Chapter 35: Arrogant One
Lilia lifted her head, her eyes widening in surprise at his question. Was it obvious that she had never kissed anyone before? She had never even had the opportunity. Her parents ensured she was constantly guarded, never allowing her a moment alone outside their watchful eyes. If she ever went out, she was always accompanied by two or three bodyguards.
The realization hit her hard. She had lived her entire life under strict supervision, never once experiencing the normal freedoms that others took for granted. She had never given much thought to things like romance or intimacy, but now, faced with Zethan's question, she finally realized how little control she had over her own life.
The way he spoke unsettled her—was he genuinely curious, or was he teasing her? His tone was light, almost casual, but something in the way he watched her made her heart hammer against her ribs.
Shifting back slightly, she quickly searched for a way to change the subject. "We're running late for the engagement. Let's go," she said, her voice steady, though the faint pink in her cheeks betrayed her.
Zethan chuckled, clearly amused by her reaction. He already knew the answer—he just wanted to hear her say it. But seeing her flustered expression, he decided to let it go. Fornow.
Without another word, they stepped out of her room and descended the grand staircase together. The mansion, with its towering chandeliers and gleaming marble floors, felt colder than usual. Perhaps it was the knowledge that this engagement wasn't something she had truly chosen for herself.
Once outside, they entered the waiting car, the atmosphere between them still tinged with unspoken emotions.
The sleek, black car gleamed under the light as the chauffeur closed the door with practiced ease before slipping into the front seat. At Zethan's silent nod, granting permission to leave, the chauffeur responded with a respectful dip of his head before starting the engine. The car purred to life, then smoothly pulled away from the mansion.
Despite the motion of the vehicle, Lilia remained frozen in her thoughts. She still couldn't shake off Zethan's scent—the intoxicating fragrance that had imprinted itself in her mind. She had memorized it, a scent so maddeningly familiar that even now, sitting beside him in the confined space of the car, it made her heart pound in her chest.
She despised how aware she was of him. The warmth of his presence, the way his every movement seemed calculated yet effortless.
Then, breaking the silence, Zethan finally turned to her, his voice carrying a teasing edge. "It seems like you aren't even interested in your fiancé. You don't know much about me, hmm... completely uninterested."