Vampire's Veil Of Obsession-Chapter 52: Puzzle

A soft, painful smile graced Lilia's lips.

So, Zethan was really into blondes. More than she had expected.

Of all things, he had brought a woman home.

Not just that but the place where she stayed? Was she so useless that he couldn't even respect their space?

A bitter smile curled at the edges of her mouth. She wanted to brush it off—convince herself that it was nothing more than a meeting. But wasn't she supposed to be happy? At least now she knew what to expect. This man bringing home another woman.

Lilia began to wonder if this was truly how Zethan lived...as a full-time player. It seemed like this was his routine—bringing different women home before they even met. Wow. She wasn't sure how to feel at this point. Yet, despite her confusion, she couldn't deny the excitement she felt when thinking about greeting him. What had she expected?

Hadn't she always known? What if she had read too much into things? What if, in the end, it was always going to be like this?

Still, why would he bring her here?

And the worst part? She had spent these past few days thinking about him—only to realize he hadn't even spared her a thought.

Lilia swallowed hard, pushing down the sharp sting in her chest. Her lips twitched into a polite, almost indifferent smile, one that never quite reached her eyes.

Then she turned to Evie.

"Evie, let's go back. I think I need some rest."

Evie hesitated, her brows knitting together as realization dawned in her gaze. "Miss Lilia... aren't you going to greet Mr. Zethan?"

Lilia shook her head. "No, it's fine. Let's go. It would be best if I greet him inside."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, heading back toward the mansion.

From behind her, Zethan's sharp gaze followed her retreating figure, his expression shifting. A flicker of displeasure crossed his face.

Beside him, the blonde woman tilted her head, her voice slow and melodic as she asked, "Zethan, is something wrong?"

He turned to her, his silver hair catching the light, before offering a smile—one that revealed his perfectly shaped teeth.

"Nothing," he said smoothly. "It seems I missed my wife more than I thought."

The woman stiffened.

Jealousy flashed in her eyes.

She had spent time with Zethan on different occasions, but today was different. The entire journey with Zethan had been enjoyable, but this was the first time he had spoken about someone other than himself—even inside the car.

And now she had to know.

Who was this wife of his?

And why did he sound like he actually meant it?

It had been days now since Lilia started working on puzzles. The puzzle Lilia had been working on was still sitting on the table in her shared room with Zethan. Though she was already halfway through, she decided to finish it. If nothing else, it would help keep her mind focused—distracted from the thoughts she refused to entertain.

So, she sat there, carefully fitting each piece together.

Surprisingly, she had made a lot of progress. Maybe because her mind was so fixated on it. A few more pieces, and she'd be done.

The puzzle was an image of various keys—a difficult one, but Lilia had always been drawn to challenges. The harder, the better.

Then, she heard the door open.

She refused to turn around or acknowledge whoever had just entered. But what annoyed her most was that her body betrayed her.

Her heart pounded so loudly she feared he would hear it.

Of course, he wouldn't. Why would he?

Zethan's eyes scanned the room until they finally settled on Lilia, who seemed to be working on something—perhaps a puzzle. A smile tugged at his lips. Surprisingly, over the past few days, she had been on his mind more than he expected. This was unlike him. He couldn't quite understand why he felt such a strong urge to see her, especially since he had planned to return later than usual. He had even rearranged his schedule, going above and beyond just to meet her. He had told himself it was because he didn't want to miss the wedding date, but somehow, it felt like there was something more to it. No, that couldn't be right.

And then, his voice broke the silence.

"I'm back, wife."

A bitter smile curled at Lilia's lips.

Those words... why did they still have an effect on her? Why did they make her chest tighten, her breath hitch, despite everything?

Despite seeing that blonde woman step out of his car?

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She couldn't shake the feeling. It was the same kind of ache she had felt before. A familiar sting—one she had first felt with Ava.

For a moment, she froze.

Then, she set down her puzzle, finally turning to face him.

The moment their eyes met, her heart stopped.

Her breath caught in her throat.

But she didn't let it show.

Instead, she smiled—a soft, unreadable smile—and spoke.

"Welcome back, my husband. How was your trip?"

Zethan's eyes widened slightly, as if caught off guard by her words.

Something about them felt... off. Forced.

Though the word husband that escaped her lips didn't go unnoticed by him, it sounded cold. Yet, it still... fck*. What was his wife doing to him?

His expression shifted, something unreadable flickering in his gaze.

"Your husband has returned from a long journey," he said smoothly, tilting his head. "Yet you haven't even given him a welcome hug. And here you are, just sitting there."

Lilia said nothing.

She could feel his eyes on her, studying her, as if trying to gauge her reaction.

But why was she acting this way?

Lilia turned toward him, their eyes locking. Her expression remained calm as she spoke.

"I'm sorry if I acted so inconsiderately. I promise to give you a welcome hug next time you return. Is that okay with you?"

Zethan stared at her in silence. His brows rose slightly in surprise.

Why did her words sound so... plain?

This was the exact same thing she had done last time—back when they returned from the engagement party. A rehearsed politeness, distant and detached.

'Why did she keep doing this?'

His jaw tightened slightly before he finally spoke.

"Tell me, Lilia... why are you acting this way?"

Lilia wanted to laugh.

He was asking her why she was acting this way?

The irony of it almost made her scoff.

Besides, wasn't this exactly what their contract had stated? No meddling in each other's affairs. He had his business, she had hers, and they were to respect that.

So why was she making things complicated?

Why was she making this relationship feel unhealthy?

She never wanted a toxic relationship with him.

She inhaled deeply, as if trying to steady herself before she answered.

"Nothing is wrong. Nothing at all," she said, her voice even. "I'm just tired. I haven't finished my puzzle yet."

She formed a lie immediately.

Zethan studied her for a moment, then stepped closer.

Lilia remained still as he leaned in, his hand reaching out to cradle the back of her neck. Gently, he tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze.

Her body stayed rigid. The ache in her chest dulled everything else, making it impossible to feel the usual warmth his touch brought. Though she wouldn't admit it, her heart was thundering in her chest.

Zethan's voice was low as he spoke. As he rested both hands on the table, he studied the puzzle for a while.

"I'm quite good at puzzles," he murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Would you like me to help?"

Lilia shook her head, her voice soft but firm.

"You don't have to worry. I can manage on my own."

Zethan let out a short, dismissive chuckle before speaking.

"Nonsense. This silly puzzle is already making you tired. Let me help. After all, two heads are better than one, right?"

Lilia looked up at him, holding his gaze for a moment before responding.

"Two heads are better than one, yes. But I've already started, and I'm almost done. There's no need for your help. I appreciate your concern, though. But one head would be better in this case."

Zethan's eyes narrowed slightly. Was this his Loris speaking? He studied her carefully, his lips curving slightly in intrigue.

"Is it just me," he mused, "or is the formality in your tone getting stronger by the day?"

He took a step closer.

Lilia instinctively moved back, creating space between them.

His sharp eyes didn't miss it.

"Why are you suddenly acting so formal?" he pressed, his voice lowering slightly. "Tell me, dear... are you displeased by something?"

Zethan wasn't sure why he was asking.

The usual unbothered Zethan wouldn't have cared.

And yet... here he was.

And then she finally spoke.

"Yes, I am displeased. I don't want you bringing women home. If you want to fulfill your desires, please do it outside.