My Vampire Beloved Husband
Chapter 118: The Plan

Chapter 118: The Plan

It was then that Naomi realized they had spent far more time than usual in the room. The party had likely already begun. Zylan quickly slipped into his royal green suit, one that perfectly complemented Naomi’s gown, as if the two had been crafted with each other in mind.

She hadn’t expected this moment to feel so intimate. The way his fingers moved with practiced ease, adjusting the cuffs, straightening his collar—it was a simple act, yet it exuded an effortless elegance that left her staring.

Then, he finally met her gaze, his expression intense.

"Stay by my side at all times, babe," he spoke gently, yet his voice carried a quiet but firm warning.

Babe. Why did the most common word sound so rich and rare when he said it?

Naomi nodded without hesitation. Of course, she would stay by his side, especially knowing her mother and sister likely had a scheme ready. She had to be smart. If they had deceived her for years, orchestrating their plans behind her back, why would tonight be any different? Even if they had only fifteen or sixteen minutes to execute it, she knew that was more than enough time for them.

As soon as they were ready, Zylan took her hand, leading her swiftly toward the staircase. His grip was firm—protective.

The moment they stepped out of the room, Naomi noticed the chandelier lights flickering, signaling the arrival of the high-society guests. Only if Naomi had known the real reason behind the crowd—her father’s careful planning. He had made sure to inform everyone that Zylan Reed would be arriving soon.

The grand hall was filled with soft, elegant music that played in the background, blending seamlessly with the murmurs of conversation. Naomi’s gaze shifted downward. From the top of the staircase, she could see her father standing at the center of a discussion between him and a middle-aged man.

Her mother and sister were nearby, lingering just within sight.

But it was her sister’s sudden gaze toward her that caught Naomi’s attention. Or was it her...or Zylan?

Her father, dressed in a rich brown suit, glanced at his watch while speaking, his face adorned with a smile. It was then that Naomi noticed something unexpected—he was wearing the watch she and Zylan had gifted him. And from the way the conversation flowed, it seemed they were discussing it.

A subtle warmth stirred in Naomi’s chest.

Before she could dwell on the thought, Zylan’s grip on her hand tightened slightly. She turned to him, and a soft smile spread across her lips as she met his gaze. But before she could speak, an elderly man approached them.

"Mr. Zylan, a pleasure to meet you," the man said warmly, extending his hand for a handshake.

Zylan, however, didn’t move. His piercing gaze remained fixed on the man, his expression unreadable. The air between them tensed.

The man let out a nervous laugh, shifting awkwardly. "Your wife here is very beautiful," he added, his voice slow as he quickly redirected his attention to Naomi. His eyes lingered briefly before flickering back to Zylan. But he was careful—too careful—not to stare too long. He knew full well who Zylan was and the consequences of letting his gaze wander where it didn’t belong.

Zylan’s lips curled into a faint smirk. "Yes, you’re right," he said smoothly. His voice was calm, but there was something unmistakably possessive in his tone. "She is one of a kind."

He then turned back to the man.

The man stiffened. The weight of Zylan’s unyielding gaze was enough to send a silent message.

Leave.

"I will take my leave then, Mr. Zylan," the man stammered, his forehead now glistening with sweat. With a hasty bow of his head, he turned and disappeared into the crowd.

Naomi, unaware of the silent exchange, tilted her head, her golden eyes shimmering with curiosity. "It seems you’re feared by everyone."

Zylan’s lips quirked into an amused smirk. "Am I?" he mused, his voice laced with amusement. "But my wife here isn’t scared of me. I wonder why..." He leaned in just slightly, lowering his voice. "And I love that."

Naomi’s lips curved into a soft smile.

Just then, a familiar voice broke through the moment.

"Oh, here you are!"

Naomi turned just in time to see her father, Mr. Luke, approaching them with a bright smile.

"Mr. Zylan, I’m glad you and my daughter could make it," he said, addressing both of them. His tone was warm, though there was something in his eyes—a flicker of satisfaction, as if everything was going according to his plan.

"As we said earlier, we would come," Zylan replied matter-of-factly, his tone firm yet low. "And here we are."

"I see." Mr. Luke nodded, pleased. Then, his expression softened further. "I would really appreciate it if you two stayed the night. The party might be tiring, and I want you both to rest before embarking on your journey tomorrow."

Naomi nodded thoughtfully before replying, "Very well then, we’ll stay for the night."

