Chapter 221 My Lips Against Yours

Chapter 221 My Lips Against Yours

I no longer wanted to stick in the kitchen and waste my time.

This ceremony was already causing me a headache, and now that I knew Noah had the motive to steal everything Alexander had ever worked for, I couldn’t sit silently.

"I need some air," I muttered, wiping my hands on a towel and heading for the door.

"Where do you think you're going?" Amelia called out, her voice sharp with authority. She blocked my path, flour-dusted hands on her hips.

"I just need to breathe for a minute." I tried to step around her, but she shifted to stay in front of me.

"Absolutely not! We have hundreds of cupcakes to frost and the ceremony starts in less than two hours." Her eyes narrowed. "Whatever you're thinking about doing, don't."

I stared at her for a long moment before sighing. "Fine."

But the second she turned back to her mixing bowl, I bolted. I heard her call my name as I pushed through the kitchen door, but I didn't stop.

"It's just for a few minutes!" I called back, not slowing down.

The main hall was packed with guests now, a sea of designer suits and glittering dresses. I felt completely out of place in my stained clothes, like an ant that had wandered into a palace. The mansion that once felt like home now seemed alien—filled with strangers invading every corner.

I squeezed between groups of laughing people, ignoring their curious glances and whispers. Everyone seemed to know I didn't belong.

Suddenly, a strong hand wrapped around my wrist, yanking me sideways into a quiet corner. I spun around, ready to fight, only to find myself staring into Ethan's familiar face.

"What are you doing, Ethan?" I hissed, glancing around nervously. "Someone might see us."

His lips curled into that confident smirk I knew too well. "I need to talk to you." His fingers remained firmly around my wrist.

"No!" I shot him a warning look, hoping my eyes conveyed how serious I was.

Ethan chuckled, leaning closer. "You think those big beautiful eyes of yours scare me?"

"They should," I replied, trying to pull away.

His grip tightened slightly. "I'm not afraid of anything. My room. Meet me there, Ember!"

Before I could argue further, he released me and walked away, climbing the stairs with casual confidence. I couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked in his black suit and red tie, his dark hair still damp against his forehead.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Lord Blackwood's voice boomed across the hall, drawing everyone's attention. "Thank you all for coming. I think we're getting a bit crowded in here—why don't we move to the garden area for seating?"

The crowd began to shift toward the back of the house, following Lord Blackwood's direction. I stood frozen, watching them go, suddenly able to breathe again as the space cleared.

I glanced down at my ragged clothes, feeling completely out of place among the elegant guests. I might as well have been wearing actual rags. Everyone else looked like they'd stepped out of a fashion magazine.

With the hall emptying, I had a moment to think. Ethan wanted to see me. Alone. In his room.

What could be so urgent?

Lucas hadn't shown his face all day. Rumors said he and Lydia would arrive later for the ceremony. Alexander was busy with final preparations. And here was Ethan, asking me to meet him in private.

"I can't just stand here doing nothing," I muttered to myself.

Before I could change my mind, I headed for the stairs. My palms itched and my heart raced with each step. This house had once been my home, but now I felt like an intruder. The portraits on the walls seemed to watch me, judging my presence.

The upstairs hallway stretched before me, achingly familiar. I passed my old bedroom, now locked with a heavy padlock, and felt my heart break a little more. Further down was Dominic's room, the door closed tight, preserving whatever remained of him inside.

When I reached Ethan's door, I found it slightly ajar. Taking a deep breath, I pushed it open and stepped inside.

Ethan was waiting right by the entrance. Before I could speak, he closed the door behind me, his arm braced against it as he leaned down, bringing his face close to mine.

"I missed you," he whispered, his breath warm against my skin.

I kept my gaze down, unwilling to meet his eyes. "Why did you ask me to come here?"

"I just wanted some time alone with you." His voice was soft, intimate.

When I finally looked up, I was struck by the sadness in his expression. This wasn't the cocky, playful Ethan I was used to.

"This isn't a happy day for any of us," he said quietly. "We've all been through so much, Ember. I don't know about the others, but I know how I deal with this kind of pressure." He paused, his eyes holding mine. "You! Being around you heals me."

I started to protest, but he put a finger gently to my lips, his face so close I could feel his breath.

"Don't argue, please. If my father finds out we're together, I don't care what he does. I'm not afraid of anything, Ember."

"He'll take your crown," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Ethan's eyes flashed with determination. "He can't. No one takes what's mine." His gaze dropped to my lips, lingering there. "No one."

"I can't risk it," I said, even as part of me wanted to surrender to the comfort he offered.

"Then don't risk it! I'll take the risk." His hand cupped my cheek, so gently it made my heart ache. "I love you, Ember!"

The words hit me like a physical blow. I stared at him, stunned into silence by his sudden declaration.

"Look into my eyes," he commanded softly. "I know you want this too. You want to be with me. You want me to accept you, to introduce you as my Luna." His lips brushed lightly against mine, sending a shiver through my body.

There was something strangely comforting about his words, but also something unsettling that I couldn't quite place.

"We both want each other," he continued, his voice hypnotic.

"If you're afraid to stay here, I can take you away from everyone," he promised, his thumb tracing my cheekbone.