Vampire's Veil Of Obsession-Chapter 101: Invitation

Clink, clank.

The only sounds that echoed through the dining hall were the soft clinks and clanks of cutlery as Zethan and Lilia ate in silence. A few chefs lingered momentarily, adjusting plates and ensuring everything was in order before quietly excusing themselves.

Earlier, Zethan had given a subtle hand gesture, signaling for everyone to leave, except for him and Lilia.

Now, they were alone.

Lilia wore baggy jeans and an oversized top, her casual attire mirroring Zethan’s, who had also opted for a simple shirt and jeans. It was unusual for him—a man always seen in suits or formal wear—which made it clear: he had no intention of working today.

But why?

She stole a quick glance at him. His silver hair was slightly tousled, falling over his forehead in a way that seemed both effortlessly perfect.

Lilia cut a piece of chicken, bringing it to her lips. She chewed slowly enjoying the piece.

Zethan had stopped eating entirely.

His gaze was locked onto her.

His eyes traced every small movement—how her lips parted, how they closed softly around each bite, how her tongue flicked out to catch a small stain of sauce at the corner of her mouth. He wasn’t even being subtle about it.

Lilia paused, wondering why the place had suddenly fallen so quiet. There was no sound of cutlery.

Hesitantly, she glanced up.

Her heart skipped.

Zethan was staring.

She wasn’t sure if it was curiosity or something else entirely, but the sheer weight of his attention made her heart pound in her chest.

Her grip on the fork loosened slightly, and her breath caught.

Then—she coughed.

Zethan reacted instantly.

He grabbed a glass of water and handed it to her without hesitation his other hands patting her back gently. Lilia grasped it gently.

She managed to take a sip and few gulps, swallowing hard before finally catching her breath.

A deep silence followed.

She turned to him, cheeks flushed, eyes slightly watery. "Why were you staring at me like that?" she asked breathlessly.

Zethan didn’t answer right away.

Instead, he leaned back slightly, his fingers drumming lightly against the edge of the table. There was a pause before he finally spoke.

"I received a message."

Lilia blinked. "A message?"

’Wait! Is he trying to dodge the question I just asked’ she wondered

"CEOs are being invited to an event," he continued. "It will last for five days, with various occasions planned throughout."

Wait.

Lilia’s body stiffened.

’What was he trying to say?’

’Did he mean he would be leaving again?’

Her chest tightened, her heart sinking. He had only just arrived. Even though she understood it was important—of course, it was—it didn’t make it any easier to accept.

She lowered her gaze, gripping the fork a little tighter.

She didn’t want him to leave.

She remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

And then he did.

"So, what I’m saying is..." He paused briefly before his gaze locked onto hers once again. "I want you to come with me."

Lilia froze.

Had she heard him correctly?

Was he joking? No—his tone was steady, serious. But still, she refused to believe it. Maybe her mind was playing tricks on her. Maybe she was just imagining things.

The only word that managed to leave her lips was, "Huh?"

Zethan’s expression remained unchanged.

"I want you to come with me," he repeated, his voice slow and deliberate. "My wife."

Lilia’s breath hitched.

She lifted her head, parting her lips as if to say something, but no words came out.

It took a moment before she finally found her voice.

"I will... my husband."

Zethan froze.

And then, to his surprise, she smiled.

Her beautiful, perfectly shaped teeth peeked through as her lips curved into a radiant grin. His eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by how effortlessly stunning she looked in that moment.

And then, as if nothing had happened, she simply resumed eating—calmly, perfectly.

The difference was her expression full of happiness.

Zethan exhaled, gathering himself. "Everything will be arranged according to the events," he said.

Lilia nodded.

He continued, "Your assistant will be coming with you, while Lucas will be coming with me. Each of us will need one assistant present."

Lilia furrowed her brows slightly.

What kind of CEO gathering was this, that things were so exclusive?

Little did she know, she wouldn’t be the only one surprised.

For the others, it was a shock—because Zethan had declined every invitation in the past. Yet, for some unknown reason, this time... he had accepted.

They finished the meal in silence.

As soon as they were done, Lilia stood up, but Zethan’s voice stopped her.

"The dress you’ll be wearing will arrive in a few minutes," he said. "Your assistant will bring it. You’ll be leaving immediately after you change."

Lilia simply nodded as she walked toward her former room.

