Poor Ethan, injured and still stuck with driving duty. His eyes ached, his back ached, his stomach ached - heck, his whole body ached. But with a tough woman like Lydia riding shotgun, complaining was the last thing he dared to do.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtEthan glanced over at Lydia as he drove. She was staring straight ahead, seemingly oblivious to his gaze. Yet, after he sneaked a few looks, Lydia suddenly spoke, "Keep your eyes on the road, or else why would I need your hands intact?" She didn't even glance his way as she spoke, her focus remaining fixed ahead, yet she knew precisely when Ethan had been stealing looks. Hearing her, Ethan instantly straightened up, gripping the steering wheel tightly, not daring to let his eyes wander again. Just the mere content of Lydia's words was enough to scare him stiff. Was she implying the only reason she hadn't harmed him was to keep him as her personal chauffeur? Ethan bit back his anger, choosing to quietly and obediently continue driving. The rest of the journey passed in silence, without even a glance exchanged between them. Eventually, they pulled up in the Gulfstream Community.
Ethan got out first, respectfully opening the passenger side door for Lydia. "Please, after you, Miss Lydia." Lydia gave him a look that screamed, "Cut the act, or I might just lose my patience." With that, she grabbed her medical kit and stepped out.
Ethan's sycophantic smile froze, and as he watched Lydia's retreating figure, he couldn't help but grind his teeth internally, cursing her, "Stuck-up woman, acting all high and mighty. One of these days, I'll make you bow down to me! Can't do right by you, and you throw a fit if I don't, what's your deal?" Just as he was stewing in his thoughts, Lydia suddenly stopped and turned, her eyes narrowing, "What did you say?" Ethan's inner rant cto an abrupt halt, his facade of obedience snapping back into place, "You heard wrong, I didn't say anything." Lydia gave him a skeptical look, "Better be. If I find out you've been badmouthing me, I'll have you picking up your teeth off the floor!" With that, she turned and continued on her way. Ethan was left sweating bullets, marveling at how terrifyingly intuitive Lydia seemed. The only other person he'd met who could be as intimidating was Lysander, and Lydia might just surpass him.
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Ethan hurried to catch up. In the elevator, Ethan made sure to keep his distance, wary of getting too close to someone he clearly@ouldn't handle.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmArriving at Alaric's doorstep, Ethan quickly unlocked the door, gesturing for Lydia to enter with a respectful, "After you." He was being extra polite, terrified of accidentally offending her.
Lydia walked in and looked around the living room, asking, "Where is he?"
Ethan, not wanting to risk a punch for any dissatisfaction, hurriedly said, "In his room, I show you."
"Ethan, you heartbreaker, abandoninglike this! Do you know I'm dying here?".
Before they even reached the room, Alaric's voice, full of accusation and pity, filled the air. Ethan cringed at Alaric's words, fearing the misunderstanding they might cause. Turning to Lydia apprehensively, he saw her looking at him as if he was the punchline of a joke. X