Vampire's Veil Of Obsession-Chapter 32: Game

Lilia wanted to believe Zethan was joking, but the seriousness in his gaze told her otherwise. She couldn't possibly stare at him for that long—it would be unbearably awkward.

Yet, Zethan seemed so unbothered, almost as if he were used to staring at... Oh, Lilia, stop! What are you even thinking? Her thoughts betrayed her, convincing her he must already be used to staring at other women like this.

Something flared within her, making her want to punch his annoyingly handsome face hard. She swallowed her frustration and, with a voice barely above a whisper, said, "But I can't possibly stare that long."

Just as she finished speaking, Zethan grinned as he leaned forward, gently tilting her chin so she would face him. His voice was low and firm as he said, "Then, what are lessons for? You'll learn—I'll teach you."

Learn? Did he think she was some skill ready to be mastered?

Lilia opened her mouth, then closed it again, words escaping her entirely. At this point, it seemed as though the artist had already begun to draw. Slowly, her gaze drifted to his eyes. One second, two seconds, three seconds... She couldn't hold it anymore. Turning her face away, she stammered, "I can't... please, I just can't."

She covered her face with both palms, her cheeks flushing deeper than ever. Zethan chuckled, the sound low yet teasing. "This session isn't going as planned," he remarked with a smirk. "It seems someone here is making it difficult for both the artist and herself."

He was still in disbelief that her kind still existed in this world—just where the hell had she been hiding?

"How about... I draw you?" she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

His face instantly darkened with displeasure as his gaze dropped to her hands.

"No, Loris," he said firmly.

Following his earlier gaze, she looked down and noticed her bandaged hand. Was that why? Her breath caught as the realization hit her. Was he... worried? Her heart warmed at the thought. This arrogant man—oh my... he had been considerate. No wonder he called the artist. He realized she was bandaged.

Her heart skipped a beat, and for once, she found herself utterly silent, unable to form a response.

So, this heartless man actually had a heart after all. For reasons she couldn't quite understand, something about the way she saw him had shifted. And then, before she could fully process it, she heard him speak.

"Did you reapply the bandages?"

Lilia nodded. Yes, she had reapplied the bandages back in the bathroom, just as Evie had instructed her. Then Zethan nodded as well before asking, "How long has it been?"

She hesitated, trying to recall. "It's been... maybe two hours? Or three? I'm not really sure," she admitted.

"You need to reapply them again," he said firmly.

Lilia nodded, relief washing over her. Finally, she could stand and move away from his lap. But just as she started to rise, his voice stopped her.

"Hmm, I see my dear Loris is so eager for a punishment, huh?" Zethan said coldly.

She looked at him, stunned. "This mean man. Does he get some kind of twisted fun out of punishing people?" Her gaze lingered on him, her expression teetering between disbelief and frustration.

Zethan, unfazed by her reaction, raised his hand and pointed at the artist. The man, who had been attempting to sketch despite the constant movement, froze. He seemed unsure whether to continue drawing or to stop altogether. Nevertheless, he kept drawing until Zethan's pointed gesture caught his attention.

Realizing he was being addressed, the artist immediately stood, his eyes lowering from Zethan's.

"Get me a first aid kit. Be quick about it," Zethan ordered, his tone firm and authoritative.

The artist hesitated for a moment. After all, fetching a first aid kit wasn't exactly his responsibility. But knowing exactly who Zethan was—and the consequences of defiance—he wisely chose to remain silent. Instead, he gave a quick nod before hurrying out of the open room.

At this point, Lilia realized she shouldn't be surprised by anything Zethan did anymore. This man was simply too unpredictable. He often acted in ways that made him seem like he didn't know what he was doing, but deep down, he was incredibly smart. In fact, calling him sly didn't quite fit, yet it wasn't entirely wrong either. He was sly, but not in the typical sense. His slyness was intertwined with sharp intelligence, the kind that kept him ten steps ahead of everyone else.

Zethan just stared at her golden-brown eyes as the soft wind blew into the open room, sweeping her wavy hair backward.

Lilia's thoughts were interrupted as she caught onto what he was about to do. Was he about to help her with... oh no. Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly turned her face away.

"I can do it myself, you know," she said, her voice laced with nervousness.

