CHAPTER 157: CHAPTER 157: REMINISCENCE (57)

Ethan Harper received a message from Florence Fuller and waited for her in the lobby downstairs without going to pick her up.

From afar, he saw the girl in a light pink gauze dress walking over, her steps neither hurried nor slow, elegant and charming, like a fairy from the world.

"Did you wait long?" Florence walked up to him, and Ethan glanced down at her.

"Not too bad." He held Florence’s hand, intertwining their fingers as they entered the elevator.

The elevator walls were as smooth as mirrors, and Florence looked at her reflection, tidying her hair.

Ethan never took his eyes off her: "How was today? Are you feeling okay?"

Florence shook her head: "I was smiling so much beside my mom that my face almost froze."

Florence rubbed her face and looked at him: "Do you know what it was like for those people when they found out I’m the real daughter the Fuller Family brought back?"

Ethan looked at her.

Florence recalled the expressions on those people’s faces.

"Oh my, Mrs. Fuller, this is the biological daughter you’ve brought back, she’s so grown-up."

Laura Yates smiled at Florence: "Bringing her out, hope everyone isn’t too surprised."

"Why would we be surprised? She’s been hidden away for so long, it’s about time you brought her out. Look at how beautiful and charming she is."

They were shocked, yet exchanged looks, surprise flickering in their eyes.

Then she went out to touch up her makeup and overheard people she didn’t know quietly discussing.

"Did you see the girl the Fuller Family brought over tonight?"

"How could you not? Laura Yates brought her around introducing her to everyone."

"They said they found her at fifteen, so why bring her out now and not initially hold a banquet for this returned daughter."

"Who knows, but I didn’t see the foster daughter this time. Normally Laura Yates doesn’t bring along her adopted daughter, right?"

The woman laughed softly: "Who knows what plan the Fuller Family has, we can’t guess."

Florence packed up her things in the next stall and deliberately washed her hands at the sink next to them before leaving.

The atmosphere visibly quieted down.

After drying her hands, she picked up her belongings and saw one of their awkward expressions in the mirror.

She left.

Ethan could sense her unhappy mood and gently pinched her cheek: "Perhaps your appearance today served their purpose."

"I know that, of course."

Florence looked up: "Soon, once I graduate and earn enough money, I’ll leave them, leave this place."

"Remember to take me with you," Ethan said, "not leave me."

"Of course, I’ll take you." She leaned into his embrace, looking at his warm and handsome face: "You can’t leave me either."

This man had entirely integrated into her life, occupying her world through the mundane daily routine. Florence knew she depended on him greatly, but she also didn’t allow herself to over-rely.

Ethan could be her harbor of rest when weary and also the stepping stone to her success.

He once said he doesn’t mind being used by her to achieve her goals; on the contrary, he appreciates her skills and values.

He fueled her ambitions and desires, willingly lowering himself for her to stand upon.

Florence opened the door, and the room lit up brightly.

She was about to change her shoes when she heard the door close behind her. Suddenly, he turned her around, his breath enveloped her, and his lips and tongue invaded her mouth.

Their heated breaths intertwined as they shared a passionate kiss. As Florence caught her breath, Ethan’s kisses traced from her lips down to her neck and collarbones.

In such close proximity, Florence felt his desire.

It was like the time in America when she barged into his room and saw him wearing only a towel around his waist.

His muscular arms had beautiful lines, and the water trickled down his broad chest and back, flowing along the contours of his defined abs, disappearing into the towel.

At that time, all she saw was this man, and her impulse overrode her reason; she went over, embraced him, and started kissing him.

After a brief push, he retracted his hands to hold her tight, and the two fell onto the soft bed.

The towel around his waist came loose with their movements, and they couldn’t help themselves, engulfed in sweet temptation.

But at the crucial moment, her body had its own timing.

It was a bit of a pity.

The second time they were close to the brink, Ethan, having had a drink, stopped due to the lack of protection.

Florence cursed herself for feeling embarrassed by the hotel supplies when she checked in and threw them away, leaving her with no recourse, so close yet so far.

"Does it feel good to touch?" Ethan’s breathy whisper teased her ear as he gently kissed her face, his breath deep and heavy.

The heat from his skin was almost scorching, and Florence’s searching hands wandered over his abs, brought back to reality by his words, unable to stop herself from exploring further.

At some point, especially when kissing, Florence’s hands would subconsciously roam Ethan’s body, repetitively lingering on his waist and abdomen, stirring a fire within him.

"Of course, it’s good to touch." She squeezed his lean and strong waist.

Ethan lifted her, walked to the sofa, and pressed her down for another kiss.

Florence felt his desire.

She did not stop, though her gauzy dress was already in disarray, the ribbon at the back loose.

Then, amidst their drowning desires, Ethan sobered up a bit: "No."

He planted gentle kisses on her chest, collarbones...

Florence grasped his firm arm with one hand and rested the other on her head, her alluring face flushed with pink, her vibrant eyes filled with charm, silently igniting an unbearable heat in Ethan.

"What do you mean, no?" she asked.

"There’s no protection," Ethan said, teetering between clarity and indulgence.

Florence, ignited by his touch, clutched his arm: "It’s fine, I can take the pill."

Such a stunningly handsome man could only bring her comfort if he became hers.

Ethan looked at her intently, then shook his head.

Florence realized they wouldn’t continue, breathing a sigh.

In the next second, as her dress slackened, Ethan’s kisses trailed from her collarbone downward.

Florence instinctively grasped his hair: "Ethan!"

The next moment, her body went limp, as if all strength had left her.

The second hand on the wall circled repeatedly. Ethan helped Florence up, leaving her half-embarrassed and half-annoyed: "How could you..."

Always gentle and polite, Ethan wiped his lips, appearing mischievously charming as he whispered in her ear.

Florence’s face flushed bright red, angrily hitting him several times.

"I’ll go take a shower." Ethan straightened her clothes: "You should change out of your dress."