Adira stood in the kitchen, inspecting trays of hors d'oeuvres while directing the staff.

"No, the napkins go with the silverware, not on the side. Let's keep the table settings consistent," she instructed, her tone calm but firm.

It was the family's annual end-of-year party, a tradition Caedon's late mother had started and one Adira now ensured continued flawlessly.

"Mrs. Kessane," a maid whispered, approaching Adira hesitantly, "Mr. Caedon asked if you could oversee the flower arrangements personally. He said they must match the governor's daughter's dress."

Adira froze for a moment, confusion flickering across her face. "The governor's daughter?"

"Yes, ma'am," the maid replied. "She's attending tonight."

Adira's brows knitted. What business did the governor's daughter have at a Kessane family party? She pushed the thought aside, unwilling to let her curiosity disrupt the evening. "I'll handle it. Thank you."

Moments later, Caedon strode into the kitchen, his presence commanding as always. "Adira, the flowers need to be flawless," he said without preamble.

"They will be," she assured him, though his dismissive tone stung.

"Good," he replied, already turning to leave.

"Caedon," Adira called after him, "is there something special about tonight? You seem unusually... invested."

He paused, his expression unreadable. "It's the end of the year. It's always special." With that, he left, leaving Adira with more questions than answers.

Adira oversaw every detail of the preparations. She personally arranged the crimson roses and ivory lilies in tall crystal vases, ensuring they were as breathtaking as ever.

The dining room sparkled under the grand chandelier, the table set with the finest china and silverware.

Yet, unease tugged at her. The mention of the governor's daughter lingered in her mind.

Guests of high status often attended the Kessane parties, but Caedon's insistence on perfection felt different this time.

"Mrs. Kessane," one of the staff called, snapping her out of her thoughts. "The guests have started arriving."

Adira smoothed her navy-blue gown, one of the few luxuries she allowed herself. It wasn't new, but it fit her perfectly, and she hoped it would help her feel less invisible tonight.

As she stepped into the grand foyer, the sound of laughter and polite chatter filled the air. Adira greeted guests with practiced grace, her smile never faltering even as her mind continued to churn.

And then, the laughter seemed to grow louder, brighter. A woman entered the room, her presence commanding attention.

Sereya Brennock, the governor's daughter, swept in wearing an emerald gown that shimmered like sunlight on water.

"Caedon!" Sereya exclaimed, her voice like bells. She crossed the room with ease, her eyes locking onto him.

Caedon greeted her with a smile that Adira couldn't remember him ever giving her.

"Sereya," he said warmly, taking her hand. "You look stunning."

Adira stood at a distance, watching the exchange. Her stomach twisted, though she couldn't quite place why.

Caedon was polite to all guests, but there was an intimacy in his tone, a softness in his gaze that made her heart sink.

"Everyone, please gather around," Caedon's voice boomed, pulling Adira from her thoughts. "I have an important announcement to make."

The room quieted, all eyes on him. Adira moved closer, her pulse quickening. Caedon raised his glass, his smile broad.

"Today, I want to share some joyous news," he began, his tone warm, almost intimate. "Sereya and I will be married in a month. This union not only strengthens our family's ties with the governor's but is something I've personally looked forward to for a long time."

Adira's world tilted.

Married?

Her lips parted in shock as the room erupted in polite applause. She searched Caedon's face for some sign that this was a cruel joke, but he didn't even glance her way.

"Caedon," she said, her voice cutting through the applause. "May I speak with you?"

He frowned but nodded, leading her to a quieter corner.

"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded, her tone low but trembling with emotion. "You're marrying someone else?"

Caedon's expression was as calm as ever. "Yes. The Concord is legal here, Adira. I don't see why this is an issue."

Her heart pounded. "You don't see why it's an issue?" she echoed, disbelief laced in every word. "I'm your wife, Caedon. Have you even considered how I feel?"

Caedon's gaze hardened. "Feelings have nothing to do with this. It's a strategic decision. Our family gains influence, and I," he paused, his lips curling into a smirk, "I gain happiness."

"Happiness?" Adira's voice cracked. "What about the sacrifices I've made?"

"Sacrifice?" Caedon scoffed. "Adira, you're the daughter of a nobody. If it weren't for my father, you wouldn't even be standing here."

His words struck like a physical blow. Adira stared at him, her throat tightening.

"I see," she whispered. "So, this is how you've always seen me."

Caedon sighed impatiently. "I don't have time for this drama. The decision is final. You'll remain in the household, and I expect you to behave accordingly."