Chapter 8 I turned around and saw Logan , looking exhausted from travel , walking back in . His gaze was fixed firmly on Richard , who had his arm wrapped tightly around my waist . I didn't speak , just watching the red in his eyes and the delicate figure of Emma standing behind him , trying to bury myself deeper into Richard's embrace . Richard's arms tightened around me , his eyes flickering with amusement as he looked at the two standing before us . " I don't think what I do concerns Young Master Logan , does it ? " Richard said , his voice a low growl . Logan stepped forward , reaching out to grab my hand , pulling me toward him . But Richard swiftly turned , pulling me out of his grasp with ease , then released me . Logan's hands trembled as he quickly stepped in front of me , blocking my view . " Rae , don't be afraid , I'm here . " His voice was strained as he tried to calm his nerves . " Rae is my intended mate , " Logan continued , his tone laced with urgency . " Richard , shouldn't you explain yourself ? Why are you holding my mate this way ? " Looking at Richard , standing firmly at my side , my heart twisted with mixed emotions . Over the past year , whenever there was conflict between us because of Emma , Logan had always stood by Emma's side , saying things like , " Rae , stop arguing , " or , " Apologize , Rae , " or " You shouldn't have done that ... " Never once had he stood with me . Richard narrowed his eyes , his gaze sharpening . " Young Master Logan , " he said , voice cold . " Are you asking me for an explanation ? " You should be the one explaining , don't you think ? " Richard continued , his voice growing icy . " How many times did you have others care for and protect your little childhood companion , and yet , on the eve of your wedding , you canceled it and left your mate to face public ridicule , only to bring Emma back from North America and return with her now ? " Logan froze for a moment , then looked at me , taking my hand in his . " Rae , it's not like that . There are reasons . I can explain everything . " Richard immediately cut him off , pulling me closer . " Young Master Logan , please respect yourself . Don't touch my mate . " Logan's eyes widened in disbelief . " Your mate ? That's impossible ! Rae is my fiancée , we were preparing for our wedding ! " His voice cracked , and his eyes filled with raw emotion . His gaze locked on me , red and pleading , waiting for me to deny Richard's claim , But his hope was crushed . 1 stepped toward Richard , standing next to him . Tve already bonded with him , " I said softly , looking Logan in the eye . " I am his mate . " Logan stood there in shock , unable to speak for a long moment . He swayed on his feet , and Emma hurried to support him . Her voice was sweetly venomous , " Rae , you've moved on so quickly . " I didn't care to reply , not even glancing at her . Richard gave Emma a sharp look , and she immediately fell silent 1/2 Chapter 8 +25 BONUS Logan shoved Emma's hand away , a vein popping on his forehead as he realized the truth . " So , the wedding hasn't been canceled ? Just the bride has changed ? " " Rae ! " Logan's voice shook with fury . " How dare you marry him ? How could you choose someone else on our wedding day ? " Seeing his anger and desperation , I simply nodded . " Yes , I married him . When you were off in North America with Emma , it was my wedding day . " A week with no contact . He never reached out to anyone to ask about me . Had he cared even a little , he would have known . But he didn't . He was overseas , caring for Emma , his every thought consumed by her . Logan's heart twisted , the pain overwhelming , as if something were clawing at his chest , tearing him apart . How could this happen ? When he left for North America , his phone had been lost . In the rush , he hadn't replaced it , and while he had wanted to call me , his plans kept getting interrupted . He decided to fix everything by returning to North America , mending Emma's injuries , and planning a more extravagant wedding . He knew he had wronged her , and he would make it up to her . He would no longer care for Emma ; he had already done enough for her . Once back , he planned to shower Rae with all the love she deserved . But now ... He stood there , heartbroken , feeling the sting of all his missteps . His body could barely handle the sudden rush of emotions , and with a dizzy spell , he collapsed . The family driver rushed over to assist , and soon , both Logan and Emma were escorted into the car . I didn't look back as I took Richard's hand and we walked toward the house . Rae , " Richard's voice was soft . " Yes ? " I answered , glancing up . This is the first time you've held my hand of your own accord . " His voice was warm , playful , but there was a deep satisfaction in it . I flushed slightly and bit my lip , a hint of irritation in my tone . " What ? You think I can't hold your hand ? " His smile grew , his gaze full of affection . " Of course you can . Just don't expect anyone else to hold it . " At home , I turned to Richard and brought up the conversation I had with my mother . Richard nodded thoughtfully . " I had my doubts , " I said , lowering my head , " after all this time , I didn't think you'd ever come around . But now , I see I was wrong " He smiled softly , gently reassuring me . " I knew you'd come around , Rae . I just had to be patient . " That night , I learned something unexpected . The day I climbed the mountain with Logan and Emma ? It was Richard who saved me , though he never took credit for it . A small smile tugged at my lips . Even now , he remained the humble protector .