marked by midnight: the enemy's heiress-Chapter 52 : The excitement

Later, after Livia had left, the house settled into a quiet calm. Mira was stretched out on the couch, a book resting in her hands, reading with a slow, deliberate focus, completely absorbed. One leg folded beneath her, the other dangling over the edge. She was so immersed she barely noticed the world around her.

Cassian noticed.

He paused for a moment, watching her, a faint smile tugging at his lips, then moved toward her quietly—each step deliberate, almost teasing.

"Boo."

"Oh, mother—!" Mira jerked upright, clutching the book to her chest. "You, Draymond!!"

Cassian laughed, unrestrained this time, a loud, rolling sound that seemed to shake the room. He bent forward slightly, clutching his stomach as he laughed, letting himself be completely undone by the moment.

"Look at your face," he said between breaths, still chuckling. "I swear, that was perfect."

Mira stared at him, cheeks flushed, flustered. She had seen him smile plenty of times, even amused, but never like this—not so open, so raw, so alive.

"Stupid," she muttered, turning her gaze away.

He finally settled beside her on the couch, still grinning. "Stupid it is," he said softly, effortlessly. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

His arm reached around her waist, pulling her close without a word, without hesitation—just familiar, instinctive. She leaned into him, natural and easy.

"I asked Ryan to arrange the trip for all of us," he said casually, as though it were nothing remarkable.

Her eyes lifted to him, wide. "You did?"

He nodded, fingers resting comfortably at her waist. "Yeah."

She shook her head slightly, a mix of amusement and softness in her expression. "You never sit still once you decide something, do you?"

"No," he said, leaning closer, his voice low. "I don’t."

She smiled to herself, the book forgotten in her lap, as the quiet returned—warmer now, heavier with comfort.

Then his phone buzzed. He glanced at it, a brief flicker of amusement crossing his face as Ryan’s text appeared: "See? I booked a place for all of us."

"Thanks, Cassian," she said playfully, a hint of surprise in her tone. "I didn’t know you could be... good too."

He narrowed his eyes at her, mock offense flashing in their depth.

"Okay, if I’m that good... then I deserve something, don’t you think?" he said, a smirk playing on his lips.

"What do you mean by that?" she asked, tilting her head, curiosity dancing in her eyes.

He leaned a little closer, eyes glinting. "Like... a kiss. Or something."

"No," she said, playful and teasing. "You’re not that good to deserve that."

"Oh, look who’s talking," he scoffed, mock offense written across his face.

"Fine," she relented, voice light, teasing. "A single... quick kiss, sure."

She shifted toward him, lips lifting in invitation. The moment she pressed her lips to his, he caught her with a hunger she hadn’t expected. Before she could pull away, he deepened the kiss, slow, deliberate, consuming. He drew her closer, hands cupping her cheeks, while hers tangled instinctively in his hair.

"You cheater," she murmured against him, a laugh woven through her words. "You always do that."

"Do what?"

"You always deepen it when I just want a peck," she whispered, exasperation and delight curling through her tone.

He laughed softly, fingers threading through her hair in a casual ruffle. "I know I deepen the kiss sometimes," he murmured, voice low, "but it’s because I can’t help myself. I love you."

"Awww," she said, warmth curling through her words.

"Don’t aww me like I’m a kid," he replied, a faint flush coloring his cheeks, embarrassed despite himself.

"I love you too, darling," she said, and the simple term of endearment made his face turn red. He cleared his throat, shaking off the heat in his cheeks.

"Okay, now—get ready. For the trip." His tone shifted, practical yet tinged with excitement. "We’re going to have fun. I booked a room for the kids and Livia. And we’ll stay in another room... so we can have some... private time."

"Hm, I’m looking forward to the trip and really excited to have fun! Yay!" she cheered, eyes sparkling. "I’m gonna go pack my suitcase for the rest of the trip," she added, practically bouncing as she walked toward the bedroom.

He watched her go, a small, amused smile tugging at his lips. And trust me, he murmured to himself, I’m even more excited than you are, princess. This is going to be something memorable for both of us.

.....

He followed her into the bedroom, moving quietly behind her.

Mira began pulling out her dresses, tank tops, t-shirts, and swimsuits, laying them carefully on the bed.

Cassian crouched beside her, picking up a few of the bikinis. "These," he said firmly, holding them up, "are a must."

"You’re going to make me wear a bikini?" she asked, suppressing a laugh, eyes sparkling.

He looked at her, mock offended, rolling his eyes playfully. "It’s for you, dumbo!"

She laughed, shaking her head. "Okay, okay, I get it."

"Pack at least seven of them," he said, matter-of-fact.

"Seven? Three or four are enough, Cassian," she protested, tugging one from the pile.

"Nope. I don’t think so," he replied with a sly grin, glancing at her as if daring her to argue.

