Liana blinked a few times and tilted her head, "Okay… then I belong to you." She winked and pressed a quick peck to Ethilia's cheek.
Ethilia let out a slow sigh, closing her eyes. She wasn't sure if she should feel relief that the people who had wronged her were finally suffering, or pity for how completely they'd fallen.
At least she had the love of her life with her. She opened her eyes and looked into those soft, love-filled ones. Eyes that always seemed to know what she wanted, how she felt, and exactly what to do to make her feel loved.
The older woman smiled softly when she saw how Ethilia's eyes were getting teary. She leaned in, cupped her cheek gently, and captured her lips in a slow, warm kiss while pulling her closer.
Ethilia reacted instantly, almost eagerly, her arms sliding around Liana's neck. Their lips molded together, slow but full, and for a moment they forgot where they were or what was around them.
Right then, it was just the two of them. Two women deeply in love, ready to face whatever came next.
When they finally pulled back, Ethilia kept her eyes closed for a second before pressing her forehead against Liana's. "I'm a bit territorial when it comes to things that are mine."
Liana brushed her thumb over Ethilia's lower lip and replied in a low tone, Then be territorial. I'm fully yours."
Ethilia smiled and leaned back slightly, taking Liana's wrist and guiding her hand to rest over her own chest. Liana raised a brow as Ethilia said, "You always do this to me."
A soft smile curved on Liana's lips as she felt Ethilia's fast, uneven heartbeat under her palm. She took Ethilia's hand and placed it on her own chest. "If that's a crime, then you're a criminal too."
Ethilia giggled and scooted in closer, nudging her shoulder into Liana's. "Are we being cringe?"
Liana chuckled and nuzzled into Ethilia's hair, breathing her in for a moment. "Maybe we are, but…"
She pulled back slightly, a playful smile forming. "Did you notice the chips on your lap?"
Ethilia gasped and looked down. The chips had fallen everywhere, turning the couch into a complete mess. Liana burst out laughing at her expression.
"Aww… were my lips that addictive?" She wiggled her brows teasingly.
Ethilia blushed and flicked her forehead before standing up. "I'll clean these. Don't worry."
Liana stood too, brushing chips off her clothes. She pouted and rubbed her forehead but didn't complain; instead, she let out a small giggle before catching Ethilia's hand.
"No need. I have people who help with these things. And trust me, I pay them handsomely..."
Ethilia cut her off, crossing her arms and raising a brow. "Are you trying to neglect their work?"
Liana huffed and rubbed her forehead. "No… let me finish? I was saying that if you ask them sweetly, they'll melt and do it for you."
Ethilia narrowed her eyes like she didn't believe her, but she eventually smiled and walked toward where the staff might be.
Liana headed toward her study. She needed to check a few emails and then go to her practice room to work on her dancing and singing for a bit.
A few hours passed like this as Liana lost track of time in her practice room.
Meanwhile, Ethilia was in the bedroom with Alena. Alena was kicking around a small football while Ethilia tried to study, but the little girl was being a very lively distraction.
Ethilia finally stood from the desk, holding the book Liana had gifted her earlier. "Alena? Let's go to the garden, baby," she said with a gentle smile.
Alena nodded excitedly. "Yes, Mommy." She eagerly grabbed Ethilia's hand, and they walked out of the bedroom together.
On their way to the garden, they passed Maria. Maria greeted her with a warm smile. "Good afternoon, Miss."
Ethilia smiled back and nodded before settling onto the garden swing. She let Alena run off to play.
Alena started kicking her football and running around the yard. Maria chuckled softly at the sight and decided to play along with her.
Ethilia smiled and opened her book again, trying to focus. For the first time in a long while, she felt genuinely happy, like she could finally start a new life.
But still, a small part of her didn't fully believe that everything was finally falling into place.
As the day passed, Maria approached her. Alena had already run inside the house, probably searching for her angel.
"Miss Ethilia? It's already evening," Maria said gently, noticing the younger woman staring at the book without turning a page. "I'm afraid you're not really reading."
Ethilia blinked and looked around as if waking from a dream before standing up. "Um… I'm sorry, I was..."
Maria chuckled softly. "Why are you apologizing? This is your house. You can sit wherever you want and do whatever you want."Her tone was warm, almost motherly, and it made something soften inside Ethilia.
She had zoned out, too excited for the next day: her first class at her dream college. Her first official step toward becoming a surgeon.
She kept imagining how everything might go. What the students would be like, how she should behave, whether she'd fit in.
Maria looked toward the house, then back at her. "It's getting dark, and trust me, I don't want mosquitoes biting you. Let's head inside?"
Ethilia let out a small chuckle. Was this woman serious? Even now, she felt… cared for. There were finally people looking out for her.
But no matter how much comfort she found here, the void left by her parents, who didn't even want to see her, still stung.
She shook her head lightly to clear her thoughts, picked up the book, and walked inside behind Maria.
"You haven't eaten lunch. And neither has Miss Liana," Maria said softly as she opened the door and waited for Ethilia to enter first.
Ethilia's brow frowned, and she turned to Maria. "Hmm… I completely lost track of time."
Maria nodded and turned fully toward her with that same gentle, motherly smile. "I've already fed Alena. Don't worry. Now go get Miss Liana. I'll serve the food in the dining room."
Ethilia nodded and walked to the practice room. She knocked a few times, and Liana opened the door with a tired smile.
Ethilia smiled back and held out her hand. "Come. Freshen up so we can have dinner. Fast."
Liana nodded and took her hand. As they walked toward the bedroom, she leaned lightly against Ethilia. Somehow, the familiar scent of the woman she loved made her exhaustion fade little by little.
Ethilia noticed and wrapped an arm around Liana's waist. "You seem tired," she said softly.
Liana took a slow breath. "I am… And..." Her eyes drifted to the book Ethilia was holding in her other arm. "Did you enjoy your reading?"
Ethilia pouted and shook her head. "No… I zoned out and started daydreaming about tomorrow."
Liana let out a small smile and pressed a soft kiss to Ethilia's forehead. "It will go fine. And if anyone dares to disturb my queen, just tell this slave of yours."
Ethilia closed her eyes for a second and squeezed Liana's waist gently. "You're my companion. And if I'm your queen, then you're my queen too. Got it? Don't call yourself my slave."
Liana inhaled sharply. She wondered if this woman even knew what her words were doing to Liana's heart. "I'll go take a bath. You sit here… or go to the dining room. Whatever you prefer."
Ethilia nodded and sat on the bed while Liana went into the bathroom. She opened her book again, this time actually reading, and smiling like a total fool.
A few minutes later, Liana came out in her nightwear and walked toward her. Ethilia quickly closed her book and stood up.
Liana reached for her phone on the bedside table and unlocked it to check her social media, but as soon as she read the messages from Char and Laura, her face went pale.
She had been in the practice room for hours, and her phone had been left behind. She hadn't seen any updates.