Chapter 30: Cold

Lillie's ears refused to take in another sound. Her world muted, her vision blurred, and her mind blanked as she slowly walked away, not hearing the rest of Ethan's words.

"Beat her and show how much of a man I am for her. Because if I can't even surpass her, then that means I'm incompetent. I'm not worthy."

On the other end of the line, his father chuckled.

[You like her that much?]

Ethan hesitated before answering, but when he did, his voice was firm.

"I don't like her… I already love her."

[Hahaha! That's my boy! You're definitely my son—so much like me! Alright, I'll help in every way I can to catch the girl of your dreams.]

"Thanks, dad, you're the best."

[I know. That's why you're here.]

"Urgh… Please stop making inappropriate jokes. I'll see you soon. Bye."

[Bye. Good luck, son.]

As Ethan ended the call, a slow grin stretched across his face.

He would become a man worthy of standing beside Lillie Bai—a man of equal strength, power, and stature. If that happy day ever came, when she finally accepted him, he would make sure he had earned his place by her side.

"Lillie… wait for me."

***

Lillie's eyes snapped open, her body shivering. The once-warm bathwater had turned cold.

A chill ran through her as she quickly stood up, wrapping herself in a thick bathrobe. She reached for a small towel and ran it through her damp hair, rubbing away the moisture.

As she stepped out of the bathroom, she froze.

Ethan was standing in the center of her room.

His eyes widened in shock at first—but in the next second, they darkened.

Lillie immediately noticed his gaze drop, following the way the wet bathrobe clung to her body. The damp fabric outlined every curve, her hair dripping over her shoulders only making her look more alluring.

Ethan's adam's apple bobbed.

His throat went dry.

Lillie's expression turned cold. Her brows furrowed, eyes narrowing with a sharp edge.

"What are you doing here?"

Ethan struggled to form a coherent sentence.

"I—I, uh…"

"Hm?"

"D-Dinner."

It was the only word he managed to get out. And yet, he still couldn't tear his eyes away.

Lillie exhaled sharply. "I'll be down soon. Get out."

Ethan finally snapped out of it, but then—he noticed something unusual.

Lillie was flustered.

His sharp instincts caught the faint pink tint on her cheeks.

That couldn't be right.

Something was off.

Instead of leaving, Ethan took a step forward.

Lillie instinctively stepped back, clutching the lapels of her robe tightly. Her voice turned stern. "Mr. Li, don't be foolish. Don't take another step—ah!"

Before she could react, Ethan grabbed both of her wrists, pinning them gently against the wall.

Lillie's breath hitched. His grip was firm, but not painful. And his eyes—deep, dark, unreadable—were locked onto hers.

Her body was too warm.

Despite the cold bath she had just taken, she was overheating.

Ethan ignored her protests, his face inching closer.

Lillie's mind blanked.

Is he… going to kiss me again?

Unconsciously, her eyes fluttered shut.

But instead of the warmth of his lips, something cool pressed against her forehead.

"You're burning up," Ethan muttered.

Lillie blinked in confusion.

"…Huh?"

Ethan coughed, realizing how his words sounded. "What I meant is that you have a fever."

His grip loosened, and before she could argue, he effortlessly scooped her up and carried her to the bed.

Lillie stiffened. "Put me—"

"Stay still," he interrupted, settling her onto the mattress before moving to her wardrobe.

Lillie watched in mild disbelief as he rummaged through her drawers, searching for something. "What are you doing?"

"Finding warm pajamas for you to change into," he said without hesitation.

She scowled. "That's my drawer, Mr. Li."

"And this—" he held up a thick set of pajamas, "—is what you'll wear."

Lillie had half a mind to kick him out, but the fever made her sluggish.

"I'll wait outside," Ethan said, placing the clothes beside her. "Change and call me when you're done."

Maybe it was the fever clouding her judgment, or maybe she was just too tired to fight him anymore. Either way, Lillie Bai, the Ice Goddess herself, found herself doing something completely uncharacteristic.

She obediently nodded.