Before long, the car rolled into a neighborhood on the outskirts of the city where Ethan was residing.
As they approached the gated community, Zara turned to Ethan, raising her eyebrows in curiosity. "Where are we headed?"
Noticing Zara's serious yet adorable expression, Ethan calmly replied, "I'm staying here. You should stay with me and not worry your friend while hurt. I can take care of you here."
"I don't want anyone fussing over me."
"How could I possibly leave my fiancée when she's hurt herself? That wouldn't be right for a fiancé to do."
"Who said you're my fiancé? Did I ever agree to that?" Zara asked, her face a mix of confusion and surprise as she looked at Ethan.
She found it difficult to grasp what was happening in the mind of this capitalist.
Ethan noticed her bewildered expression and couldn't bring himself to respond, captivated by her adorable and serene demeanor.
Feeling a sense of defeat, he stepped closer, took her hand, and gently said, "Lia... you need to take responsibility for how you treat others. How can you just walk away after using someone?"
Zara was taken aback by his words, unsure of what he meant.
Anyone unfamiliar with the situation might easily assume she had wronged him.
"What did I do? What are you talking about?" Zara asked, her face a picture of confusion as she looked at Ethan.
Seeing her so puzzled, Ethan couldn't help but think that her confusion made her even cuter.
He gazed at Zara with a playful innocence and remarked, "Lia, did you forget? You held my hand for what felt like an entire day."
As he spoke, he leaned in closer and softly whispered in her ear, "And you're the first girl to ever hug me."
His warm breath brushed against her ear, sending a delightful shiver down her spine and causing her ears to flush a light pink.
Zara couldn't help but recall the moment in his villa when he embraced her in the photo room, making her cheeks turn a deep shade of red.
Noticing her reaction, a mischievous smile danced in Ethan's eyes as he added, "So, Lia, you really should take responsibility for me. I've been saving myself for my future fiancé, and now it's your turn to look after me, Lia."
Zara felt a surge of irritation as she raised her eyebrows and blurted out, "Do I really seem like someone who would constantly be in touch with guys?"
Ethan replied calmly, "Not at all. That's why I'll take care of you, Lia," giving her a gentle pat on the head.
Zara was taken aback by his words and suddenly realized what had just transpired.
The man in front of her had intentionally provoked her to elicit that response, all to get the reaction he desired.
She couldn't believe how shameless he was, feeling as if no one else in the world could match his audacity.
Why had she let herself get swept up in his little game and lost her usual composure?
Zara, you usually think things through before speaking. Why did you let your guard down around him?
She really needs to keep her guard up around him from now on. Who knows what he might get her to say or do next?
Zara shook her head, trying to clear her mind and not stress over anything else.
Ethan couldn't help but chuckle at how adorable Zara looked as she shook her head. He gently tucked some of her hair behind her ears, clearly waiting for her to respond.
Meanwhile, the car had pulled up in front of the villa where Ethan was staying.
Carter, unaware of what was happening in the back seat, tapped on the window. "Boss, the doctor is here and waiting inside."
Even though he sensed something was off and didn't want to interrupt his boss, he was still concerned about Ms. Luna's injury and wanted the doctor to check on her.
He mustered his courage and tapped on the window, his heart racing with the fear that his boss might unleash his wrath the moment the door swung open.
Ethan stepped out of the car, his usually detached demeanor scanning the area. Although he wished to have further conversation with Zara, her injury was hard to overlook.
Once outside, Ethan reached out his hand to Zara, who was just about to exit.
When Zara noticed his hand, she looked up to find Ethan gazing at her with a gentle expression.
Recalling the earlier tension in the car, Zara brushed aside Ethan's hand and climbed out, taking a moment to regain her balance.
As he watched her reject his gesture, Ethan couldn't help but admire the mix of cuteness and irritation on Zara's face, and a smile unexpectedly formed on his lips.
Carter and David were taken aback when they witnessed Zara pushing their boss's hand away. What astonished them even more was the fact that their boss was smiling, despite having his hand rejected.
Zara was puzzled by the scene, especially when she noticed the shocked expressions on the faces of the two people next to her.
Without thinking, she glanced at Ethan, who seemed unfazed by the situation. He simply led Zara into the villa, leaving the two behind without a second glance.
Once inside, Zara didn't take the time to look around, feeling exhausted, but she did spot a middle-aged man sitting in the living room, waiting patiently.
Ethan wasted no time and insisted that the doctor examine Zara's injury, even though she insisted it wasn't necessary.
After the doctor finished examining Zara, he turned to Ethan and said respectfully, "Mr. Anderson, the injury isn't serious since she's already received first aid. However, she does seem pretty worn out, so I suggest she takes it easy for the next two to three days. If needed, I can come back to check on her in a couple of days."
Once the doctor shared his thoughts, Carter led him out of the room.
Ethan glanced over at Zara, who was completely absorbed in her phone, not even bothering to look up.
Noticing her distraction, Ethan let out a sigh and attempted to grab her phone.
Feeling his presence, Zara quickly glanced up at him and asked, "What are you doing?"