Vampire's Veil Of Obsession-Chapter 102: Hold Her….

This was the second time she had felt this way. Was he planning to divorce her? Why did he keep saying things like this? Even though she hadn’t wanted to admit it, Why was he making her question herself?

Deep down, no matter how much she tried to dismiss the thought, she was in love with him. She had realized it that day when they had kidnapped her.

That day, she understood that she actually loved him—so much—but she couldn’t bring herself to say it. Not now, not when things were like this, not when he was making her question whether she should even say it at all, or just keep it to herself.

She quietly stared at him, waiting patiently for his answer, but he remained silent.

"Zethan," she called out.

They both stared at each other. She could sense he was hiding something, but what? His face revealed nothing, though it seemed he was thinking deeply.

In a swift second, to her surprise, he pulled her into his embrace, hugging her from behind. His face rested in the crook of her neck as she sat there, frozen. He stayed like that—silent, unmoving—before finally pulling away.

Lilia sat back, needing answers, but his silence only made her more anxious. She studied his face, searching for a hint of what he was thinking.

His gaze shifted—to her hair.

He reached out, his fingers gently brushing against the soft curls that framed her face. With a quiet, measured tone, he murmured, "This looks perfect on you."

Her cheeks flushed, but uncertainty crept in. Was he trying to dodge her question? The atmosphere wasn’t suffocating, yet it wasn’t calm either.

Maybe she could ask him later. Right now, it was clear he had no intention of saying anything.

Or maybe it would be better to tell him after they returned from this Ceo’s gathering. At least then, they could talk things through together and face whatever came as a team. So, she remained silent, gently placing her hand over his large one before intertwining their fingers.

Then, in a soft voice, she said, "Maybe I’m just overthinking, but I’d like us to talk things out once we arrive."

She offered him a slow smile, and to Zethan’s surprise, she turned their joined hands over and placed a tender kiss on the back of his hand. Her soft lips pressing lightly on his.

His eyes widened slightly as he stared at her, completely bewildered. The feeling he had just experienced was undeniable. The moment her lips touched his hand, it felt too good to ignore. Too different. Too... overwhelming.

He couldn’t tell her anything, not now. That’s why he stayed silent.

*

*

*

Inside another car, two figures sat in silence, eyes focused on the road ahead. Lucas glanced at Evie and broke the quiet with a small smile.

"You’ve been giving me the cold treatment lately. Any reason for that?"

Evie kept her eyes forward as she replied calmly, "Mr. Lucas, I suggest we keep things professional."

Lucas chuckled, his smile deepening. "But we’re not at work. We’re in the car."

"It doesn’t matter," she said firmly. "It’s still working hours, and we should remain professional."

Lucas leaned back slightly, then spoke again, his tone slower, almost teasing. "What a week we had last week..."

"Lucas," she cut in sharply, eyes narrowing.

He raised an eyebrow, his smirk unfazed. "I thought you said we should keep things professional? It’s Mr. Lucas, not Lucas."

Evie looked at him, lips parted, clearly at a loss for a comeback.

She finally spoke with a quiet sigh. "Mrs. Lilia almost found out about our..."

Lucas finished, "Did she?"

Evie turned to him, surprise flickering across her face as he continued. "Did she find out... or did your expression give it away too?"

Evie lowered her tone as she spoke. "That’s not the issue right now. The issue is that Mrs. Lilia almost found out about us. We need to keep a safe distance—for a while. I don’t want her to treat me differently. Because of you," she added, her voice softer, more vulnerable.

Lucas stiffened slightly as he replied, "What do you mean... me?"

Evie looked ahead again, then said quietly, "I noticed the way she giggled that day. And I know Mrs. Lilia—she was clearly excited I think... she’s rooting for..."

She hesitated, then continued. "What if she’s giving me more space on purpose... so I can spend more time with you?"

"Oh baby, you worry too much. Now kiss me," Lucas whispered.

