Chapter 23: His Description Of Fun
Lilia didn't know whether to laugh or smile. Canceled? Wait—he had actually canceled it? What had made him change his mind? A faint smile tugged at her lips, one so rare that Zethan couldn't help but notice. He turned to look at her, his sharp gaze focused, as though dissecting every inch of her reaction.
Lilia finaly let out a soft, disbelieving chuckle, careful to mask the bubbling excitement that threatened to surface. So, luck is finally on my side, she thought. She composed herself before turning to him, her voice measured and calm despite the elation she felt building inside.
"I see. When will I be leaving then?" she asked, her tone deliberately steady, as though this was nothing more than a casual matter.
Act nonchalant, act nonchalant, she repeated silently, forcing herself to meet his piercing gaze.
Zethan's laughter suddenly broke the quiet tension of the room, cold and emotionless, like shards of ice cutting through the air. The sound startled her, and her brow furrowed. Was something funny? Had I just made a joke?
"Leaving?" Zethan repeated slowly, his voice smooth, almost taunting. "The engagement has been canceled for tonight. It's been moved to tomorrow night."
Lilia froze, her eyes widening in shock. The words hit her like a slap.
"Wait, what?" she blurted out, louder than she'd intended. Her voice echoed in the grand dining room, and her cheeks flushed at her outburst.
Zethan remained unfazed, his gaze locked onto hers. "You seemed happy earlier," he remarked, leaning forward slightly, his lips curling into a subtle, knowing smirk. The kind of smile that didn't reach his cold, unreadable eyes.