Chapter 45: Was It on Purpose or an Accident?

Chapter 45: Was It on Purpose or an Accident?

If Violet had come to Shia directly, demanding the recording in a straightforward and dignified manner, he might have respected her more.

But running to Lilith, essentially tattling like a child? Shameful as it was, he had to admit it was effective.

"I didn't do anything," Shia said coldly, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "She challenged me, and when she couldn't handle losing, this is what happens."

Lilith glared at him, her eyes icy and unyielding. The playful, sunny demeanor she usually showed was gone. Dressed in a crimson dress that hugged her figure, sheer black stockings that accentuated her long legs, and high heels that added to her commanding aura, she exuded the menace of a merciless femme fatale.

In that moment, she didn't look like his fiancée but more like an executioner prepared to crush him under her heels.

"Hmph. Still making excuses?" she sneered.

"I'll give you one last chance: either you come with me and apologize to Violet, or you leave this house for good!"

Her ultimatum was sharp and cutting. She didn't even bother asking for an explanation or caring about who was right or wrong. It didn't matter. Shia was always the one expected to bow his head.

Shia's face remained expressionless as he met her gaze.

"And if I don't?"

"Then you leave." Lilith's voice was as cold as ice, her expression unflinching.

Shia chuckled dryly, though there was no humor in it.

"Fine. Fine. Fine."

He turned without another word and headed toward his room.

"Where are you going?" Lilith snapped, her voice sharp as a blade.

A powerful magical aura pressed down on him, but Shia acted as though he didn't notice. Without turning around, he replied flatly, "To pack. I'm leaving."

This house had never felt like home. The maids treated him like dirt, emboldened by Lilith's blatant disregard for him. Even Tia, who was technically below him in status, had the audacity to look down on him.

All of this stemmed from Lilith's attitude. As his fiancée, she didn't care about his dignity. And now, because he refused to apologize for something that wasn't even his fault, she was ready to throw him out without a second thought.

Was the conflict with Violet his fault? No. She had challenged him. She had lost. But Lilith didn't care.

Shia knew better than to expect fairness from her.

Once, this might have been a disaster. The Seven Shields Academy provided meals but not free accommodations, and the housing prices were extravagant, tailored for nobles and royals. For someone like Shia, who came from nothing, living here had only been possible because of his engagement to Lilith.

Lilith was banking on this. She was confident he wouldn't risk being homeless. Who could endure living on the streets? But this time, things were different.

Unbeknownst to her, Shia had already secured a luxurious villa arranged by the academy. He had planned to leave this place anyway. His return now was simply to collect his belongings.

"Bang!"

The sound of the door slamming echoed through the house as Shia left without hesitation.

Lilith blinked, momentarily stunned. She hadn't expected him to be so decisive. In her mind, he was supposed to come crawling back within minutes.

But Shia had no intention of crawling back.

---

The villa perched atop the mountain was breathtaking. Surrounded by serene natural beauty, it boasted panoramic views of the lake and forest below. The three-story structure was a marvel of luxury: a rooftop sunroom perfect for soaking up sunlight, a massive pool, and a lush garden that could host any gathering.

The villa was equipped with state-of-the-art magical security systems, ensuring both privacy and safety. Every checkpoint opened automatically for Shia, recognizing his identity.

Entering the villa, Shia admired its grandeur. But as he stepped inside, a sudden sense of unease washed over him.

'Something's wrong.'

Before he could react, a shadow flickered in the corner of his eye.

Then, without warning, his vision went dark, and a soft, suffocating pressure enveloped his face.

The sensation was all too familiar.

Diana, the academy's headmistress, had been waiting for him. With a sly grin, she pulled him into a smothering embrace, pressing his face deep into her ample breasts. The warmth and softness overwhelmed him, the intoxicating scent of her perfume flooding his senses.

"Admit your mistake, and I'll spare your life," she teased, her voice dripping with playful arrogance.

Her tone might have been teasing, but her actions were anything but. The sheer size of her "punishment" completely engulfed his face, leaving him struggling for air and unable to move.

Desperate, Shia flailed his arms, his hands unintentionally grabbing onto her hips. His fingers grazed the curve of her ass, causing her to shiver slightly.

"Mmmnh~!" Diana let out a soft, startled moan, her sultry voice laced with a hint of something more. The sudden, unintentional squeeze sent a ripple of sensation through her, leaving her momentarily stunned.

Her body reacted instinctively, her posture arching slightly as she processed the unexpected touch.

'Was that on purpose? Or an accident?' she wondered, her crimson eyes narrowing as she glanced down at him.

Finally, she released him, allowing Shia to gasp for air. His face was flushed a deep red, equal parts from suffocation and the intensity of the moment.

Diana tilted her head, her full lips curving into a sly smile as her gaze lingered on him. "You're lucky I'm feeling generous today," she said, though the faint flush on her own cheeks betrayed her usual composure.

Shia, still catching his breath, avoided her eyes, his mind swirling with the memory of the soft curves and the lingering warmth. He knew better than to provoke her further.

Yet in the back of his mind, he couldn't shake the question: 'Was she here to punish me, or just to play with me?'