Kapitel 14: Chapter 14: The Start of an Unwanted Coexistence
The Bai men were reluctant—very reluctant—to leave their precious little flower alone with that beast.
But their wives? They had no such reservations.
One sharp tug on their ears later, they found themselves being dragged out of the villa, with protests falling on deaf ears.
"She's already 26."
"She can take care of herself."
"Stop treating her like a child!"
And just like that, Lillie Bai was left behind.
Helpless.
Seated on the plush sofa in the living room, she exhaled yet another long sigh. Lately, that was all she had been doing—sighing.
Across from her, Ethan sat with an infuriatingly calm expression. He wasn't just calm, though.
If someone with sharp eyes observed closely—unfortunately, Lillie was too distracted to notice—they would see the unmistakable glint of joy in his gaze.
This was the second happiest moment of his life.
The first? Meeting her. And hearing her speak to him for the first time.
Ethan broke the silence. "Would you like to discuss the living arrangements?"
Lillie snapped out of her thoughts and met his gaze directly. "As I've already mentioned, we will have separate bedrooms. I trust you remember agreeing to this?"
She made sure to emphasize the last part.
Ethan smiled slightly. "Your wish is my command." Though reluctant, he agreed—if only to ease some of her wariness.
"Also, I forbid you from entering my room," she continued firmly. "And I expect no unnecessary physical contact, like what you pulled last time. Do it again, and I swear, I'll have you behind bars."
Ethan chuckled. This woman. Instead of saying "Don't touch me," she was using such formal words. Could she be any cuter?
"Yes, ma'am," he replied in amusement.
Lillie narrowed her eyes at him, but continued. "I hope you'll actually keep your word this time. For now, we can at least consider each other 'acquaintances' and try to get to know each other better. Since this marriage is inevitable."
Ethan was momentarily stunned.
She actually suggested they get along?
She was right, of course. Their wedding was final. The least they could do was attempt some level of understanding. After all, who would want to live with someone they despised?
Well, in Ethan's case, that hatred was one-sided.
"Unless," Lillie added, "one of us makes an unforgivable mistake."
Ethan raised a sharp brow. "What kind of mistake?"
"Guess," Lillie said simply.
Ethan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. This woman. Even now, when they were finally living under the same roof, she still found ways to torment him.
"Alright, I'll be careful," he conceded. "Wouldn't want future Mrs. Li to divorce me before there's even a wedding, right?"
Lillie's lips twitched slightly in irritation. "Good that you understand."
Without another word, she stood up. "I'll retire for the night."
And just like that, she disappeared upstairs, leaving Ethan alone with his thoughts.
After a while, Ethan got up from the sofa and made his way to the backyard.
The evening air was crisp and refreshing, carrying the faint scent of peach blossoms. The quiet hum of the night settled his mind.
"Mr. Li?"
A voice called out behind him.
Ethan turned slightly, his sharp gaze landing on Butler Tian.
The older man inclined his head respectfully before speaking. "You just need to be patient with the Young Miss."
Ethan said nothing, letting the butler continue.
"Women like her may seem difficult to please," Butler Tian said wisely, "but they are often the ones who appreciate sincerity the most. Show her your feelings—little by little, she'll notice."
Ethan remained silent, mulling over the words.
After a respectful bow, Butler Tian excused himself, leaving Ethan alone once again.
Sincerity, huh.
His mind drifted to their high school days.
Back then, he had left poems, chocolates, and flowers in her locker. Every single day.
But he never signed his name. Never revealed himself.
He thought—no, he was certain—she had thrown them away.
Every time she returned to class, her hands were empty. So, eventually, he stopped placing gifts in her locker.
Except for the letters.
Those, he continued to leave, hoping that she would see his sincerity in the words he carefully wrote.
What he never knew was that…
Lillie never threw them away.
She had happily eaten every chocolate before entering the classroom—because, in secret, she loved sweets.
She never took the flowers with her immediately, fearing she might ruin them. But once school was over, she always returned to collect them, bringing them home to preserve or replant.
The flowers he chose? Lilies. Just like her nickname.
They symbolized long-lasting love and a happy marriage.
And the letters?
She kept every single one, tucked away in a special box she had personally crafted.
Because despite her cold exterior, Lillie Bai loved romance.
Maybe it was the French in her blood, but deep down, she was a woman who cherished love stories.
She had always hoped to meet the person behind the letters, the one who wrote such beautiful words, the one who…
Hoped to marry her someday.
But he never showed up.
Never signed his name.
Never gave her the chance to know him.
And so, she let go of the thought.
As Ethan stood in the moonlit garden, he let out a quiet sigh.
If only he had been brave enough to tell her back then.
Geschenke
-- Geschenk
erhalten Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein