Chapter 2

Until my mother's knocking came from outside the door.

"Chloe, are you up? We're having guests today, come downstairs for breakfast."

I snapped my eyes open.

Guests? Could it be another blind date for Ethan?

I took a deep breath, straightened my clothes, and pushed the door open.

In the dining room, my stepfather and mom were chatting warmly.

Ethan wore a well-fitted suit, his collar buttoned meticulously.

He was looking down at the morning paper. The morning light outlined his cold, ascetic profile. Even his hair carried an inviolable sense of distance.

This was the real Ethan.

Lofty and untainted by worldly dust.

I lowered my head, pulled out the chair next to him and sat down, calling out softly: "Dad, Mom, Ethan."

Ethan's movements paused slightly. He gave a faint "Mm."

That voice was clear and clean, completely different from the hoarse, panting man in my dream.

I bit my spoon, my gaze involuntarily drifting downward to his long legs.

Imagining what kind of burning body was wrapped beneath that suit.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

A servant led a young woman inside.

As expected, another blind date for Ethan.

She wore exquisite makeup, every movement revealing the elegance of a high-society lady.

"Ethan, Uncle, Auntie, good morning."

She greeted them with a smile and naturally walked to sit on Ethan's other side.

Ethan gave a slight nod in acknowledgment and stood to pour her a glass of warm water.

"Thank you."

When their eyes met, there was an understanding that outsiders couldn't intrude upon.

My hand gripping the spoon tightened suddenly. Crazy jealousy threatened to drown me.

Why could she sit beside him so openly?

Why did she get such gentle treatment from him?

I stared at that glass of water, wishing I could poison it.

"Coming over so early, what's the occasion?"

Ethan's tone remained cool, but held a bit more familiarity than when he spoke to me.

Mia chuckled lightly, reaching up to play with her curled hair.

"Didn't we agree you'd accompany me today to choose a venue for the engagement party? Did you forget?"

Engagement party.

Those three words drove into my eardrums like nails.

I lowered my head abruptly, biting my teeth hard.

How long had they even known each other? And they were already getting engaged?

Mom laughed beside them, unable to contain her joy. "Ethan's busy with work, Mia. Please be understanding. If this boy dares bully you, tell me and I'll deal with him for you."

"Don't worry, Auntie. Ethan treats me very well."

Mia's eyes sparkled as she looked at Ethan with adoring eyes.

I watched them like a match made in heaven, my nails digging deep into my palms.

I wanted so badly to gouge out those eyes of hers.

I wanted so badly to tie Ethan up and lock him in a place where only I existed.

Make him only look at me, only become aroused for me.

I suddenly covered my mouth, coughing violently.

This trick never failed me.

As long as I showed signs of illness, everyone's attention would immediately shift to me.

Sure enough, Mom immediately rushed over nervously to pat my back.

"Chloe! What's wrong? Did you catch a cold?"

I coughed until I couldn't catch my breath, my eyes rimmed with pitiful red as I secretly observed Ethan from the corner of my eye.

He frowned and stood to pour me a glass of water too.

"Drink some water."

He brought the glass to my lips.

I tremblingly reached out to take it, my fingertips covering the back of his hand.

My heartbeat skipped, greedily savoring that brief moment of contact.

Ethan didn't pull back. He let me half-hold his wrist as he tilted the glass.

The warm water moistened my dry throat. I finally stopped coughing.

"Thank you."

I looked up at him with tearful eyes.

From this angle, I could see his prominent Adam's apple.

So sexy. I wanted to bite it.

"If you're not feeling well, go back to your room and rest."

Ethan withdrew his hand calmly, his voice indifferent.

He pulled out a disinfectant wipe and methodically wiped the back of his hand where I'd touched him.

He actually found me dirty?

Mia watched from the side, a flash of contempt in her eyes.

"With Chloe's poor health, she should probably stay home more. Ethan, let's go. We're almost late for our appointment."

She hooked her arm through Ethan's.

Ethan didn't push her away.

I watched their departing figures, the obedience in my eyes fading, leaving only gloom.

After returning to my room, I immediately locked the door.

I opened my computer and stared at the words on the screen.

Anger and jealousy grew wildly. If only everything in the book were real.

How wonderful that would be.