Zylan glanced at her, and for a brief moment, something passed between them. A silent understanding. His soft smile revealed he had intended to say the same thing, but his wife had spoken first.

Before they could exchange another word, the lights dimmed, and a familiar melody filled the room—the soft notes of a piano playing the birthday song.

The hall fell silent.

As the final note echoed through the space, a gentle applause erupted from every corner of the hall.

Then, the lights brightened once more, and the guests raised their glasses.

Zylan held his up. Naomi followed. Her father mirrored them, a proud smile on his face.

Together, they clinked their glasses before taking a sip.

Naomi’s father stepped forward, his voice carrying through the hall. "I’m very, very grateful to all of you for coming tonight. I want to thank my daughter and her husband for taking time out of their busy schedules to be here—and for giving me the best birthday gift ever."

He gestured to his wristwatch, and murmurs of admiration spread through the crowd. Many eyes turned to Zylan, their expressions shifting from curiosity to astonishment.

The rumors were true.

Zylan Reed—the Zylan Reed—was married.

And then, to everyone’s surprise, Naomi’s father added, "Mr. Zylan, could you say a few words?"

A hush fell over the room.

Zylan glanced at his glass, his expression unreadable. Then, he turned his attention to Naomi, his gaze softening.

"Thanks to my lovely wife," he said smoothly, "I’m here today for her father’s birthday. That’s all I can say—everything is thanks to her."

Silence.

No one could believe it.

Zylan Reed, a man known for his intimidating and reserved demeanor, had actually thanked someone.

Then, applause filled the air once more, rippling through the hall like a wave.

As the night progressed, the birthday celebration gradually wound down, transitioning into polite congratulations and quiet conversations. Naomi and Zylan stood together, enjoying a brief moment of calm.

And then—

The sound of heels clicking against the polished floor.

Naomi barely had to turn before she knew who it was.

Sabrina.

Her sister’s smile was sweet, but Naomi wasn’t fooled.

Sabrina came to a deliberate stop in front of them, subtly adjusting her posture—her chest lifting just slightly higher as if to emphasize her cleavage, the work of her strategically chosen bra.

Sickening.

"Sister," Sabrina began, her voice light, almost playful, "you haven’t even introduced me to your husband."

Her gaze shifted to Zylan, lingering just a little too long.

Naomi’s eyes narrowed.

"Is there any need for an introduction?" she asked calmly. Then, without missing a beat, she added, "But since you insist, let me introduce you to my dear husband—Mr. Zylan Reed."

Sabrina’s smile faltered.

Not because of Naomi’s words.

But because Zylan—Zylan Reed—hadn’t even looked at her.

His gaze remained solely fixed on Naomi.

"It seems like you’re no longer wearing your black contact lenses," Sabrina remarked, her voice tinged with mock curiosity. Her gaze lingered on Naomi’s golden irises, which appeared even more striking and beautiful than she remembered.

At those words, Zylan’s expression darkened. The weight of his presence made Sabrina unconsciously step back, her confidence wavering under his intense, commanding aura.

"Why should I hide beauty behind a shell," Naomi began, her voice calm but carrying a quiet edge, "when I can simply admire it openly? Especially when my husband is in love with it."

Zylan’s features softened instantly as he turned to Naomi.

"Yes, baby," he murmured, his voice tender and warm. To Sabrina’s astonishment, Zylan leaned in and placed a soft kiss on Naomi’s golden eyes.

Naomi smiled gently before turning to Sabrina, a serene confidence radiating from her as her lips curved upward. Sabrina’s anger bubbled to the surface as she spun on her heel toward her mother. Their eyes met, and her mother gave her a discreet nod, signaling that the plan was in motion.

A waiter approached, carrying a tray of drinks.

Zylan’s expression shifted, his lips curling into a devilish smile as his sharp eyes flickered toward the man.

"Always the waiters, huh?" he said, his voice low and dangerously calm, as if he knew exactly what was coming.

Sabrina tensed. Acting on the plan, she pretended to stumble into the first waiter, causing his tray to tip. A glass of wine spilled, its trajectory aimed at Naomi.

In a heartbeat, Zylan reacted. With a swift, possessive motion, he pulled Naomi firmly by the waist, spinning her out of harm’s way. The wine splashed instead onto her father’s back, soaking his suit as he stood conversing with one of his guests.