Finally, the footsteps stopped at the door.
Seraphina Redgrave didn't have much time to think. She silently jumped off the windowsill, closed the window, and sat casually on the big bed beside it.
The door was suddenly pushed open, and Ethan Sterling stood at the entrance with a sinister expression, his voice deep: "So this is where you are!"
Seraphina pretended not to hear, continuing to play with her hair, her head bowed.
She glanced at the candlestick on the bedside table, her mind resolute.
Three years ago, she had stabbed someone with ill intentions; today she wouldn't mind stabbing another!
Seraphina took a deep breath, gradually calming down.
Ethan's footsteps drummed upon her heart.
The fresh scent from his recent shower gradually enveloped her.
Seraphina swallowed and slowly lifted her head.
No matter how foolish she pretended to be, she couldn't hide the inherent clarity in her eyes, bright like autumn waters—though empty, they seemed all the more innocent.
Ethan gazed down at her, water droplets flowing from the short hair on his forehead, tracing the deep lines of his face, running down his graceful neck, ultimately disappearing into his black pajamas over his firm chest muscles.
He was practically radiating hormones.
Suddenly, he leaned in closer, his handsome face magnified before Seraphina, with a half-smile.
"If you ever dare to run around without my permission again, I'll break your legs."
The words were as gentle as a soft whisper.
But Seraphina, seeing the aura of immense power almost emanating from Ethan, knew he was never one to joke idly.
The atmosphere around him was chilling, causing Seraphina to involuntarily lean back.
Her posture was a bit stiff; Ethan easily pinned her within his embrace by pressing both hands at her sides.
Seraphina's heart pounded like a drum; she struggled to move away, secretly reaching her left hand toward the bedside table.
The candlestick was merely decorative and had no candle. If Ethan dared move closer, she'd stab him with the long spike on it!
"Oh, I forgot." Ethan suddenly let out a mocking laugh.
He lowered his eyes, his butterfly-wing lashes casting shadows beneath them, and stared at the cherry lips before him, speaking softly: "You're insane, can't understand what others say."
Feeling his breath drawing nearer, Seraphina closed her eyes briefly, slowly reaching for the candlestick.
Almost there.
Almost.
Got it!
Bring it.
Try touching me, you vile man!
Just as Seraphina was about to grab the candlestick, Ethan suddenly caught her wrist!
The scorching heat almost seared her skin, causing goosebumps to rise over Seraphina.
It's over.
She clenched her teeth, ready to shove the man away, but suddenly, a dry and soft towel was pressed into her hand.
Seraphina was stunned.
"Sis, my hair is still wet."
Ethan looked up at Seraphina, his wickedly charming phoenix eyes holding a trace of dependency, captivating enough to lose one's mind.
"..."
But Seraphina was truly bewildered.
What was he doing, asking her to help dry his hair?
Why call her sis?
What was actually going on?
She stared blankly at Ethan, momentarily unsure how to react.
Seeing her immobile like this, Ethan's gaze gradually filled with disappointment.
His eyes darkened; he grabbed Seraphina's hand and pressed it to his head.
The heat from his palm startled Seraphina.
Then Ethan messily rubbed her hand over his hair, splashing water over both their faces.
"Listen up."
Ethan, with a towel over his head, held her hand as he sternly warned: "I'm only saying this once: If you ever make me dry my hair myself again, I'll chop off your hands and throw you back into the restricted zone."
"..."
Seriously, you're the one who's insane!
Seraphina cursed him silently, her mind racing.
So, she's acting as his sister's stand-in?
The dead person is his sister?
Seraphina sighed in relief.
Pretending to be a sister is way better than being a lover's substitute; at least substituting as a lover involves certain duties that are unmentionable, but as a sister, she doesn't have to!
Yet before she could finish relaxing, Ethan suddenly released her hand, pushing her onto the bed.