The journey back to his homeland was one that Dominic had anticipated with a sense of quiet relief. Yvenne was behind him, the weight of the mission completed. The formalities were done, and his family’s alliance with Yvenne was secured. Yet, despite the success, there was an unshakable heaviness in Dominic’s chest. The fleeting encounters with Lady Sylviane—the passion, the temptation, the uncertainty—haunted him. He had left her behind, but her presence seemed to linger, as though she was still somewhere inside him, a ghost that he couldn’t quite banish.

As the carriage rumbled steadily along the road to their next destination, the bustling city of Ashford awaited them. It was there that Dominic would reunite with his father, the Duke, and formally report the success of his mission. Ashford was a city of prosperity, its cobbled streets lined with merchants and traders from distant lands, its markets alive with the sounds of negotiation. It was the perfect place for a celebration, and the Duke had made it clear that Dominic’s success would not go unrecognized.

As the wheels of the carriage came to a halt in front of the grand manor that belonged to the House of Serault, Dominic stepped out with a sense of anticipation. The Duke, his father, stood at the top of the stairs waiting for him, the familiar figure a symbol of strength and authority. The Duke’s dark eyes gleamed with pride, his graying hair neatly combed back, his tall frame still commanding respect even in his advancing years.

“Dominic,” the Duke said, his voice warm but firm as he stepped forward to embrace his son. “You’ve done it. You’ve secured the alliance. I couldn’t be prouder, son.”

Dominic’s chest swelled with a mix of pride and guilt. “I did as you asked, Father. The trade agreement is set. We’ve ensured a prosperous future for our lands. Yvenne is on our side.”

The Duke smiled, his eyes gleaming with approval. “Good. Very good. I’ve been hearing reports from the capital. It seems the people are excited about what this will bring. You’ve handled yourself well. The Duke’s House will be stronger for this.”

Dominic nodded, trying to hide the shadow that crept across his thoughts. He had been successful—yet something still gnawed at him. As the Duke turned to lead him into the manor, Dominic couldn’t ignore the memories that clung to him. He had achieved his goal, but there was a part of him that kept going back to Sylviane—her soft, blue eyes, the curve of her smile, the way she had kissed him. He had left her behind, but he couldn’t shake the sense of loss, the feeling that something had slipped through his fingers.

That evening, after the lavish dinner in the Duke’s honor, Dominic found himself on the balcony overlooking the city. The twinkling lights of Ashford seemed distant as if they were part of another world—one that felt separate from the turmoil inside him. His father joined him quietly, taking a place beside him. The Duke studied his son for a moment, sensing that something weighed heavily on his mind.

“You’re quiet tonight, Dominic,” the Duke said, his voice low but knowing. “I would’ve expected you to be reveling in the success of your mission.”

Dominic glanced at his father, meeting his gaze for a brief moment before looking away. “I’m not sure I can. The mission went well, but… there’s something I can’t shake. Something that’s lingering in my mind.”

The Duke raised an eyebrow, his expression one of patient curiosity. “And what is that?”

Dominic hesitated, unsure of how to frame the words. Finally, he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. “Lady Sylviane.”

The Duke’s eyes softened, but only for a moment. “Ah,” he said, understanding instantly. “I see.”

Dominic sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I thought leaving Yvenne behind would be enough. I thought I could forget her. But I can’t. She… she meant more to me than just an affair. I can’t seem to get her out of my mind, Father.”

The Duke turned to face him fully, his gaze stern but compassionate. “Dominic, listen to me carefully. I know you’re young, and I know that emotions like these feel real. But this is not the time for them. You’ve secured a vital alliance for this house, for your future. You’ve done something few could ever do. But that comes with a price.”

Dominic frowned, his chest tightening. “What do you mean?”

The Duke’s expression hardened, and he placed a hand on Dominic’s shoulder. “Lady Sylviane is married. She has a family. She’s bound by duties just as you are. You cannot afford to let this… distraction ruin what you’ve worked so hard to achieve. You’ve built something important here—something that could change the future of this kingdom. And yet, you’re allowing yourself to be torn by a fleeting affair.”

“But I don’t want to forget her,” Dominic protested, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

The Duke’s gaze softened, but his tone was unwavering. “Sometimes, son, you don’t get to choose who you fall for. But you do get to choose whether you let those feelings control your life. You are a man of honor and duty. The alliance you’ve forged with Yvenne is more important than any one woman, no matter how she made you feel.”

Dominic stared at his father, feeling the weight of the words settle into his heart. His father was right, of course. He had to let go. He had to focus on the future—not on the lingering feelings that threatened to derail everything he had accomplished.

“I understand,” Dominic said quietly, his voice thick with the weight of his decision. “But it’s harder than I thought.”

“I know,” the Duke replied, his voice softer now. “But you’ll find that in time, it gets easier. You’ve built something here, Dominic—something that will outlast any fleeting desire. You owe it to yourself, to your future, to your family, to see this through.”

Dominic nodded slowly, his gaze drifting back out over the city. The lights below seemed to blur as if everything in his life was starting to shift, to fall into place. He had a duty to his family and his kingdom. And as much as it hurt, he knew he had to leave the past behind.

“I will, Father,” Dominic said quietly. “I’ll move on. For the House of Serault, for the alliance.”

The Duke patted his son’s back with a firm, reassuring grip. “Good. Now, let’s focus on what’s ahead. You’ve secured our future, Dominic. Don’t let anything—or anyone—distract you from that.”

As they stood there together, the wind rustling the leaves in the trees around them, Dominic felt a sense of peace settles over him. The ache in his chest was still there, but it was quieter now. He had made his choice. He would put Lady Sylviane behind him. The future of House Serault came first. And he would not let anything jeopardize that.