Chapter 16
416words
Ethan Shaw's attitude toward Lily Smith had never shown any real affection.
Every time he saw her being intimate with my brother, even when they got engaged, his face showed no emotional reaction.
"You don't like her? Then why are you playing along with this charade?"
My words made Ethan Shaw laugh.
After regaining his composure, he cupped my face with both hands and said seriously:
"Haven't you figured it out? I've been going along with your assumptions this whole time."
My heart suddenly leaped, and my voice trembled slightly: "You... what are you going along with?"
"Four years ago, I saved a girl who became brave because of something I said, and completely transformed her life. Since then, I couldn't help but keep tabs on her, caring more and more each day... Until I realized I had fallen for her."
My face instantly flushed, and I quickly knocked on my head, desperately summoning the system.
Time stopped.
The system sat on the hood of the car with hands on hips, deliberately avoiding my gaze.
"Is what he said true?"
"Of course! I'm trapped here because Lily Smith doesn't actually like the male lead—their romantic storyline is too weak to sustain this world!"
The moment the system disappeared, I jumped right into Ethan Shaw's arms.
"You should have told me earlier—I wouldn't have needed to be so jealous."
"Jealous?"
"Do you know that every time I saw you making eye contact with Lily, I felt like there was some secret history between you two..."
"I didn't tell you directly because I was afraid it would affect her relationship with your brother."
"My brother has such a big heart—how could he care about ancient history?"
"Your brother already suspected I was using you for business advantages. If he found out about my connection with Lily, we'd be kicked to the curb faster than you could blink."
What Ethan Shaw said did make sense.
But now, my heart was filled with nothing but joy.
The man I secretly loved actually liked me too—this was better than hitting the jackpot.
I wrapped my arms tightly around his waist, my fingers secretly sliding across the skin under his shirt, and softly declared:
"From this moment on, you belong only to me."
Ethan Shaw gently held my hand, lowered his head to nibble my ear, his voice deep and tender:
"Truth is, I've been yours for a long time."
