Chapter 4: The Arrangement
The next morning, the sun was shining brightly through the windows.
Ezran Ella slowly opened her eyes, her body aching all over. It had been three years
since she lost her innocence, yet the soreness she felt now was just as intense.
As she tried to sit up, she realized she was nestled in a strong embrace. Lifting her
head, she saw the man from last night-Su William. He had, without a doubt, proven
his capabilities.
This was her first time seeing him up close. His pale skin, sharp features, and those
mesmerizing eyes-filled with mischief and charm-made him look like a devilishly
handsome playboy. His beauty was so striking it almost made her want to tear it apart
out of frustration.
"Enjoying the view?" His deep, masculine voice broke her thoughts.
"Yes, you're very handsome," Ezran Ella answered instinctively, only to flush
immediately after realizing what she'd said.
"Still hungry?" Su William teased.
Flustered, Ezran Ella buried her face in his chest. "Third Young Master, you'reawake and didn't even warn me! All you do is tease me," she said, feigning shyness.
His playful tone vanished, replaced by icy indifference. "Take the money and leave."
The coldness in his voice was like a death sentence. Ezran Ella froze. Her mind
raced. She couldn't fail-not now, not when she still had revenge to exact.
"Third Young Master, I don't want money," she said firmly, dropping the coy act.
"Oh?" Su William raised a brow, intrigued. "Then what do you want?"
Her gaze locked onto his. "I want to be Mrs. Su-the wife of Su William."
For a moment, he was silent, clearly caught off guard by her audacity. Then he
sneered. "You've got some nerve. I underestimated you."
"How about we make a bet?" Ezran Ella suggested, a confident smile playing on
her lips.
Su William leaned back, his expression unreadable. He wasn't foolish; he knew she
had ulterior motives. Still, he decided to humor her. "Let's hear it."
"For the next three months, I'll be your mistress. If, by the end of that time, you're
willing to let me stay by your side, I win. I won't ask for anything else. But if you
don't want me, I'll leave, and you can deal with me however you see fit," Ezran
Ella proposed.His deep, penetrating gaze bore into her, his silence stretching on.
Afraid he would refuse, Ezran Ella let her fingers trail across his chiseled abs, her
touch light and teasing. She felt his body tense beneath her hand, and a small,
triumphant smile graced her lips.
"Damn it," Su William muttered under his breath.
With a swift movement, he pinned her beneath him. "Fine, I'll take your bet. But
don't expect to get a single cent from me. You'll come whenever I call, obey without
question, and never betray me. Only under those conditions will I agree."
"Deal," Ezran Ella replied without hesitation. She had no other choice. If this was
the price for revenge, she was willing to pay it. Besides, being with a man like him
wasn't exactly a loss.
The moment she agreed, his lips crashed onto hers, pulling her into a storm of passion.
Hours later, the room fell silent except for their soft, mingled breathing.
Since signing the arrangement, Ezran Ella had been summoned by Su William
weekly to satisfy his physical needs. Their interactions never extended beyond the
bedroom; outside of it, they were strangers.
Though she gained nothing tangible from the relationship, she consoled herself with
the fact that she was still by his side. For a man like Su William-who changed
women as often as others changed clothes-keeping his interest for this long was no
small feat.With two months left in their arrangement, Ezran Ella hadn't heard from him in
seven days. She didn't mind the reprieve; it gave her a rare chance to relax.
Later that day, Ezran Ella wandered into a luxury dessert shop, her steps hesitating
as she stared at the array of pastries.
"Miss, would you like to come in? Our desserts are the finest in the city," the
salesperson said with a welcoming smile.
Though hesitant at first, Ezran Ella eventually entered. The shop was filled with
tantalizing treats, each one more tempting than the last. Her eyes fell on a strawberry
cake-simple yet perfect-and, after much deliberation, she decided on it.
"This one, please," she said, handing it to the salesperson.
Just as she was about to pay, a high-pitched voice interrupted her. "That cake-you're
holding my cake."
Ezran Ella turned to see a petite woman in a yellow dress pointing at her selection.
Her doll-like face and spoiled demeanor screamed trouble.
"Miss, this cake is hers," the salesperson explained nervously. "It's the last one we
have."
The doll-like woman glared at Ezran Ella. "Serenityd it over. It's my favorite, so it
belongs to me."Ezran Ella couldn't help but laugh. "And who exactly are you? Just because you
like it, I have to give it to you?"
The woman puffed out her chest proudly. "I'm Xiong Kinsley! If that's not enough
for you, I'll tell you a little secret."
Ezran Ella almost burst out laughing at the absurdity of her name. "Go ahead.
Enlighten me.