Chapter 7: Mine?

Lillie's eyes widened in disbelief as Ethan's cold yet surprisingly soft lips pressed against hers. A shiver ran down her spine when she felt the wet heat of his tongue attempting to part her lips. A surge of panic shot through her, and with trembling hands, she pushed against his chest with all her strength.

Ethan staggered back, just as Lillie bolted upright, putting as much distance as possible between them. Her breath was ragged, her heart hammering in fury and shock. Without a second thought, she wiped her lips aggressively with her sleeve, glaring daggers at him.

"Ethan Li!" she seethed.

He simply smirked, his hands raised in mock surrender. "Worth it," he murmured huskily.

Lillie inhaled sharply, steadying herself. She turned back to the table, snatched up her sling purse, and squared her shoulders.

"Looking for loopholes, are we?" Her voice was like ice. "Consider this your last chance. This will be the last time we meet."

She spun on her heel, her tone final. "See you on March twenty-ninth," she huffed.

Ethan called after her, amusement lacing his voice.

Lillie barely made it two steps before a firm grip yanked her backward. She stumbled, crashing against his chest.

"That wasn't in the contract," Ethan murmured.

Lillie scoffed, unfazed. "Ah, so you do acknowledge there's a contract," she mocked.

Ethan sighed, shaking his head. "This is all your fault," he muttered under his breath.

"Mine?" Lillie raised an unimpressed brow. "And how exactly is this my fault? Enlighten me, Mr. Li."

A slow smirk played on his lips. "That's for me to know and for you to find out."

Lillie rolled her eyes and dismissed him with a flick of her fingers. Pulling out her phone, she swiftly typed a message. "This dinner was anything but pleasant," she said coolly before turning away for good.

***

Lillie stepped out of the suffocating restaurant and exhaled, finally free from Ethan's overbearing presence. She was about to exit the building when her phone buzzed.

"Sis, are you heading home already?" Her little brother's familiar voice rang through the speaker.

Lillie turned, her gaze softening as she spotted Gabriel waiting nearby. "Not yet. I'm heading to the company."

Gabriel extended a set of car keys. "Here. Dad said he'll call Lukas to pick him up later."

Lillie took the keys, nodding. "Are you heading home? I can drop you off at the mansion."

Gabriel shook his head, slipping into step beside her like a loyal puppy. "No, I want to go with you."

Lillie sighed but didn't argue.

"Also…" Gabriel grinned up at her mischievously. "Can you teach me how to beat the mega boss on Nightingale?"

Lillie chuckled.

A loud, high-pitched voice interrupted them.

"WAIT!"

Gabriel's face darkened as he turned toward the source of the disturbance.

Li Yifei, breathless and flushed, stumbled to a stop before them. "Pant W-wait, I want to c-come too..."

"No," Gabriel deadpanned.

Li Yifei shot him a glare. "I wasn't asking you."

"Sister-in-law! May I come with you?" She instantly switched to a sweet, timid voice when addressing Lillie.

"I said no!" Gabriel snapped.

"Shut up! You're not my Goddess!"

Lillie rubbed her temples.

"Li Yifei," she said. "Did you get permission from your parents?"

Li Yifei clasped her hands together and nodded eagerly. "Yes! You don't know how much I begged my mom. I was so bored in there!" She huffed. "So, when I saw Gabby—"

"Gabby?!" Gabriel looked horrified.

She ignored him. "—going out, I followed him. And thank goodness I did! Now I finally get to bond with my sister-in-law!" She beamed.

"Who's your sister-in-law?!" Gabriel snapped.

Lillie sighed. "Enough. You both can come—on one condition."

The two immediately straightened like disciplined soldiers.

"Behave."

They obediently nodded and climbed into the car, though not before exchanging one last glare.

***

Meanwhile, back in the restaurant, Ethan lit a cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke as he leaned back against his chair in frustration.

Knock, knock.

The door creaked open, and a familiar figure peeked inside.

Ethan raised a brow. "What is it?"

His father stepped in, followed by his mother and Lillie's parents.

"Ah, I see Lillie left already." Senior Li sighed dramatically. "How unfortunate. She won't get to hear the good news."

Ethan's gaze sharpened, his patience waning.

Mr. Bai crossed his arms, looking thoroughly displeased. "Well, we discussed it and reached an agreement—or rather, my wife made the decision."

Mrs. Bai, however, was smiling slyly.

Ethan exhaled sharply. "What agreement?"

Mrs. Bai's smirk widened.

"You and Lillie will be living together."

Ethan froze.

Then, ever so slowly, a smirk of his own began to form.

"Interesting," he murmured.