Transmigrated Into The True Heiress-Chapter 108: Mesmerizing Effect

As the car pulled into the grand circular driveway of the Aelion Mansion, Ephyra leaned back against the seat, her expression neutral despite the rush of thoughts swirling in her mind. The marriage certificate was held by Jania—a stark reminder of the decision she had made, one that bound her to Lyle in ways she was still unraveling.

The moment the car stopped, Lyle stepped out first. He turned back to her, extending his hand. Ephyra hesitated for a split second before placing her palm in his and stepping out.

Once inside the mansion, the grandeur of the space felt almost oppressive in its perfection. Ephyra had barely walked a few steps when Lyle spoke.

"I have something for you."

Ephyra raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued, but she said nothing. Lyle extended his hand, and Jania, who had been trailing behind them, handed him a small black luxury case. The box’s sleek surface shimmered faintly, catching the last rays of daylight.

"Extend your hand," Lyle instructed, his gaze unwavering.

Ephyra hesitated, studying his expression for a moment before complying. She held out her hand, her palm steady, though her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Lyle placed the box on her palm and said simply, "It’s a gift."

Ephyra tilted her head, a smirk forming on her lips. "Another gift? I haven’t even opened the one you gave me before, and now you’re giving me another? At this rate, I’m starting to feel like I’m the one taking advantage of you."

"You’re not," Lyle replied without missing a beat, his tone firm. "Even if I bought you a million gifts, it wouldn’t affect me."

Ephyra chuckled, her laughter light and teasing. "Ah, I see. The rich, domineering CEO is talking now." She glanced down at the box in her hand, running her fingers along its smooth edges. "Thank you. I guess this counts as a wedding gift, so I’ll have to get you one too."

"There’s no need—" Lyle began, but Ephyra cut him off with a pointed glare.

"What do you mean there’s no need?" she challenged, frowning in mock displeasure. "You gave me a gift, so why can’t I give you one too? And don’t worry, it’ll be just as impressive as yours." She flashed him a sly smile, turning toward the staircase. "Excuse me. I have gifts to unwrap."

Lyle said nothing, his gaze following her as she ascended the stairs. His eyes lingered on her retreating figure until she disappeared from view.

Once in her room, Ephyra dropped her handbag onto the bed and sat down, the black box resting on her lap. She stared at it for a moment, her fingers hesitating before she slowly opened it.

Her breath caught at the sight before her. Inside was a stunning black diamond ring. The band was delicately carved, with intricate vine-like designs wrapping around it. At its center, black and white diamonds merged together, creating a mesmerizing effect. It was beautiful, unlike anything she had ever seen.

Ephyra lifted the ring, holding it up to the light streaming in through her window. The evening sun caught the facets of the diamond, sending tiny beams of light dancing across the room.

Her phone buzzed, breaking the moment. She glanced down at the screen, where Malia’s name flashed insistently.

With a sigh, Ephyra answered. "Hello?"

"Ephyra!" Malia’s voice thundered on the other end. "Why haven’t you been picking up? I’ve been calling you since dawn! Do you know how worried I was? I kept imagining the worst—"

"Malia—"

"Orla said I was overreacting," Malia continued, undeterred, "but I wanted to plan something for your birthday! We can still meet up tonight. Let’s all go out and celebrate—you’re officially an adult now!"

"I—"

"Don’t even try to say no! Cyran can come too; his mom already agreed. Wear something sexy but not too flashy. We’re not going clubbing or anything."

Ephyra sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Malia, I’m sorry, but I can’t. I’m not feeling well, and I just want to rest."

"What? Are you sick? Should I come over?"

"No, it’s not that. It’s more... mental than physical."

"Are you feeling depressed? Is it about your family? Or... your mom?"

Ephyra paused, her throat tightening as the dream from the night before resurfaced. "It’s... it’s about my mom."

Malia’s voice softened immediately. "Okay, I understand. But you’re sure you’re okay?"

"I’m fine. Let’s meet tomorrow instead. You, Orla, and Cyran can come over, and we’ll go out together."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Alright," Malia said, her tone brighter. "See you tomorrow!"

"See you." Ephyra hung up, placing her phone beside her on the bed. Her gaze returned to the ring, her thoughts swirling. After a long moment, she placed it back in the box and locked it away in her bedside drawer.

The next morning, Ephyra stood beside the car, her hands tucked into her trouser pockets as she exchanged a final word with Jania.

"So, when are you coming back, Mrs. Aelion?" Jania teased, a playful smirk on her lips.

Ephyra rolled her eyes. "Saturday, but I won’t stay long. Once all my things are transferred to the penthouse, I’ll move there."

Jania nodded. "Right, the penthouse. I almost forgot."

"Me too," Ephyra muttered.

"By the way," Jania added, "we’re prepping the banquet hall. There’ll be a stage and a massive screen. I thought you might want to take a look."

Ephyra raised an eyebrow. "I’d like that. I’ll have a break on Thursday, so I can stop by."

"Perfect. Now get going—you’ve got a long drive ahead. Enjoy your time with your friends."

Ephyra smirked. "Yes, ma’am." She slid into the backseat and shut the door, the car pulling away as Jania waved her off.

As the mansion disappeared behind her, Ephyra leaned back, her thoughts already shifting to the reunion with her friends.

When Ephyra got to the Allen household, it was almost noon. She walked inside and saw that the three were home today.

When Eliot noticed her, he smiled and turned to her. "You’re home."

"Yes, I told you I would be home today, didn’t I?" She pointed to the top of the stairs. "I’ll go to my room now."

Eliot nodded. "Lunch will be ready in an hour. You should rest before then."

"Hmm," Ephyra hummed, and just as she ascended the stairs, Marianna’s voice came from the top of the stairs.

"You’re finally coming back? Did you suddenly remember you have a home, or did the person you’re living with send you out?" She chuckled as she slowly stepped down the stairs, while Ephyra continued ascending as if she didn’t hear her words. "Honestly, I always knew that you were nothing but a shameless thing. You’re not even of age yet, and you’re already going around sleeping with God knows who. It’s funny how you’ve been parading around like a saint till now."

Ephyra stopped mid-step, her hand gripping the polished wooden railing. She turned slowly to look at Marianna, her face blank but her eyes icy.

"Oh, Marianna," she said softly, her tone almost sweet as she leaned in and whispered, "I’m not particularly in the best mood right now, and if you keep spewing shit from that stinkhole you call a mouth, I’m going to make you know the pain a person feels when getting their tongue cut. I will... pull it out with my bare hands if I have to."

Marianna froze, her face going pale as Ephyra straightened, her blank expression unmoving.