in my stomach.
"Morning." I sat up, pushing hair out of my face. Last night's dinner felt like a fever dream—Tristan and Ophelia's explosive fight, Isla's breakdown, my father's cold handling of it all. The family's carefully maintained facade had been shredded beyond repair.
But today was different.
Today, I was finally free.
Before I could fully process that thought, Lysander was already out of bed, pulling on his training pants. "Come on. Up."
"I'm getting up—"
"Too slow." He grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet in one smooth motion. "You said you wanted back in. No more excuses."
I stumbled slightly, caught off guard. His chest was right there—all defined muscle and bronze skin, a thin scar cutting across his ribs.
"I wasn't making excuses," I protested, but couldn't help appreciating the view. "I was just—"
"Thinking about staying in bed?" His fingers brushed my cheek. "Not happening. Father lifted all restrictions, and I'm not letting you waste a single day of freedom."
He strode to the closet and pulled out my training gear—the black compression leggings, sports bra, and tank top with Moonblade's crest. "Arms up."
"What are you—"
"Arms. Up." He was already pulling my sleep shirt over my head before I could protest.
"Lysander, I can dress myself—"
"Too slow." He grabbed the sports bra, holding it up and examining it like it was some kind of tactical equipment he'd never encountered before. His brow furrowed.
I bit my lip, trying not to laugh.
"Okay. This part goes..." He moved behind me, attempting to put it on. The bands twisted awkwardly. "Wait, is this backwards?"
"Lysander—"
"I've got it." But he clearly didn't. His fingers—so precise with weapons—fumbled with the tiny hooks. "These things are ridiculously small. How do women do this every day?"
"Practice," I managed, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.
He tried again. The hooks slipped. He cursed under his breath.
"Need help?"
"No." Stubborn. "I can handle a simple piece of clothing."
He finally got one hook connected. Then promptly lost it trying for the second.
I couldn't hold it in anymore. Laughter burst out of me.
"You've never done this before, have you?" I said between giggles. "Never helped a woman get dressed?"
Lysander's hands stilled.
Silence.
"Lysander?"
More silence.
I turned to look at him. His face had gone completely red, jaw clenched, amber eyes fixed on the wall.
"I told you," he said, voice tight. "There were no exes."
"So you really—" Another giggle escaped. "You really have never fastened a bra before?"
His ears were practically glowing. He said nothing, just stood there looking profoundly embarrassed.
"Oh my god." I was laughing now. "The fearsome Gamma Captain—defeated by lingerie."
"Shut up," he muttered, but there was no real heat in it.
"Here." I took pity on him, reaching back to fasten it myself. "For future reference, you were putting it on backwards."
"I figured that out," he grumbled.
He grabbed the tank top, pulling it over my head with perhaps more force than necessary. Then the leggings—at least these he managed better, kneeling to guide my feet through with efficient movements.
"There," he said, standing. Still flushed. "Dressed."
"Thank you," I said innocently. "That was very educational."
"Not a word of this to anyone," he warned. "Especially not Symone."
"Your secret is safe with me." But my smile promised nothing.
I crossed to the mirror, pulling my hair into a high ponytail. "I'm heading to Eclipse this afternoon. First official appearance as owner. The whole company knows Raymond's been fired. Everyone's waiting to see what kind of boss I'll be."
Lysander came up behind me, hands settling on my shoulders, lips brushing my neck. "Good luck, princess."
---
We descended the stairs together. Ariel had already prepared a simple energy breakfast—oatmeal, fruit, and protein shakes arranged with military precision on the kitchen island.
"Miss, congratulations," she said, handing me an insulated cup, genuine joy lighting her eyes. "Last night's dinner is all anyone in the estate can talk about. You were magnificent."
I accepted the shake. "Any movement from Isla's side?"
Ariel's expression turned serious. "Taran says the Luna was on the phone all night. She left the estate early this morning—went back to the Hyde family residence. Young Master Tristan isn't in the main house either. No one knows where he went."
"And Ophelia?"
"Still in the guest room," Ariel lowered her voice. "She cried all night."
I nodded, filing away the information.
"Also," Ariel pulled a set of keys from her apron pocket, "these are for your mother's old office. Top floor of Eclipse headquarters. Alpha Karl asked me to give them to you."
The weight of the keys in my palm made my chest tighten.
"Remember to change into formal wear before going to the company," Ariel continued. "I've prepared a navy blue suit for you."
"Thank you, Ariel."
Lysander and I walked to the training grounds together. The morning air was sharp and clean, carrying the scent of dew and pine.
"What time will you be back from the company?" he asked.
"Not sure," I admitted. "Probably a few meetings. But I'll try to make it back for evening training."
"Skip the evening session," Lysander said. "Just come home after Eclipse. I'll train you separately from now on."
"Sounds perfect," I said, then added honestly, "I don't feel like I'm pushing too hard, though. Actually, I feel... fulfilled. Not like before, when I had nothing to do all day."
When we reached the training grounds, most warriors had already arrived.
Seeing Lysander and me appear together, Seth's expression darkened. "Well, well," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Feeling better today? Headache all cleared up?"