CHAPTER 13

Ethan nodded, understanding more than ever what had driven Emily to act the way she did. His heart softened as he gently brushed a tear from her cheek. "I know," he murmured. "But don't do something like this again. If you wanted to burn something, you could have told the bodyguards. You didn't need to hurt yourself or cause all this chaos."

Emily blinked in surprise at his calm response. His words caught everyone off guard, including the bodyguards standing nearby. Ethan then stood, scooping Emily up into his arms before she could protest. "Come on," he said with a lightness in his tone, "let's go eat something. You must be hungry."

Emily, relieved that Ethan wasn't angry anymore, felt a wave of happiness wash over her. She hadn't expected him to be so understanding. As they sat down in the dining hall, she ate with a newfound sense of ease, her smile growing wider with each bite. Ethan, noticing her lighter mood, even helped her serve herself more food, making sure she was well-fed.

At one point, between bites, Emily looked up at him, her eyes glimmering with hope. "Ethan," she said softly, "can I have my freedom back now?"

Ethan paused for a moment before responding, "Yes. I won't keep you under lock and key anymore. I didn't find any man connected to you, and it wouldn't be fair to cage you when there's no reason to."

Emily smiled brightly, but Ethan's expression turned serious as he added, "Besides, if I keep restricting you, you might hurt yourself again just to prove a point. And seeing you hurt... I can't tolerate that." His voice trailed off, and he didn't meet her gaze, the weight of his words hanging between them.

Emily's heart warmed at his concern. "I know you love me the most, Ethan," she said playfully, but her words carried an underlying truth that made Ethan freeze for a second. He looked away, the moment charged with something he wasn't ready to acknowledge.

Quickly shifting the mood, Emily continued, her tone teasing as she ate. "You know, I'm not dating anyone, but all my friends are seeing someone. It's just... you're so strict, I don't even bother trying!"

Ethan's stomach clenched at her words, though he wasn't sure why. He stayed quiet, but Emily continued, her voice casual. "I mean, in the future, I'm sure I'll be dating someone, getting involved with someone. It's bound to happen."

Suddenly, Ethan's calm demeanor shattered. His hand tightened around the edge of her chair, and in a swift motion, he pulled her closer to him, causing her to collide gently with his chest. Emily's wide eyes met his, startled, her cheeks still full of food, looking innocent and confused.

Ethan's gaze darkened with an intensity she hadn't seen before. "So," he asked, his voice low, "Emily's planning on getting involved with someone, is she?" His tone held a challenge, though there was something protective behind it.

With her mouth full, Emily tried to respond, but the words came out muffled. Before she could manage to speak, Ethan interrupted, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You think I'm going to let that happen? You're going to try dating someone with a broken leg?"

Emily's heart skipped a beat, her initial confusion turning into a rush of panic. Shaking her head quickly, she tried to swallow her food and replied with a strong "No!" Her voice was shaky, but she pushed through, "I was just kidding, Ethan! I'm not planning on doing anything like that!"

Ethan held her gaze for a moment longer, as if weighing her words, before releasing her chair. Emily quickly shifted her seat back a little, creating some distance between them, but a small smile played on her lips as she went back to eating. She knew he cared, even if he had a strange way of showing it sometimes.

Ethan, on the other hand, felt a mix of emotions stirring inside him. He wasn't sure how to deal with them, but one thing was clear—he wasn't ready to let go of the control he had when it came to Emily.

Not yet!!!!!!!