Zethan shook his head, his tone firm but calm. "I want to do it. You don't need to bother."

Lilia didn't know whether to thank him or remain suspicious. Why was he suddenly acting considerate toward her? Or rather... nice? It didn't make sense. She couldn't tell what his intentions were, and it only made her thoughts spiral further. Why was he doing this?

She found herself questioning everything. Should she try to make sense of his behavior or just stay silent for now? Maybe he had more to say—he always did. He had a way of watching her reactions, like he enjoyed measuring her confusion before finishing his sentences.

As if on cue, he opened his mouth and spoke, his words cutting through her swirling thoughts.

"Next time, if you're planning to escape, be sure to mind the car you enter."

Wait... was he helping her with an escape plan? And how did he know she had entered a car? Her suspicion grew as she gaped at him. Just who was this man?

"If you're admiring me, at least do it with your pretty lips closed," Zethan spoke with a smirk.

Before she could respond, he brought his fingers to her lips, gently closing them. The moment his fingers touched her soft lips, she felt a spark.

"You're the kind of person who could so easily give your trust to someone." He paused, a faint smile playing on his lips. "My...dear little Loris, let me explain something to you."

His tone lowered, yet his words carried a weight that couldn't be ignored. "Life isn't what you think it is,"

As he spoke, he gently pinched her cheeks, his touch light but deliberate. "This is a harsh world," he spoke, his voice firm, as if trying to prepare her for something she couldn't yet see.

She knew he was right, though she hated to admit it. Turning to him, she spoke, her tone laced with annoyance. "I'm very much aware of that, Mr. Zethan."

"Oh, really?" Zethan replied, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "So you're telling me you wouldn't simply give your trust away?"

Lilia turned fully to face him, her eyes meeting his with unwavering defiance. Her expression said it all—no, she wouldn't.

"Ah, I see," Zethan mused, his tone shifting into mock understanding. He paused for a moment, then his voice softened as he lowered his gaze. "You know, the real reason I wanted to bandage your hand... it's because, when I was little, I had a terrible injury on my left knee. It left me with a painful scar." His words came slowly, deliberately. "Ever since, anytime I see someone injured, I feel this... urge to help."

Lilia's eyes widened slightly. She hadn't expected this. Was this the same man she had thought to be utterly heartless?

But before the thought could settle, Zethan chuckled darkly. "Aha, you see? You were easily tricked. It didn't even take a minute. Your issue is more serious than I thought."

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"'Issue'?" Lilia's mouth fell open in disbelief as her eyes darted back to him. Did he really just—?

"You see, Loris," he continued, his tone now teasing, "you must learn to obey those who are smarter than you. You were just tricked."

He reached out, parting her hair softly before pinching her cheeks lightly, his smirk as infuriating as ever. Lilia felt the heat of embarrassment flood her cheeks. She couldn't believe it—he'd actually tricked her worse not even longer than a.. minute.

Just then, the artist returned with the first aid kit in hand. "Mr. Zethan, what should I draw?" the artist asked quietly after handing over the kit.

"Just draw," Zethan replied dismissively, taking the kit and setting it on the small table beside him. The artist nodded before retreating back to his drawing board.

Lilia turned to Zethan, her disbelief still evident in her expression. "That's not very nice of you," she whispered, careful to keep her voice low.

But Zethan's sharp ears caught her words anyway. He grinned slowly his amusement clear. As if to underline his point, he reached for the bandage, his movements deliberate as he began to unwrap it.

He carefully applied a cool, soothing substance to her hand, his touch so gentle that Lilia's gaze instinctively drifted to his face. Was it really him? This heartless man, tending to her with such care?

As if sensing her stare, he spoke. "If you're so into my face, you can stare as long as you want—after the engagement."

Her cheeks burned, the heat of embarrassment rushing to her face. She quickly looked away, her heart pounding at his teasing words.

"If you're planning to escape next time, at least ask for advice." His voice was a low murmur, laced with amusement. "But no matter how hard you try, I'll always be right behind you."

His gaze held hers, piercing and unyielding. "After all, we made a deal... You're mine now, Loris."

His lips curved into a slow, devilish smirk, a spark of wicked promise glinting in his eyes.

"So if you're planning to run, then fine... we'll play your silly little game."