Chapter 876

Lucian pulled his shirt over his head in one fluid motion. "Why not, darling?"

Darling.

That single word sent electric currents down Rosalind's spine. He'd never used that endearment before.

Her legs nearly buckled beneath her. "We...we don't have any protection left."

"Ran out this morning." His lips curved into a wicked smile. "We won't need it."

What?

She distinctly remembered purchasing four packages just last week! How could they possibly be gone already? At the time, it had seemed excessive. Now, it appeared woefully inadequate.

And he wanted to proceed without any?

"Absolutely not," she insisted, pressing a hand against his chest. "That's too risky! I could get pregnant."

Lucian's gaze darkened as he studied her face. "Then let's have a baby. Charlotte's adorable. You adore children - we should have one together. I'd love that."

Little Charlotte had apparently sparked some paternal instincts - now Lucian wanted a child of their own.

Rosalind's breath hitched. "What exactly are you suggesting?"

"Don't you want to carry my child?" His fingers traced her jawline.

"I-"

"Have you considered marriage?"

The question hung between them, heavy with implication.

"You're sharp." His chuckle was low and intimate. "You're right - I acquired the Frostbloom. The rare flower you've been searching for is now in my possession. Care to discuss this further in person?"

Rosalind's laugh was icy. "Don't move. I'm coming to you now."

She ended the call and glanced toward the bathroom where the shower still ran. Lucian remained oblivious.

Grabbing the nearest pen, she scrawled a quick note: [Gone for takeout. Back soon.]

Placing it prominently on the nightstand, she slipped out.

Within minutes, Rosalind spotted Genevieve waiting in the corridor. She approached with measured steps.

"You've been tracking us. You know our every move."

Genevieve's lips curled. "Naturally. How else could I have secured the Frostbloom right under your nose?"

"Where is it?"

With theatrical flair, Genevieve produced an ornate box, lifting the lid to reveal the pristine white Frostbloom.

Rosalind lunged forward. "Hand it over!"

But Genevieve snapped the box shut, passing it to a looming bodyguard who disappeared down the hall.

"Now you've seen proof," Genevieve purred. "No deception here."

Rosalind's eyes narrowed. "State your terms. You didn't steal that flower just to admire it. This is about negotiation."

"Straight to the point." Genevieve inclined her head. "Since you understand my position, why pretend otherwise? My demand is simple - I want Lucian."

Rosalind's chest constricted. "Never! He's not some bargaining chip!"

"People trade affection all the time," Genevieve countered smoothly. "For three years while you were gone, I stood by him. We had something real. Then you returned and stole his attention. Step aside, and we can both get what we want."

Rosalind shook her head violently. "I love him. I won't abandon him to you."

Genevieve's laughter was sharp as broken glass. "Then our conversation ends here. Enjoy watching the man you love live with that ruined face forever."

As she turned to leave, Rosalind seized her wrist. "Wait!"

Genevieve turned slowly, triumph glinting in her eyes. "The terms are simple - Lucian for the Frostbloom. No compromise."

Rosalind's mind reeled. They were on the brink of marriage - how could she surrender him now?

Yet without the flower, Lucian's scars would never heal...

"You claim to love him," Genevieve taunted. "Is this love? Keeping him disfigured to satisfy your selfish desires? Three years he's avoided mirrors. Three years of shame. And now, when salvation is within reach, you'd deny him?"

"That's not true!" Rosalind protested.

"Then prove it." Genevieve's smile was predatory. "The Frostbloom for Lucian. A simple exchange."