Chapter 41: Behind Closed Doors.
Just as she spoke those words, Lilia turned to him, and to her surprise, he grinned. Before he leaned closer—closer than usual—Lilia's heart began to race. He gently lifted her chin, his touch warm, and spoke in a low, hushed voice, "Tell me, Loris, why should I tell you?"
Lilia hesitated, her mind racing. Was it something private? Something he didn't want to share? She knew one thing about herself: no matter how painful the truth might be, if it was something private, she wouldn't want to pry. She respected people's boundaries, especially when it came to personal matters. If something private involved her, she wouldn't want anyone forcing her to reveal it.
Though it pained her to even consider the possibility of him keeping something from her, she understood. If it was something he wasn't ready to share, she wouldn't press further. After all, they didn't know each other well enough to start exchanging secrets, not yet.
Finally, she spoke, her voice steady but soft. "If it's private, then fine, you don't have to tell me. I'm sorry for asking such a question."
With that, Lilia opened the car door, the cool night air greeting her as she slowly closed it behind her. She didn't dare look back. She could almost feel Zethan's stunned silence pressing against her, his eyes no doubt wide with surprise, but she didn't want to stay to explain herself. Notnow.
As Lilia walked toward the mansion, her footsteps echoed in the quiet night, the sound seemingly magnified by the stillness. The ache in her chest grew stronger,She hated it. She hated the fear creeping into her thoughts, the uncertainty gnawing at her mind. But it wasn't just any fear—it was the fear that she might fall for Zethan faster than expected.
But no, it wasn't love. No, this was hatred. Or was it? Hatred for what? For the rumors she had heard? The whispers about him? No, she couldn't judge him based on that. Rumors were just rumors. She kept reminding herself of this, over and over again, but it felt like she had been doing so for far longer than she should have.
When she finally reached her room, she didn't waste any time. She moved to the edge of the bed, the soft, luxurious fabric of the bedspread beneath her fingers. On the side of the nightstand was a small button, labeled, "Call for Evie." She pressed it slowly, almost hesitant, but she knew she needed her. Evie had been her constant companion, always there when needed.
Moments later, a soft knock sounded on the door, followed by the gentle opening of it. Evie stepped in, her figure framed by the doorway, always poised, always professional.