Chapter 41: Chaos
Liang Xiaoluo worked alongside the maids, her movements robotic and devoid of spirit. The weight of her suspicions pressed heavily on her. She replayed the events of the previous nights, each memory pointing to a harrowing conclusion: it was Ye Tianlin all along.
Her thoughts spiraled until, distracted, she collided with Su Xin, who was standing purposefully in her path.
"Liang Xiaoluo!" Su Xin shrieked as a basin of water spilled onto her, leaving her soaked and furious.
"I'm sorry!" Liang Xiaoluo quickly apologized, reaching out to help, but Su Xin slapped her hand away.
"Don't touch me with your filthy hands!" Su Xin snapped.
Liang Xiaoluo withdrew, silent. She had no energy to argue or appease Su Xin. Their friendship, once a source of joy, had devolved into a bitter rivalry.
As Liang Xiaoluo turned to leave, Su Xin's shrill voice echoed, "Tianlin, look what she's done! She ruined the dress you gave me!"
Liang Xiaoluo froze. Her heart sank as she sensed his presence even before hearing his voice.
"It's just a dress. Buy another," Ye Tianlin said dismissively, his tone devoid of warmth.
"Really?" Su Xin cooed, clinging to him like an adoring lover.
"Yes."
Liang Xiaoluo remained still, forcing herself to ignore the pang of jealousy and the vivid flashbacks of the previous nights. She felt Ye Tianlin's gaze linger on her as he passed, but she refused to look at him. When they were gone, she released a shaky breath.
That evening, after dinner, Liang Xiaoluo locked herself in her room. She didn't light a lamp, lying quietly in the dark, pretending to sleep. Hours passed, and she began to think she had been overthinking. Then, the door creaked open.
Her heart plummeted. It's real.
Footsteps drew closer, and soon, she felt the familiar sensation of something being placed under her nose. She recognized the faint, intoxicating scent.
So, this is how he does it… She held her breath, resisting the urge to inhale the fumes. When the object was removed, she resumed shallow breathing.
The man lifted her gently, and she recognized the voice as Left Wheel's. "Master, I've brought Miss Xiaoluo."
Those words struck her like a death knell. Her worst fears were confirmed—it was Ye Tianlin all along.
Her chest tightened with despair. Two more days… just two more days and I was going to escape. But I've never been free, have I?
Inside Ye Tianlin's bedroom, Left Wheel placed her on the bed before excusing himself. Liang Xiaoluo lay still, her heart pounding as she heard the sound of running water. He was in the bathroom, preparing to shower.
She squinted her eyes open slightly, scanning the room. Seeing it empty, she cautiously opened them fully. But before she could make a decision to leave, the bathroom door opened.
A tall, muscular figure emerged, a towel draped over his shoulders. His damp hair clung to his forehead as he approached the bed. He sat down beside her, his eyes glancing at the clock. A satisfied smirk played on his lips.
Liang Xiaoluo closed her eyes tightly as he leaned over her. His breath brushed against her face, followed by the warmth of his lips on hers. Her body tensed, her instincts screaming at her to resist, but she forced herself to remain limp, feigning unconsciousness.
Ye Tianlin paused, his sharp instincts noticing something amiss. He studied her intently, his expression darkening.
After a moment, he leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Let's see how long you can keep up this charade."
He scooped her up in his arms, carrying her toward the bathroom. "You must've forgotten to bathe, my little liar. Let me help you," he said, his voice dripping with mockery.
Liang Xiaoluo's mind raced as the sound of running water filled the room. She felt herself being lowered into a warm bath. Her trembling betrayed her fear, but she kept her eyes closed, her breaths shallow.
Ye Tianlin, aware of her pretense, leaned in close. "When will you stop pretending?" he murmured, his tone teasing.
Finally, she opened her eyes, meeting his smug gaze. "You knew I was awake?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
His silence was answer enough, the dark amusement in his eyes confirming her fears.