RESCUED BY THE DEVIL 🔞

10. A MOTHER'S LOVE

Victoria above <<<<<

The soft golden light of dawn streamed through the sheer curtains, painting the room in a gentle glow. Selene stirred awake, her head resting against Lucian's bare chest, his steady heartbeat grounding her. For a fleeting moment, she forgot where she was. This warmth, this safety-it was unfamiliar.

Lucian shifted slightly, his arms instinctively tightening around her. "You're awake," he murmured, his deep voice laced with sleep.

She tilted her head up, meeting his gaze. "We should get ready. It's my first official day as your secretary."

Lucian groaned, pulling her even closer. "Five more minutes."

Selene bit back a smile. The great Lucian Blackwood, the ruthless CEO, was clinging to her like a child reluctant to face the day.

"If I'm late on my first day, won't my boss fire me?" she teased.

Lucian's lips curled into a smirk as he rolled on top of her, pinning her beneath his weight. "Your boss might keep you busy in other ways." His lips hovered dangerously close to hers, but before she could respond, he sighed and pulled away. "Fine. Let's get ready."

---

A New Beginning

The office buzzed with energy as Selene walked in, feeling the weight of curious gazes on her. Word had spread-Lucian Blackwood was married, and she was his wife.

She squared her shoulders, determined not to let the whispers faze her. But just as she settled at her desk, Lucian's voice called out from his office.

"Selene."

She entered, expecting instructions for work, but instead, she was met with the sharp, elegant voice of a woman.

"Lucian! How dare you get married without telling me?"

Selene turned to find a stunning woman standing in the office-Victoria Blackwood, Lucian's mother. She radiated power and grace, her sharp gaze assessing Selene in an instant.

For a tense moment, Selene braced herself for disapproval. But then, Victoria's expression softened.

"And you must be my daughter-in-law," she said, stepping closer. "You're lovely. And far better than that insufferable bitch, Camilla."

Selene blinked, caught off guard. "I-thank you?"

Victoria huffed. "That woman has caused enough trouble. If she dares come near you again, let me know. I'll deal with her myself."

Something inside Selene cracked. The way Victoria spoke-so protective, so firm-was something she had never experienced before.

"Has she hurt you?" Victoria asked, her voice gentler now.

Selene hesitated, the memories of Camilla's cruel words and physical attack flashing through her mind. Before she could respond, Victoria reached out, taking her hands into her own.

"My dear, you don't have to be afraid. You are family now," she said softly. "And no one-no one-harms my family."

Selene's breath hitched.

Family.

The word echoed in her mind, foreign yet strangely warm. No one had ever claimed her like this. No one had ever looked at her with such open acceptance, such effortless love.

A lump formed in her throat as she tried to suppress the overwhelming wave of emotions threatening to drown her.

Victoria smiled knowingly and reached up, brushing a strand of hair from Selene's face. "Lucian may be a handful, but I trust you'll take care of him."

Then, without warning, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Selene's cheek.

Selene stiffened. The touch was unfamiliar-gentle, affectionate, motherly.

She barely noticed as Victoria turned back to Lucian, handing him an elegant envelope. "Your grandfather's birthday celebration is in three days. I expect you and Selene to be there."

Lucian nodded, his gaze flickering between his mother and Selene. "Understood."

Victoria gave Selene one last approving glance before gracefully exiting the office.

The moment she was gone, Selene let out a shaky breath. She lifted a trembling hand to her cheek, touching the spot where Victoria had kissed her.

Lucian watched her carefully. "You okay?"

Selene swallowed hard, blinking back tears she refused to shed.

"She-" Her voice broke. She cleared her throat and tried again. "She kissed me."

Lucian stepped closer, his gaze softening. "She likes you."

Selene let out a quiet laugh, though it sounded more like a choked sob. "I don't know how to handle this."

Lucian understood. He saw the vulnerability in her eyes, the silent yearning she tried to hide.

So instead of speaking, he simply reached out and pulled her into his arms.

Selene hesitated for only a second before sinking into his embrace.

For the first time in her life, she wasn't alone.

For the first time in her life, she had a family.

And she didn't know what to do with the warmth filling her heart.

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