Chapter 4

After Ethan and Marsha were escorted out, Liliana finally lifted her head from Wilson's arms. The warmth from his chest disappeared instantly, and something dark flickered in Wilson's eyes. She stared at the man in front of her with a hint of frustration. Back in her previous life, Wilson had literally locked her up—it had been suffocating. Just the memory made her scalp tingle. There was no way she could go through that again. And the sad part? Because of how she had handled things before, Wilson had spiraled. His obsession got worse, and his mental state kept slipping. This time, if she could even nudge the outcome in a better direction, she had to try. Maybe it was time they had an honest talk. "What're you thinking about?" His voice was low and oppressive. A large hand wrapped around her waist, and he tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his eyes. Wilson:[She is regretting letting Ethan go?] Faced with his cold, intense gaze, Liliana couldn't help but let out a silent laugh. She blinked and said carefully, "Wilson. I was just wondering... what exactly are we now?" His eyes narrowed faintly. "What do you mean?" Liliana took a deep breath, trying to be patient. "I mean, we're called fiancés, sure, but it's just a name. We barely know each other, and then... that happened." He had loved her in that last life, no doubt. But he'd never even given her a chance to get to know him. Just walls and chains, metaphorical or not. Since he clearly had no clue how to love someone right, maybe she'd teach him step by step. Thinking about their toxic past, Liliana frowned slightly. "I've never liked Ethan. But you and I—we only just met. So if you really do like me, then pursue me. Win me over. Make me want to stay. But don't try to keep me by locking me away or cutting off my freedom. That'll only break me. And I know you wouldn't want to see me cry like that, right?" She'd never understood why he loved her in such a twisted way. Maybe now, this time around, she would. Wilson listened to all that without saying a word, his face blank. But then he lifted a hand, brushing her cheek lightly, and said, "You look beautiful when you cry." Wilson:[Especially in bed.] Liliana nearly choked. This man—this Demonlord—his brain definitely didn't work like normal people's. Seriously, it was just filth, top to bottom. Her annoyed expression didn't go unnoticed by Wilson. He gently ran his fingers along her face, voice calm and low: "Got it." Wilson:[Lover. Fiancée. Didn't really matter. She is mine, either way.] There was a weird hush between them. Time ticked by... Then suddenly, Liliana tiptoed and pressed a tiny kiss to the corner of his lips. "Wilson, couples can do things like this too. Don't you want that?" Her face turned a little pink, eyes sparkling, and something dark and possessive stirred inside him. He wanted to keep her right here. Sweet, soft, his, forever. Just seeing the light in her gaze made his eyes shift slightly, and he finally leaned down and gave a featherlight kiss to her forehead. A quiet, low voice followed. "Alright." Liliana beamed with a touch of sly delight and held her hand out toward him with a teasing voice: "Well then, tonight's Grandpa's birthday party. As someone trying to win me over, would you come as my date, Mr. Clark?" Everyone thought of him as this demonic, terrifying guy—cold, cruel, even hideous. But she was going to prove just how wrong they all were. Wilson stared into her eyes. Her thick lashes fluttered slightly, and those clear, soft eyes effortlessly carved their way into his heart. He couldn't think of a single reason to say no. Meanwhile. Freshly bailed out from the police station, Ethan looked like a mess. He stepped out with a gloomy face and immediately called Marsha. "What the hell happened?" he snapped. "Why the hell did Liliana speak up for Wilson? And where did those guys you sent disappear to?" Marsha, hearing the whole story, felt just as thrown off. She was sure the plan had been foolproof—drug Liliana and send a few thugs after her. So how did Wilson end up showing up instead? But that wasn't the worst part—Liliana used to hate Wilson with a passion. Why was Liliana suddenly protecting him like she actually cared? Her original move had been to use Liliana's name to call the cops, stirring up trouble that would drive a wedge between Wilson and Liliana. With the Clark family's power, Wilson would walk away unscathed, and once the trust between them broke down, she could swoop in and marry into the Clarks. But now... all of that had gone up in smoke. She took a sharp breath. "Look, we can't let this blow up any further. If Wilson suspects anything, we're screwed. But don't stress, Ethan—that idiot just lost her mind for a second. Tonight, at Grandpa's birthday party, I've got something else lined up. Just stick to the plan and follow my lead..." Night rolled in. At Rosevale Residence. Liliana stood frozen in front of an entire row of jaw-droppingly expensive gowns and jewelry. "All of this... for me?" Across from her, Wilson sat calmly on the sofa, resting his head on one hand like it was no big deal. "Yeah. A gift for my girlfriend." Okay then, way to pick up on things fast. She'd barely said she wanted a dress. Wilson didn't even blink—just made a call. Minutes later, racks of couture gowns and enough diamonds to light up a runway were dropped off like it was nothing. Last lifetime, he'd sent her gifts too, but she never thought much of it. But now, seeing the sheer scale... her scalp tingled. As she stood there, dazed, Wilson walked over and bent his head slightly. His voice was low and matter-of-fact: "Don't like it?" "N—" She hadn't even gotten the word out when he said coldly, "If it's not to your taste, burn it." Liliana rolled her eyes hard. "No. I mean, I do like them!" Seriously. Ready to torch millions without even blinking. Wilson finally cracked a rare smile. Liliana sighed and picked one of the more understated dresses to go change. But then her wrist was caught. She was spun around in one smooth move, and he gently tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, like some charming devil out to steal her soul. "So... where's my return gift?" he murmured. Liliana blinked, momentarily caught between a scoff and a blush. Then, with a smirk tugging at her lips, she leaned in just a little and said: "Return gift? Hmm... what if I unwrap it in front of you later tonight?" ...... Half an hour later. Liliana sat in the car on the way to the Johnson estate, shooting a helpless glare at the smug man beside her. Wilson looked smugly content, her hand wrapped in his as that familiar cocky smirk played at the corners of his mouth. "Let's go," he said lazily. Back at the Johnson estate. Ethan stood by the window, dressed formally but clearly in low spirits. Not far from him, a few girls with full-on glam were whispering among themselves. "Why's Ethan here all alone? Shouldn't that wild girl Liliana be hanging off his arm?" "Shh! Word is she's been two-timing, all for money. Hooked up with some sketchy rich guy." "Are you serious? She's still the Johnsons' second daughter, right? Why would she do something like that?" "Oh please, second daughter or not, the Johnsons clearly don't care about her. She's practically a hick. There's no way she fits in here..." But just as they were gossiping, a wave of gasps came from the door. "Oh my god, who is that goddess? She seriously looks like a runaway princess, she's too gorgeous!" "And that guy next to her—wow! Pretty girl and hot guy, they're blinding my eyes!" "I don't know who she is, but she's insanely stunning." The group of girls turned to look towards the entrance—and their faces immediately blanched. That woman... was Liliana? No freaking way!