Chapter 33

Ethan's POV

It's now been two weeks since Elizabeth signed the engagement contract. Now I badly regret not making it a marriage contract instead.

It's the weekend today and I could have gone to work but I decided to spend the day with Spitfire.

"I've already been shown around the house. Alexa did that like-the first day I stepped into this house." Spitfire's emerald green eyes are glowing as she protests.

"There's no harm in being shown around again-by me." I smirk.

I'm standing in her doorway. Since that night I kissed her in her sleep and she woke up… she hasn't let me into her room.

A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth as I reminisce about that beautiful moment.

Sincerely, I had not wanted to do that. But her mouth-her rosy pink pouty lips, they were enchanting-they're enchanting.

They call for me every time my eyes wander to them, like they want me to capture them in mine all the time… forever.

"Exactly. YOU are the problem. I don't want to do any sightseeing with YOU." She glares hard at me, fire blazing in her eyes.

Huffing, I forcefully but calmly take her hand in mine and lead the way downstairs. Spitfire doesn't stop protesting, trying to wriggle out of my hand as we head outside. But she soon stops and I think it's because she realizes her strength is no match for mine.

"Did Alexa tell you the names of the dogs?" I ask when we stroll over the kennels.

"No."

"You see?" I click my tongue, "this one's a Siberian husky, his name's Terry. This one, an Australian Dingo-her name's Wild." I pause, pointing to the last dog. "This one is a Rottweiler, her name's Elizabeth."

"What?!" Spitfire swiftly jerks up her head to look at me.

When she sees the smug look on my face, she curses underneath her breath, "dammit."

I have no idea why, but teasing her gives so much joy. And energy. "Her name's Sky."

We move away from the kennels and I show Spitfire around, giving her detailed information about everything I set my eyes on.

We then move to the swimming pool area. A wave of nausea hits me at once at the sight of it. "This is the swimming pool, there's nothing much to say about it. Let's go."

I pick up my pace however I soon notice Spitfire isn't following me. I turn back and see she's staring right at me. My stomach churns.

She knows.

"Let's go."

"Hum, you know, I was thinking… Why don't we relax here? Let's swim. The breeze here is cool and refreshing." Spitfire responds, smirking.

She knows.

Heaving a sigh, I try my best not to look at the water as I make my way back to her.

"You can swim some other time," I swallow hard, gazing into her eyes, my jaw tight.

"I don't think so."

Before I know what's happening, I'm pushed into the pool by none other than Spitfire.

I gasp for air, pain shooting up my brain as flashes from that scene plays in my head.

That day…

I slowly stop fighting the water and give in to my fate-death, closing my eyes as I sink deeper and deeper.

However, I hear a splash subconsciously and open my eyes. I see someone swimming deep in my direction, coming to save me. Spitfire.

Within the twinkle of an eye, I'm back out of the water and sprawled across the floor, coughing incessantly.

"Why didn't you swim?! You could have died!" Spitfire slaps me hard across the arm as she yells.

I look at her, she's shivering, tears glistening in her eyes.

I manage a small smile, "I don't know how to swim, Spitfire. I'm aquaphobic."

I watch as more terror crosses her face and tears start to stream down. "I-I just… I thought-Oh my God, what did I do? I thought you weren't in the mood, like you didn't wanna get your clothes wet…"

My heart twists at the sight of her crying. I help myself up to a sitting position and embrace her in a hug.

She didn't know.

We remain in this manner for several minutes before her tears finally subsides. Yet, we don't break apart from the hug. We remain, enjoying each other's company in silence.

"I think I was seven when it happened." My voice is raspy when I finally break the silence.

"I was pushed into our swimming pool at my parents' house." I wince at the flashes flooding my brain.

I hear Spitfire gasp softly. She gently breaks away from the hug to look at me, "I'm so sorry." She whispers.

I nod, smiling.

After a while, she asks, "do you know who did it?"

My jaw tightens and releases momentarily. "No," I lie.

"Let's get back inside." I push my weight up from the ground and get on my feet, stretching out my hand at Spitfire.

She still has guilt written all over her face. I smile.

Heaving a sigh, she takes my hand. I help her up and we return to the house.

I notice Spitfire still has a sullen expression on her face.

"I can't walk well, now I need a shoulder to lean on." I grunt all of a sudden, throwing my arm around her shoulder and leaning into her. "See, I'm limping."

Spitfire is taken aback by the sudden closeness as she flinches slightly.

I half expect her to fling my arm away but she doesn't. Instead, she wraps her arm around my waist, supporting me as we climb up the stairs to my room.

Although she opens my bedroom door, she doesn't enter.

"Hum, I need to change my clothes…"

I nod, removing my arm from her shoulder.

"Will you come back afterwards?" I ask, gazing into her eyes.

She nods in response, again to my surprise.

"Okay."

She unwraps her arm from my waist and heads to her room.

I enter my room, drop the facade and pull off my clothes. I take a quick shower, throw on a comfy Essentials grey t-shirt and black track pants, then lie on the bed.

I hope she keeps to her word, or-

A soft knock on the door interrupts my trail of thoughts. She's here.

I hear the door creak open followed by approaching soft sounds of flip-flops on the floor.