Chapter 7
555words
Ethan spent most of his time in the study handling business matters, while we maintained a careful distance from each other.
But every night, I had to fulfill my promise of telling him bedtime stories.
My story repertoire quickly ran dry. I went from "Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales" to "Arabian Nights," and eventually resorted to "Ancient Tomb Legends."
I wondered what this wheelchair-bound tycoon thought about my supernatural ghost stories.
Regardless, the system's notifications chimed daily.
[Ding! Target's Villain Meter decreased by 1%! Current Villain Meter: 85%!]
[Ding! Target's Villain Meter decreased by 1%! Current Villain Meter: 84%!]
…
The Villain Meter was decreasing at a snail's pace, but steadily and consistently.
This evening, I was telling him about the explorers' battle with the corpse lily, talking until my throat went dry.
"The petals opened and closed like a person's mouth, creating illusions that lured people unknowingly…"
"Eve." He suddenly interrupted me.
"Hmm?"
"Tomorrow, you'll accompany me to the family estate."
I froze.
The family estate?
The Holt estate was a nest of vipers.
Old Mr. Holt had three sons. The eldest was shrewd and capable, the second unremarkable, and the third—Ethan—had once been the golden child, the family's pride and joy.
Until an accident brought him crashing down.
Now power had shifted to the eldest branch. I could easily imagine Ethan's awkward position as the fallen heir whenever he returned home.
Why was he going back? And why bring me—the improper "substitute bride"—along?
"Having second thoughts?" When I didn't respond, his voice turned cold.
"No, not at all!" I quickly shook my head. "It's just… a bit sudden."
"Be ready downstairs at nine tomorrow morning." With that, he turned over and went to sleep.
I stared at his back, my stomach knotting with anxiety.
Something told me this visit would bring nothing but trouble.
The next morning, I deliberately chose the simplest, most understated dress I owned.
However, Jenkins appeared with a haute couture gown and matching jewelry.
"Ma'am, Mr. Holt selected these for you."
I stared at the diamond-studded dress glittering under the lights, my lips twitching in disbelief.
What game was Ethan playing?
Was he afraid his family wouldn't notice his new wife without some sparkle?
I reluctantly changed into the gown, feeling like a walking chandelier and completely out of place.
When I descended the stairs, Ethan was already waiting in the foyer.
He too was dressed formally—a perfectly tailored black suit that emphasized his sharp features and commanding presence.
Even in his wheelchair, his authority wasn't diminished one bit.
When he saw me, his gaze lingered for several seconds. A flicker of something—surprise?—crossed his eyes.
"Not bad," he said simply.
[Ding! Target's Villain Meter decreased by 2%! Current Villain Meter: 82%!]
I felt oddly flattered by his sparse praise.
It was the first genuine compliment he'd ever given me.
The drive to the estate passed in heavy silence.
I tried several times to break the silence, but one look at his stony profile made me swallow my words.
As we approached the estate gates, he suddenly spoke.
"When we arrive, no matter what you see or hear, don't show fear."
His voice was calm but carried an unexpected reassurance.
"Just stay by my side."
My heart warmed unexpectedly. "Okay," I nodded.
