Love Across the Light Years -The Devil CEO Indulges My Lies.-Chapter 81: You never fail me.

Since Eira wanted to sit with Adelyn, the two of them took the back seat while Dylan got into the driver’s seat.

As the car moved down the road, Adelyn found herself glancing at Dylan again and again.

Dylan, of course, noticed.

His eyes lifted to meet hers through the rearview mirror. "You’re curious about something?" he asked.

Adelyn was about to shake her head —but paused.

"Uh ... I was just wondering ... is that really comfortable for you?"

She didn’t specify, but her gaze dropped briefly to his clothes.

Dylan followed it easily.

A faint curve touched the corner of his lips before he replied casually, "It’s not uncomfortable."

... Which meant it was not entirely comfortable either.

And yet, he still chose to wear it.

Why?

"If it’s your favorite, I won’t keep it," he added suddenly, pulling her out of her thoughts. "I’ll have it cleaned and return it."

Adelyn shook her head quickly.

"Oh, it’s not like that. You can keep it —if you want," she said, but only after blurting it out did she realize how inappropriate that sounded.

"I—I mean ..."

Nothing appropriate came to her mind.

Failing to fix it, she chose to change the topic instead.

"How long will it take for us to get there?"

Dylan let his gaze linger on her for a brief second before he replied, "Before time." His tone carried a quiet assurance.

Adelyn nodded.

Her gaze then turned to Eira, who sat beside her —exceptionally quiet.

At first, she assumed it was the girl’s usual calm nature. But after a moment, she realized something was off.

The little one wasn’t just quiet.

She looked ... downhearted.

"Are you alright?" Adelyn asked gently.

Eira looked up and gave a small nod.

—————

Meanwhile, elsewhere—

Clara was already dressed and ready, yet she remained seated in the living room. Her eyes were fixed towards the door.

"What’s wrong?" Bryer asked as he came downstairs, having just woken up. "Weren’t you supposed to leave early for the audition today? You didn’t go?"

Clara sighed and then shook her head.

"I am waiting for Xavier to arrive," she said, glancing at the time on her watch again. "He’s taking me there."

Bryer nodded and walked over to sit beside her.

Noticing her checking the time again, he asked, "Did you call him?"

"Mhm," she hummed. "I did. He said he’s on his way, but because of last night’s storm, the roads are blocked. He might get delayed."

Bryer recalled hearing how particular the director was about his cast. Even if he didn’t know much about the industry, he understood that arriving late could reflect poorly.

"If he’s running late, I can take you," he offered.

But Clara shook her head.

"Xavier is already on his way, Bryer. I don’t want his effort to go to waste. I’ll wait —he’ll be here soon."

Bryer pursed his lips.

He hadn’t supported Clara and Xavier’s relationship at first —especially since Xavier had been Adelyn’s fiancé.

But with Adelyn gone ... he couldn’t keep opposing it.

Not when he could see how deeply Clara had grown attached.

"And here I thought you’d never choose anyone over your brother," he teased with a sigh. "Guess I forgot there’s an exception named Xavier Colsen."

Clara blinked, taking a moment to process his words. Then she frowned slightly. "Bryer, what are you saying? Xavier ... he’s equally important. How can I choose between you two?"

"Well ..." he shrugged, "You already did."

She crossed her arms, lips pursed.

Before she could say anything more, the sound of the car pulling up outside interrupted them.

Clara immediately stood up and turned toward the door.

And just as expected —it was Xavier’s car.

"He’s here," she said, grabbing her bag.

Bryer stood as well. "Finally," he said. "Come on, let’s go. I’ll say hi."

They stepped outside together.

As they did, Xavier got out of the car, his gaze landing on Clara with clear appreciation.

"You’re ready?" he asked with a smile.

Clara nodded.

"For quite a while now," Bryer answered instead. "If you were any later, I would’ve taken her. But you took away my chance to shine beside her."

Xavier chuckled lightly and stepped forward, pulling Bryer into a firm hug.

"Bryer, when did you get back?"

"Just last week," Bryer replied, pulling away. "Was thinking of calling you, but didn’t get the chance."

"No worries. We’ll catch up soon."

Bruer nodded.

Just then —

Clara, clearly losing her patience, cut in, "We’re getting late. If you two want to make plans, do it later, please. I can’t be late for the audition."

Xavier smiled and stepped back, opening the door for her. "Yes, Your Highness. I will make sure you reach on time."

Clara pouted slightly but got in.

"I trust you," she said.

Xavier leaned in to fasten her seatbelt —then placed a light kiss on her lips. "You look beautiful, as always."

She blushed but didn’t respond.

As he straightened, he closed the door and turned to Bryer. "We’ll head first. I’ll call you later."

Bryer nodded, then looked at Clara. "All the best. We know you’ll get it."

Clara smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Bryer."

And soon after, the car drove off.

Bryer stood there for a moment, watching it disappear at the distance before finally heading back inside.

—————

Xavier had already checked the route beforehand, knowing he might be delayed.

Thanks to that, he managed to avoid the blocked roads and reach the venue without wasting time.

As he pulled up, he said with a faint smile, "See? Right on time."

Clara glanced outside, already unfastening her seatbelt.

"I told you —I trust you. You never fail me."

She leaned forward and kissed him again, lingering just a little longer this time. "Love you," she murmured, cupping his cheek.

Xavier smiled, meeting her gaze.

He leaned in again —but gently pushed him back.

"Dr. Colsen, I’m still getting late. We’ll continue later."

She quickly took out a mirror to fix her makeup one last time.

He pressed his lips into a thin line but didn’t say anything.

Looking outside, he asked, "You’re going in alone? Where’s your assistant?"

"Maria should already be inside," Clara replied casually, putting her lipstick away. "Don’t worry —I’m not alone."

He nodded.

"Alright. Go ahead."

Clara smiled and then stepped out of the car. Turning, she gave one last wave before heading inside.

People nearby paused to look.

Almost everyone recognized her.

Whispers grew amidst the crowd —admiring her beauty, talking about her both personal and professional achievements.

But Clara walked forward with effortless grace, a soft-kind smile on her lips.

She didn’t look at anyone, yet everyone felt acknowledged.

That was her charm.

Kind. Elegant. Untouchably warm.

Xavier watched her disappear inside before starting the engine.

But just then —

A familiar silhouette in the distance caught his attention.

And he froze.