She threw her hands up in mock surrender. "Fine. Seven it is."

Cassian’s face lit up instantly. He winked at her. "You’re the best."

She smirked, folding a swimsuit and tossing it onto the stack. "You realize I’m only doing this because I love you, right?"

"I know," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "But I also know you secretly love my ridiculous rules."

She rolled her eyes, laughing again. "Ridiculous? I’d call them... thorough."

"Thorough? Sure, thorough," he teased, grabbing another bikini and holding it against her. "Perfectly thorough for my princess."

She shook her head, shaking out her hair, pretending to be exasperated. "Princess? You just said I was the best."

"Yes, princess you are," he said, leaning closer. "Best at arguing. Best at laughing. Best at making me look forward to everything."

Mira paused for a moment, a soft smile tugging at her lips. She watched him as he leaned back slightly, arms crossed casually, eyes twinkling with mischief. "You really enjoy this, don’t you?"

"Absolutely," he admitted, reaching over to nudge her shoulder gently. "And you enjoy it too. Don’t pretend otherwise."

She laughed again, tucking a bikini into the suitcase. "Okay, okay. Fine. I do. But only because I know it makes you happy."

"That’s all I ask," he murmured, glancing down at the neatly folded pile of swimsuits. Then, with a small smirk, he added, "Now, we’re definitely going to need a bigger suitcase."

She rolled her eyes, shaking her head, but her grin betrayed her amusement. "You’re unbelievable."

"And yet," he said softly, leaning closer so his lips brushed the side of her neck, "you still let me boss you around."

She shivered slightly, laughing despite herself, and focused back on the task at hand. But even as she packed, she felt warmth pooling quietly in her chest, knowing he was beside her teasing, insisting, loving.

...

Then suddenly, the doorbell rang.

"That must be our little hurricanes," Mira said, a smile tugging at her lips.

"I’ll go check," Cassian said, still grinning.

The kids came barreling into the room the moment the door opened, and before he could even bend down, they were in his arms.

"Daddy!" Lucien wrapped himself tightly around Cassian’s leg, while Ivy launched herself straight into his chest.

"My little angels," he murmured, scooping them up fully, one in each arm. "What did you do today at playschool? Did you have fun?"

"W-we enjoyed so much!" Lucien shouted, his small face lighting up with excitement. "Ma’am taught us how to make origami paper toys!"

Ivy nodded vigorously, clinging to him as she added, "And we made lots of colors!"

Cassian chuckled, setting them gently onto the couch and carefully removing their little backpacks. "Colors and paper toys, huh? Sounds like a very busy day. Did you behave for ma’am?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course!" Lucien said instantly, puffing his chest out. "Mostly..." He glanced at Ivy, who giggled and nodded in agreement, her tiny hands still holding onto his sweater.

Cassian smiled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from Ivy’s face. "Well, my little artists, you’ve earned some rest and maybe a little snack." He reached over to the side table, his arms still half around them as they settled in.

Mira leaned against the doorway, watching them, her chest warming at the sight of her little family in motion. Even the chaos of backpacks, giggles, and tiny fingers tugging at his shirt felt perfect.

.....

Mira stepped into the room, leaning against the doorway with a teasing smile.

"You know, kids?" she began, tilting her head as she watched their eager faces. "Daddy has planned a trip... to an island."

The kids’ eyes widened immediately, their little bodies practically vibrating with excitement.

"An island? Yay!" Lucien shouted, hopping up and down on the couch.

"Which one? Which one?" Ivy squealed, bouncing in place, her tiny hands clapping together.

Cassian laughed, setting down the backpacks and holding the kids gently but firmly. "Patience, my little adventurers," he said, a grin tugging at his lips. "You’ll see soon enough. But I promise... it’s going to be beautiful. Sun, sand, and maybe a few surprises."

The kids gasped in unison, their chatter tumbling over itself in a rush of questions and squeals.

Mira chuckled softly, shaking her head at their enthusiasm. She moved closer to sit beside them on the couch, brushing a stray lock of hair from Ivy’s forehead. "We’ll pack our swimsuits, sunscreen, and all your favorite toys," she said, her voice warm and playful. "It’s going to be the best trip ever."

Lucien hugged Cassian tightly around the waist. "I can’t wait, Daddy!"

"Neither can I, buddy," Cassian said, eyes twinkling. "And we’re going to have so much fun together—you, Ivy, me, Mommy... everyone."

Ivy leaned against Mira, her excitement barely contained. "Will we play in the water?" she asked, her voice full of wonder.

"Yes," Mira said softly, smiling down at her. "Lots of splashing, building sandcastles, and maybe even finding some seashells."

The room buzzed with energy, small hands waving, little feet tapping, and laughter spilling freely. Cassian and Mira exchanged a glance across the couch, both of them silently agreeing that these little moments—chaotic, loud, and full of love—were exactly what made everything feel right.