The next morning, Selina stepped out of the room and quietly closed the door behind her with a soft click. Her eyes brimmed with caution as she scanned every corner of the house like a sensor, checking if that cold Devil was anywhere in the mansion.
She didn't quite understand what he had said to her that precious night, but she couldn't deny he had seemed serious with every word. Either way, she had to escape these chilly surroundings.
Noticing that Zane was nowhere to be found, nor was anyone else, a rush of urgency struck her body. With her heels in both hands, she tiptoed barefoot across the cool tiles of the staircase, descending as quietly as she could.
Selina quickened her pace toward the open entrance, glittering with the promise of freedom. A wave of relief began to wash over her, but in the blink of an eye, it vanished into shock. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of the imposing figure who stepped into her path from the corner.
Her body tensed, and her mind went on high alert as she struggled to slow herself. Her eyes bulged.
Selina, halt!!!
Oh no!
Too late!
Too late!
Before Selina could stop herself, her forehead crashed into his broad, firm chest. She stumbled backward, lost her balance, and flopped to the floor on her butt.
"Ouch!" she winced, massaging her forehead to ease the dull pain.
Zane, unfazed by the impact, crossed his arms across his broad chest. "Were you trying to escape?"
How does he appear out of nowhere like a ghost? she berated silently, her face twisting.
An awkward chuckle slipped from Selina's lips. "No, I was just strolling, admiring the beauty of the mansion before I bumped into you."
"I didn't bring you here to admire the scenery. My business with you isn't over yet. So brace yourself," Zane uttered in a cold tone, hinting at his next sinister intentions beneath.
As Selina heard his stern words, she stood from the floor, brushing off her hands.
What business is he talking about?
Does he want to do it again? No! She couldn't go through that experience right now.
Shaking her head vigorously, she pleaded, "My body is aching badly. I think we should skip it today," her eyes looking up at him with soft desperation, missed his actual intention.
Zane raised an eyebrow, a devilish smirk curling his lips as he played along. "I believe I went easy on you. So gentle that I might just want more."
Gentle? Selina scoffed inwardly, unsure whether he was complimenting himself or teasing her for how helpless and wrecked she had been under him.
"I don't remember much about that, but you can't confine me here forever." Selina mutttered, looking him in the eye as she continued, "I need to focus on my life, work hard, and earn enough money. I have big dreams and goals that go far beyond these walls," she reasoned.
"I never said I'd confine you here," Zane said coolly, his voice trailing as he turned away–descending the steps. His black trench coat swept behind him with each firm stride, boots echoing against the stone as he walked away without a backward glance.
Selina stood dumbstruck as if she'd just heard something utterly shocking.
Was he… being different today? She clearly remembered him promising to confine and torture her.
Was this a sudden change of heart?
Gathering herself, a mild, bright smile spread across her lips and reached her eyes. She quickened her pace to catch up with him and eventually crossed into his track.
Zane slowed down his pace.
Walking backwards, she lowered her head in a dramatic bow. "Thanks, Mr. Zane. I won't forget this benevolence and mercy you've shown me," she said, sweet-mouthing him.
Selina lifted her head with lips widening in a radiant smile as she winked at him.
Zane slid his hands into his pockets, wondering if she was always this dramatic, like someone from the '50s.
He doubted she'd keep that gratitude once she saw what awaited her next.
While his unyielding eyes remained locked onto her innocent, twinkling ones, something flickered behind them—a flash of memory. The way she smiled… the way she looked at him... it reminded him of her.
But that was impossible.
Zane looked away, hardening his resolve not to be swayed by something so familiar.
Selina cleared her throat in the silence as an idea to get closer to him crossed her mind. "Let me repay you with dinner. Since I can't afford a meal at my boss's pub, I'll find a comfortable place for us to dine together. What do you think?" she asked, hoping he'd accept.
She needed time to understand this hellish conflict between him and her father that had nearly consumed her. That way, she could prevent it from escalating.