"You must be joking," she said, turning her face away—but then leaned in, whispering, "Are you seriously asking me to do this in front of the chauffeur?"

She glanced at the chauffeur, cheeks flushing, before turning back to Lucas. "You... you—" she pointed at him, flustered. "You are very, very shameless!"

Lucas chuckled, then mumbled under his breath, "Oh, I’m not. You haven’t even seen shameless yet."

She narrowed her eyes. "You better not do anything that makes it obvious, okay? And don’t make them treat me differently," she said, shifting to face the window.

Lucas sighed dramatically. "Not even a peck on the cheek? Or the forehead?" He clutched his chest. "Wow... I’m so heartbroken right now."

She rolled her eyes—but then giggled.

And just like that, Lucas smiled.

******

Inside the car with Lilia and Zethan, the ride continued in silence. As the expansive road stretched before them, they approached a grand silver gate that slowly swung open. Lilia couldn’t help but wonder how far this place was. But when her eyes landed on what lay beyond, her gaze nearly popped from its sockets. A Castle. She’d seen mansions before, but this—this was a castle.

Her eyes widened in awe as she stared at it before quickly turning to Zethan. "Honey, this is a castle."

Zethan stayed quiet for a moment, still processing the fact that she had called him "honey". He finally replied, "Yes, it is a castle."

"Woww" Lilia’s eyes grew even wider, her excitement building as the car came to a stop in front of a massive black gate. The chauffeur rolled down the window and passed a golden-like card to the guard. The man bowed respectfully and stepped aside, allowing the gate to open automatically.

As they entered, Lilia’s gaze was drawn to the sight of black cars neatly lined up along the walls of the castle, two cars at each end, as if part of an elaborate arrangement. It was clear that other guests had arrived. She noticed groups of two people together, dressed in similar dark blue suits, the color theme for the day. Their outfits looked like Zethan’s and hers, but with subtle differences.

The car finally stopped in front of a path reserved only for them. As the chauffeur stepped out, Lilia took in the sight of people walking with grace and poise, their well-mannered presence unmistakable. Lilia could already tell they were wealthy, their every movement hinting at years of refined elegance.

Zethan turned to her with a smile. "Stand by my side, okay?"

She nodded, and with a respectful bow, the chauffeur opened the door. Zethan stepped out first, then offered his hand to Lilia. She placed hers in his.

Lilia entwined her hand with his, smiling at him,as they moved, heads turned in their direction. She was surprised even though she was aware of the attention they were receiving from their fellow CEOs, as she knew no commoner would be present, she was wondering how it would be if they entered the hall as they were already receiving this much attention.

It was clear that their intertwined hands had caught the eyes of many CEOs and their wives, who had just arrived and were stepping out as well. People walked in sync with them, pairs of individuals just like Zethan and Lilia—each hand in hand, CEOs and high-profile figures amongst them. Whispers to their partners, some smiles, some looks of surprise.

Lilia, intrigued by how they all walked and acted, felt as though she had been transported into an 80s film. Everything was perfect, with couples and high-ranking people. The only difference was they were all dressed in suits and arriving in cars instead of carriages.

If only she knew that most of them were shocked that Zethan Lyall had actually attended this gathering, as he had declined many invitations.

Finally, they reached the door of the castle.

Inside a tinted car, a figure sat, a gleam of satisfaction playing on his lips as his legs were crossed comfortably.

"Mr. Zack, it’s surprising that you accepted the invitation," one of his companions remarked. "You had said you wouldn’t be attending any more."

Zack’s smile deepened. "Wouldn’t it be better to try something new?" he replied, as he played the puzzle on his tab.

The driver nodded respectfully. "Of course, Mr. Zack. Very much so."

Zack’s gaze finally moved as it locked on Zethan and Lilia as they made their way through the entrance. His voice dropped dangerously low as his lips stretched wide.

"Hold her tight, brother," he murmured, a dark edge to his words.