**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley 417**
**Chapter 417: Failed Plan**
From a tender age, Lucien had been schooled in the intricacies of decorum and the rigid codes of conduct that governed his world. His upbringing was marked by a relentless adherence to rules, each one meticulously crafted to dictate not just his actions, but the very essence of his being. He had been taught to navigate life with a demure demeanor, especially in the presence of the woman he cherished. To love, it seemed, required a certain selflessness—an expectation that he would allow others to trample over his desires and aspirations.
For far too long, Lucien had felt the weight of those expectations pressing down on him, suffocating him in a way that was both familiar and unbearable. The thought of competing with Edric for a position that was rightfully his felt like a betrayal of everything he had been raised to accept. Yet, the reality was stark: there was no one else formidable enough to keep Marcus and Silas in line.
But now, the landscape had shifted.
Callum was here, and with him came an opportunity.
What other reason could there be for Lucien to orchestrate a scheme that would force Marcus to test Callum’s resolve? It was a calculated move, one designed to gauge just how far Callum would go for Emma. Lucien needed to ascertain whether Callum was truly worthy of the role he sought to claim.
The moment Callum had responded to the challenge, a surge of satisfaction coursed through Lucien. Yet, he knew one final test awaited Callum on the morrow. If Callum succeeded, Lucien would concede defeat. He would relinquish his claim to the title of Emma’s first mate without reservation.
The thought of being free to pursue Emma’s affections, to fight alongside Marcus and the others without the shackles of propriety, filled him with a sense of liberation he had not felt in years.
As Lucien strode into the kitchen, a sense of determination radiated from him. The others, sensing a shift in the atmosphere, turned their attention to Emma, their curiosity piqued.
“Ms. Tibarn, do you have any idea what just set Lucien off?” Marcus inquired, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Emma shook her head, her own mind swirling with uncertainty. She was just as perplexed as they were.
“He… he hadn’t been acting strangely before, had he?” she questioned, recalling their earlier interaction in his room.
He had seemed perfectly composed then, save for the way he had clung to her, as if drawing strength from her presence. It was a stark contrast to the Lucien she had known, who would have never displayed such vulnerability.
Her thoughts were interrupted as Silas approached, casting a glance toward Callum before sidling up to her with a reassuring grin.
“Emy, I think Lucien just overexerted himself on this trip. It’s probably nothing serious. He’ll likely bounce back by tomorrow,” he suggested, attempting to ease her worries.
He then extended his hand, revealing Remy nestled in his palm.
“Look at him, Emy! I think he’s starting to wake up!”
Emma’s heart leapt at the sight of the little fruit. “Really?” she gasped, leaning closer to examine him.
As her fingers brushed against Remy, she felt a gentle movement under her touch. “Silas! He moved!”
Joy bubbled within her as she realized Remy was finally stirring.
Silas nodded, his expression brightening. “He’s been restless since this morning. I had a feeling he would wake soon.”


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