"I'm not your friend," Zane said coldly, turning her down. "I prefer eating alone,"
Selina nodded in understanding, recalling how she'd always seen him eating alone in the pub. "Then I will still give you a discount at the pub," she insisted softly.
"You didn't seem frightened by the scary things I said and did to you," Zane remarked, surprised by her resilience after everything that had happened the previous night.
Selina wasn't sure why either. But deep down, something mysterious yet unique always stirred every time she was around. A connection she couldn't comprehend when it had begun.
A proud little grin curved on her lips. "Actually, I've been in similar situations before. Stuffs like that only scare me a little," she uttered, stealing a look at him.
In a fleeting moment, she noticed something shifted in his expression, reacting to her words. But it was gone as quickly, replaced with his usual grimness.
Observing that he didn't look interested in her story, Selina decided to change the subject. "Speaking of late night, I was only surprised that a gentleman like you can be scary sometimes."
"I see. So I didn't meet your expectations," Zane replied flatly. "But there's no need to dwell on emotions. That's just who I am."
She gave a small nod, accepting his blunt honesty.
Selina came to a halt in front of him once again, causing Zane to stop. He raised a brow, her sudden, bold move to block his path.
Just as Zane was about to tell her to move out of his way, Selina gently raised a hand and touched his forehead.
The back of her hand lingered there for a moment, leaving Zane utterly motionless and speechless. His breath hitched.
Selina felt his temperature was normal, and with her other hand, she slipped her slender fingers onto his large palm, grasping it. His hand felt ice-cold in contrast to her warm skin, despite the scorching weather.
Observing his pale expression and the slight trace of dark circles beneath his eyes, worry filled her gaze. "Are you unwell, Mr. Zane? I hope you're doing fine."
Zane quickly pulled himself together. He yanked her hands away and stepped back, fury creeping into his previously calm eyes. Rage boiled through him at her show of affection.
"So impulsive and audacious!" Zane growled as Selina stumbled backwards.
Blinking in surprise at his harshness, Selina realised she might have upset him again. Does he get angry over the smallest things?
Still, she couldn't help but worry about him, just like she'd always been concerned about his life abroad.
"You look sick and troubled. I mean, you don't seem fine," she stammered, her words tumbling out with a mild remorse.
Zane clenched his jaw, his frown deepening. "You should worry about yourself instead."
"But you don't seem fine," Selina pressed.
"Don't act like you know much about me!" Zane rebuked, his voice thundering in the air.
Selina's shoulders trembled. Her heart raced with nerves from his outburst of irritation.
"I don't know much about you, which is why I've been trying to. I've waited and want to be by your side, Mr. Zane," She confessed. Her voice is low but sincere, and she was patient to reach him soon.
Despite her efforts to convince herself to avoid him after everything he had said, her heart still yearned to be entwined with him.
Zane was already fed up with her talkativeness, her boldness, and her show of affection, but now, she dared even wish to be by his side.
What a death wish!
His expression darkened more than ever as he clenched his fists, veins bulging beneath the skin.
Losing control, he swiftly grabbed her neck, his fingers tightening slowly as she coughed hard. His eyes blazing with mixed emotions, locked onto hers, shocked, wide and glinting with tears.
With a sour expression, Selina desperately held his powerful hand, struggling to break free as it gradually choked her. "What are you doing? Please let go. I can't breathe," she whispered in desperation.
"You should understand this clearly. I would never need someone like you by my side," Zane spat, then hurled her aside.
Selina hit the floor again, gasping for air.
A dull ache stabbed through Selina's chest as she lay there with her fingers clutching on her dress hem against the weight of pain from his cold rejection.
All she'd wanted was a beautiful life with the someone she loved. And somehow she had always believed it wasn't a bad dream, he was the one.
Maybe that was just one of her wishful thoughts.
She shifted her gaze in a distant direction, swallowing hard. "I understand everything," she whispered.
"Come with me quietly," Zane said, voice low. "Or I'll rip your tongue out."
He walked past her, not once looking back.