Chapter 23: Chapter 23

458 words

<html><head></head><body>The mansion was brightly lit. Ethan Roscente returned from work, exhaustion written all over his face. He had just gotten out of the car when Isabella rushed over. "Babe, I've been waiting for you forever!" Ethan took half a step back, signaling for the driver to leave. "When did you get here?" "This afternoon." Isabella reached out to give him a massage. "You look tired. Let me help you relax." Ethan sidestepped her. "I'm not tired. Did you need something?" Isabella pulled a thermos from an insulated bag. "You said you wanted some last time. I learned how to make it special for you. Want to try it?" Ethan frowned as he unlocked the front door. "Come inside first." This was Isabella's first time inside the mansion. Her heart raced. She took a deep breath and followed him in. The décor was American style. Muted browns and greys. Understated luxury. An authentic Qi Baishi painting hung on the wall. Hermès logos were everywhere. Even the trash can was LV. Past the living room was an indoor garden. There was a home theater, a gym, everything. A set of golf clubs stood in the corner. Isabella dug her nails into her palm. The most expensive thing she'd ever seen before was a classmate's three-hundred-thousand-dollar Hermès bag. Enough to buy an apartment back home. But in this mansion, luxury brands were commonplace. If she could just marry Ethan Roscente... Ethan took a sip of the porridge and set the spoon down. Isabella blinked. "Is it not good?" "I already ate after work. I'll have some later." Ethan patted her head. "No classes today?" "Finals are almost over. Not many classes. I was at the library studying for grad school." Isabella changed the subject. "I heard there's a meteor shower tonight. Want to go watch it with me?" Ethan loosened his tie. "The news isn't always accurate. We'll see." Isabella knew better than to push it. "It's late," he said, standing up. "Let me drive you back to campus." Isabella bit her lip. She linked her arm with his. Her low-cut dress hinted at what was beneath. "Trying to get rid of me so soon?" Her voice was sweet, her gaze both innocent and seductive. Ethan gave a low laugh. "My self-control isn't the best. I don't dare let you stay." "Is there anything you don't dare do?" Isabella looked up at him. "There is," the man said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Ethan, I actually don't have class tomorrow..." I could stay. "Let's go," Ethan said, picking up his car keys. "Any later and the dorm matron will yell at you again." Isabella stuck her tongue out and followed him. At the doorway, she suddenly stopped. </body></html>