Chapter 22: Storm

"Where should we drop you off?" Lillie turned her gaze at the stoic man behind her, at the back seat.

Haruka was the driver and Lillie sat at the passenger seat while the poor husband sat at the back, abandoned by his wife.

"To where you are going." He grumbles.

Haruka sighed, 'she' already told him that 'she' is a woman. Why can't this possessive man print it to his mind? He's literally swimming in vinegar! [1]

"What about your work?" There was this feeling inside her gut that tell her there's another purpose Ethan's with her.

Lillie's expression turn extremely cold and was filled with thoughts.

"You plan on going with us?" Haruka asked with a raised eyebrow.

Ethan didn't answered, instead was looking outside with a deadly expression.

Haruka looked at Lillie, asking for her opinion. She's the boss after all.

"Let him come." Lillie calmly agreed.

The drive through Sapporo was magnificent. Tall buildings, park full of trees, disciplined Japanese people crossing the streets. Almost everything was well organized.

*sigh*, it was a sight to behold.

After an hour of traveling, the car entered the huge gates of a modern mansion and parked it at the entrance's drive way.

Turning off the engine, Haruka came out. Lillie also got off and Ethan followed suit.

'Awuuuuu!'

A deep and booming sound of a ferocious animal cried. Ethan's eyes slightly widen at the sight of the biggest wolf he'd ever seen in his life. To add the surprise, it was pure black with bright, piercing yellow eyes.

The wolf jumped unto the air and towards Lillie. Ethan quickly came in front of her and blocked the gigantic wolf's path.

The wolf was stunned to see a human male blocking his path.

Insolent human! Don't you dare block your ancestor's way! He growled and howled in anger.

"Storm, behave." Lillie sternly command as she side-stepped Ethan and came in front.

Storm's body lowered in an act of obedience.

"Awuu awuu~" Master, I'm innocent, ah! Please don't be upset with me!

Ethan frowned. "You own him?" Why didn't he know?

"Storm used to live at the Bai Estate. I send him here to recuperate from his wounds." Lillie solemnly explained, ruffling Storm's soft, black fur in delight.

Storm sat there with his chest out, his features were fierce, aloof and mighty. However, that regal picture was ruined by a disobedient, fluffy tail wagging behind; making him look endearing rather than frightening.

Ethan was curious. If this guy used to live at the Bai mansion, something must've happened that caused an animal of this size to be wounded.

An attack...

But, who would dare attack the Bai family? With their connections with the underworld as well as the government, they are practically very well protected and secured.

"Who?"

Lillie turned her gaze at Ethan, who was looking extremely serious and cold.

"It was already dealt with, you no longer have to concern yourself with it." Lillie shook her head before entering the mansion, Storm tagging beside her.

"Welcome back, Haruka-sama, Lillie-sama. Welcome, esteemed guest, to Fujikawa household." An old maid greeted formally towards the three.

"Tadaima~" [2] Haruka replied.

"Hm." Lillie and Ethan both hummed in acknowledgement towards the old maid. This caused Haruka to secretly giggle like a school girl.

Too similar!

Other servants came and carried their baggages to their rooms. Haruka excused herself and left the two alone on the living room.

"Why are you really here?" Lillie asked, breaking the silence.

Ethan felt cornered, he has no way out.

"Can't a husband be with his wife all the time?" He tilted his head and innocently asked.

"There're still eleven months before I am entitled as such, Mr Li, don't forget about our agreement." Ethan dejectedly sighed.

Hey, at least she knew she'll be his wife after eleven months.

"What would you like me to call you then?" This caught Lillie by surprise. She didn't expect this man to ask her something she didn't expect for him to ask.

Lillie suddenly felt awkward and lost. She was used of him calling her Lillie or wife.

If she told him to call her more formally like Miss Lillie or Miss Bai, wouldn't that be quite disturbing?

"Ahem, uh...You may call me Lilliana."

"Pfft..." Ethan suddenly chuckled. Lillie gave him an ugly glare.

"What seems to amuse you, Mr Li? Care to tell?"

Ethan shook his head and laughed softly. "It appears you were already used of me calling you by your name that you can't even hide it. Really, Lilliana?"

"What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing, Lilliana."

Lillie felt awkward as Ethan called her real name.

"You like the sound of that, Lilliana?"

"Just call me Lillie." Lillie sighed and gave up, causing the man go grin in triumph.

A point for Ethan Li.