She sat on the bed, her mind wandering.

This must be perfectly organized.

She had attended occasions with Zethan before, and each time, she had been shocked by how different they were. Even her wedding had left her stunned.

A shocking bride at her own wedding.

How everything had been done so differently.

Was this because he was a vampire?

Was this how vampires did things?

But now that she thought about it, she realized something else—she trusted him. A lot.

Perhaps too much.

She was oddly calm about his revelation.

What if...

A soft knock interrupted the silence and her thoughts.

A brief pause followed before the door opened, and Evie stepped inside, carefully holding a neatly pressed outfit.

It was a dark blue suit with a matching skirt and a pair of sleek black, boot-like heels—an elegant office ensemble.

"Miss Lilia, I’ll be assisting you with your hair today," Evie said.

Lilia’s curiosity was piqued.

She nodded again as Evie exited.

Slipping into the suit, she smoothed down the fabric as she pondered the upcoming event.

It was clearly something significant—well-organized to the smallest detail.

And it wasn’t just any gathering; it was a CEO event, which meant she’d be in the presence of powerful figures.

’Powerful figures, you say? Your husband alone is the most powerful figure ever’.

A soft smile grazed her lips.

Once she was dressed, Evie returned to style Lilia’s hair, working efficiently yet gently. Her fingers moved with practiced ease, gathering Lilia’s soft strands into a ponytail. The end of the ponytail curled into delicate waves, while a few stray locks framed her face, accentuating her features. Once satisfied with her work, Evie stepped back, allowing Lilia to glance at her reflection.

Not long after, they both exited the room and walked downstairs.

Lilia’s breath hitched the moment she spotted Zethan standing at the base of the staircase. He was dressed in a suit that mirrored hers in elegance, the dark blue fabric tailored perfectly to his broad frame. His silver hair, usually unruly, had been neatly swept back—though a few strands rebelliously fell over his forehead, softening his otherwise striking appearance.

For a brief moment, Lilia could only stare. They matched so effortlessly, as if they belonged together.

Zethan’s eyes met hers, his expression unreadable. He extended his hand toward her, palm up, waiting. Slowly, Lilia placed her hand in his, her fingers settling against his own. A soft smile graced her lips, though his own reaction was fleeting—a slight upward curve of his lips that disappeared as quickly as it had come.

"Very gorgeous, wife," Zethan murmured, but Lilia heard her heart skip a million beats.

Without another word, they headed outside.

Evie and Lucas entered a separate vehicle, following closely behind as Lilia and Zethan stepped into theirs.

Lilia stole a glance at him as the car began to move, but he merely shrugged, his face betraying nothing. That single gesture alone told her that he had attended events far grander than this one. And yet... something about this particular gathering felt different. Unusual.

She couldn’t explain it, but a strange sense of anticipation settled over her.

’Calm down’

The car accelerated, smoothly cutting through the dimly lit streets. Silence stretched between them, save for the low hum of the vehicle’s engine.

Then, at last, Zethan spoke. His voice was calm, yet there was an unmistakable edge to it.

"Lilia, stay by my side and be careful. There will be more vampires at this event... especially the calm ones."

She turned to him, brows knitting together at his choice of words. "The calm ones?" she echoed.

A pause.

Then, carefully, she asked, "Are they more dangerous than you?"

Zethan didn’t answer immediately.

His silence was telling.

Lilia exhaled, leaning back against the seat. "If you’re the most dangerous one there, then I have nothing to worry about," she said, her voice steady with confidence.

Zethan let out a slow breath, his gaze shifting toward the window. He knew nothing would happen to her—not while he was there. No one would dare cross him. And yet... something about her unwavering trust made him pause.

"You put so much trust in me, Lilia."

She turned her head fully toward him now. "I do. Is it wrong to trust my husband?"

His jaw tensed slightly. "If you don’t want to regret it later... then don’t."

A long silence followed. The words hung between them, heavy and unspoken.

Lilia hesitated before finally speaking again. Her voice was quieter this time, almost uncertain.

"Why do you keep saying things like that?"

She swallowed, gathering her courage.

"Why..."

She hesitated once more.

He fell silent.

Lilia’s fingers curled slightly against her lap. She took a steady breath before calling his name.

"Zethan—"

She stopped.

A beat passed.

Then, finally, she whispered the question lingering on her tongue.

"Are you planning to divorce me?"