Vampire's Veil Of Obsession-Chapter 51: Black Flowers

Lilia's head snapped up from the flowers as she turned to Evie in surprise. She hadn't expected Zethan to return today—especially after convincing herself not to get her hopes up.

For the past few days, she had imagined his return, thinking he might arrive early, that she might see him on the bed when she woke up, or that he would surprise her when she least expected it. But as each day passed, her expectations faded, little by little, until the hope that had once bloomed so eagerly inside her withered away.

She had been foolish to believe otherwise.

Just because they had shared those moments didn't mean she should feel... anything.

She wasn't sure if she was beginning to develop feelings for Zethan, but whatever they were, she needed to face reality. She knew Zethan—he was a man devoid of emotions. It would be delusional to think they could ever fall in love, or that if she fell for him, he would feel the same.

The realization left an empty space in her chest, one she refused to acknowledge.

Pushing the thought aside, she nodded quietly, a small smile touching her lips. "Thanks for the information, Evie."

She also did not want to get her hopes up again. Zethan was very unpredictable. She knew he might still choose not to come after all... she... she was no one important.

Evie nodded before adding, "Miss Lilia, I think it's time for lunch. You've been here for quite some time."

Lilia glanced at the flowers, realizing she had been tending to them far longer than she had intended. The delicate petals shimmered under the afternoon sun, their vibrancy a stark contrast to the dull ache settling in her heart.

With a final look at the glistening blooms, she exhaled softly. "Alright, let's go."

As they walked into the mansion, Lilia hesitated before asking, "After... after lunch, what's next?"

Evie shook her head. "There won't be anything after dinner. You can rest—you've done a lot of work today, and I worry it might be too much for you."

Lilia shook her head in response. "You don't have to worry, Evie. I like doing these tasks."

To her, they made her feel productive. Right? At least she had been productive. That had to count for something.

As they reached the dining area, Lilia took her seat and began eating her meal in silence. She was used to this—eating quietly, without conversation, without the warmth of shared words or laughter.

But this was nothing new. Back at home, emptiness was all she had ever known, and Zethan was no different. She sighed softly. She needed to stop thinking about him so much—he certainly wouldn't do the same for her. He was probably busy right now, while she sat here, lost in thoughts of him.

Evie simply stood by, waiting patiently for her to finish.

As if something had suddenly clicked, Lilia turned to Evie and asked, "Is it okay if I visit the painting house? I just want to see some of the paintings my husband collected."

Evie nodded with a smile, but Lilia felt her cheeks flush slightly.

Over the past few days, Evie had noticed a change—whenever Lilia asked about Zethan, she always referred to him as my husband. And compared to before, she now seemed a little shy when she said it.

Was it because she was growing used to the title? Or was it just Evie's presence that made her self-conscious?

Though Lilia had never asked when Zethan would be returning, she did inquire about him when asking questions about the mansion. A subtle way of seeking him out without being obvious.

Evie gave a reassuring nod. "Yes, Miss Lilia. I'll take you there after breakfast. But first, I advise you to finish the glass of water by your side—you'll need it."

Lilia nodded and turned her focus back to her meal. After finishing, she slowly gulped down the water before standing up.

"Miss Lilia," Evie said gently, "wouldn't you like to rest a bit?"

Lilia shook her head. "I will—but let me see the paintings first."

She didn't know why, but for some reason, she wanted to see the painting. If Zethan valued it enough to be captured visually... she was curious. She wanted to understand why he allowed people to draw him. And yet, beyond that, she simply wanted to see the paintings for herself.

Evie gave a knowing nod before leading Lilia outside the mansion, toward the open painting house.

A soft smile played on Lilia's lips. Why did she feel...nervous?

The garden surrounding the house was silent except for the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. Lilia walked carefully, her steps slow, as if unsure whether she truly wanted to see what lay ahead.

As they entered the painting house, Evie's gaze caught on a see-through cupboard tucked into the corner. Without hesitation, she walked over, carefully opening a compartment before pulling out a large book.

She turned to Lilia and spoke, "We haven't informed Mr. Zethan about this yet. He needs to be notified before anyone touches his collection. But since you're his wife, this is the only collection we're allowed to access. We couldn't touch the others—they are considered private."

Lilia nodded in understanding, her fingers brushing over the golden book's surface.

Evie handed it to her. "These are paintings created by some of Mr. Zethan's private artists. You can take a look."

With that, Evie took a step back, giving Lilia space. She knew she wasn't supposed to do this, so she didn't want to intrude.

Lilia nodded before she carefully opened the book. The moment her eyes landed on the first painting, she stilled.

Black flowers.

The painting was breathtaking—so lifelike that she almost expected the petals to sway with the wind. She traced the edges with her fingertips, marveling at the depth of detail. The way the sunlight bathed the flowers in a golden glow made them seem almost enchanted. The contrast between the dark petals and the warm light made her heart ache in a way she couldn't explain.

She couldn't help but nod in admiration. The artist had captured nature in its purest, most stunning form, down to the subtle glisten on the petals.

With a small shake of her head, she turned the page.

And there he was.

Zethan.

The sight of him—his intense gaze frozen in time—made her heart skip.

She hadn't expected this.

Hadn't expected to feel... anything.

But here she was, staring at a portrait of the man who occupied her thoughts more than she cared to admit. His sharp features, his silver hair cascading over one eye, his expression unreadable yet piercing.

It was unexpected, this reaction, and yet, she couldn't tear her eyes away. She wasn't sure if it was the artistry or something deeper, but the moment felt... significant.

A soft voice interrupted her thoughts.

"I'm sorry, Miss Lilia, but Mr. Zethan has arrived."

Her heart lurched at the mention of his name, pounding so loudly it drowned out all reason. A wave of nervous energy crashed over her—her palms dampened, her stomach fluttered uncontrollably.

Why was she reacting like this?

Swallowing, she stood quickly. "Thank you, Evie. Here, put this away—I'll look at it later."

Evie nodded, taking the book from her hands and walking toward a secured cabinet, where she carefully stored it before locking it with a passcode.

Lilia barely noticed.

Zethan was here.

And she wasn't ready.

She pressed her hands against her dress, smoothing out invisible wrinkles as she steadied her breath.

Lilia smiled as she stood, and Evie immediately fell into step beside her.

"Let's go welcome him," Lilia said.

Evie nodded, and together they made their way toward the front of the mansion.

A faint but undeniable excitement flickered inside Lilia as she walked toward the waiting car. It was still a distance away, but the sight of it alone sent a strange mix of anticipation and nervousness through her. She paused for a moment before turning to Evie.

"Will he be leaving again?" she asked, trying to sound indifferent.

Evie shook her head. "We're not entirely sure yet."

Lilia simply nodded, shifting her gaze back to the sleek vehicle.

The chauffeur stepped out first, moving with practiced efficiency as he strode toward the back door. With a precise motion, he pulled it open.

And then—

He stepped out.

Lilia's heart slammed against her ribs.

His silver hair, which she had long ago realized she was undeniably drawn to, fell slightly over his face. The sharp lines of his corporate shirt and tailored pants made him look effortlessly refined, commanding attention without even trying.

But then—

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He wasn't alone.

Her breath hitched as another figure emerged from the car.

A woman.

Lilia's eyes widened, her stomach twisting painfully. The excitement she had foolishly allowed herself to feel drained from her all at once.

Zethan had brought a woman home.

Not just anyone.

A blonde.