Ascension Of The Villain

Chapter 162: Tonight Feels Different

As Vyan gave her a look that screamed confusion, like she had just sprouted three heads, Iyana playfully arched an eyebrow. "What? What's the problem? You are acting like I suggested I will spend the night in your room."

"Oh…" Vyan's face turned a delightful shade of pink, embarrassment flooding his expression. "You mean you will stay in the guest room."

Her lips curled into a mischievous smile, clearly enjoying his flustered reaction. "Well, if you insist, I wouldn't mind staying here instead—"

"So!" Vyan loudly cleared his throat, desperately trying to regain his composure, "how is my shoulder already healed?" He awkwardly shifted topics, eyes darting around as if

"Oh?" Iyana's interest was piqued. "I would love to hear more about that."

"Are you sure you would rather hear about that than what happened today?" he asked, his voice warm and inviting.

"Well, it's up to you," she said softly, her tone full of care. "I will listen to anything you want to share—anything that helps."

"You don't have to treat me like I am fragile just because I mentioned I was a bit drained mentally."

"I know," Iyana replied with a gentle smile. "You always seem so calm and composed, like nothing ever rattles you. But I can tell there is a lot more going on inside, something that you keep hidden, as if to not expose your weakness."

Vyan's smile was tinged with a hint of sadness. "Well, to tell you the truth, you are right. I was hoping to recover some of my childhood memories today by revisiting those old places. But I didn't expect them to hit me so hard," he admitted, chuckling softly but without humor. "It's like… wow, I really lived a tough life. Especially considering how much my family did to save me."

Iyana's eyes softened with empathy as she asked, "Your family… were they all kind to you?" Her voice carried her own painful experiences with family.

"The best." Vyan's expression brightened as he thought about them. "They were the best," he said with a warm grin. "Of course, they had their flaws and made mistakes, and sometimes things were hard, but at the end of the day, what mattered most was that they loved and adored me so much. I am so glad I can remember that now."

"That's rare," Iyana remarked, a smile playing on her lips. "Most nobles don't really value their second-born much, especially if the first is a son."

Vyan's smile widened at her words. "I know, right? My brother would get furious if anyone insinuated I was just the backup heir."

"As he should," Iyana replied with mock indignation. "They make it sound like you were born just for that purpose."

"Well, I guess it did end up becoming true, though. In the end, I did end up taking the inheritance after my brother passed away."

"So what?" she said softly, her eyes meeting his. "It's not like you planned it. There are so many other reasons you were born."

Vyan leaned in a little closer, his voice dropping to a playful murmur. "Like what?"

For a moment, Iyana's heart raced, the words Like being the person I'd fall in love with lingering in her mind. But instead, she teased, "Like being Clyde's best friend. Who else could put up with the two of you if not each other?"

Vyan laughed, the tension easing. "Yes, you are probably right."

They fell into an easy rhythm of conversation, their laughter and shared stories filling the room. As they talked, Vyan noticed the small droplets of water clinging to the ends of Iyana's hair, making him smile softly at the sight.

"Honestly, do you ever learn how to dry your hair properly?" Vyan chided playfully.

"I did dry it just fine!" Iyana protested. "And why does it bother you so much? Just so you know, I never get sick from it."

"Well, it drives me crazy," he countered.

"That's your problem to deal with," she shot back.

"Oh, I will deal with it, alright." Vyan set his empty wine glass on the table and moved to retrieve some dry towels from a nearby cabinet. "Come here, sit down."

Iyana rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile as she made her way to the edge of the bed. Vyan settled behind her, gently wrapping the towel around the ends of her hair and began drying it with care. As he worked, the fresh scent of her hair filled the air, slowly wrapping around his senses.

Drying her hair was something he had done countless times before, a routine he never thought twice about when he was her knight.

But tonight felt different—he suddenly found himself acutely aware of the delicate curve of her nape, the smoothness of her collarbone, and the subtle elegance of her shoulder blades. Every inch of her exposed skin seemed to call out to him, making his hands falter as they held the towel.

"Vyan," Iyana's soft voice broke through his thoughts, making his breath hitch. "Do you remember that time in front of the Estelle Manor when you told me you only felt platonically for me?"

"Yes…" he replied, his voice barely audible as his heart pounded in his chest.

She turned slightly, her gaze meeting his, her eyes searching his face. "Do you still feel that way?"

Instead of answering, his eyes drifted to her lips, the urge to close the distance between them becoming impossible to ignore. "No," he whispered, the word a promise as he began to lean in.

Before he could fully close the gap, Iyana met him halfway, their lips finding each other in a kiss that was as inevitable as it was passionate.