CHAPTER 64: THE BODY PILLOW THAT STOLE MY HEART

Chapter 63: The Body Pillow That Stole My Heart

Ethan lingered a little longer in the bath, letting the warm water seep into his tired muscles. Every knot in his shoulders, every ache in his legs, began to loosen under the soothing heat. Steam curled lazily around him, carrying the faint scent of lavender from the oils he’d added, filling the room with a calming haze. For a moment, the weight of his recent battles and long travels seemed to fade.

When he finally stepped out, wrapping himself in a towel, he moved toward his room, expecting the familiar quiet. But as he approached the door, he noticed it was locked. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth—Lirael had obviously returned before him.

He rapped gently on the door.

"Wait a moment! I’m getting ready!" came a flustered voice from within, carrying a hint of panic.

Ethan raised a brow and leaned casually against the wall, waiting. Moments later, a soft metallic clink sounded, followed by a voice tinged with nervous excitement:

"Y-you... may enter. I’m ready."

He pushed the door open—and froze.

Before him stood Lirael, and for a heartbeat, he could do nothing but drink in the sight.

Her azure blue hair flowed like liquid silk down her back, catching the light and shimmering with every subtle movement. Strands of it framed her face delicately, brushing against her cheeks, and he noticed the slight, nervous tilt of her head. Her ocean-blue eyes met his, wide and expressive, and there was a flicker of vulnerability there that made his chest tighten.

Her fair skin gleamed faintly in the room’s soft light, smooth and unblemished, complementing the dark elegance of the maid uniform she wore. The classic black dress hugged her form with subtle grace, puffed sleeves giving her a playful charm, and a crisp white apron tied neatly at her waist with frilled edges that softened the sharp lines. Golden buttons lined the front of her dress, tiny sparks of brilliance that matched the gold of her earrings—two on each ear, climbing elegantly along the length of her pointed ears.

Around her neck rested a golden choker, the slave collar embedded with a single, deep blue gem that mirrored the hue of her eyes. It rested against her collarbone with perfect symmetry, a jewel that seemed to glow faintly, accentuating her delicate neckline. White stockings climbed her legs, finishing the outfit with a purity that contrasted beautifully against the dark fabric of her dress.

Ethan’s mouth went dry. For a brief moment, all he could do was stare, every detail etched into his mind—the way the dress clung and flowed, the gleam of her earrings, the subtle warmth of her skin, the hint of nervous anticipation in her posture.

"You... removed your illusion," he finally managed, his voice low, a mixture of awe and disbelief.

Lirael’s cheeks warmed, her lips parting slightly in a small, shy smile.

"You said you liked it that way... that’s why," she whispered, the soft lilt of her voice carrying a tender sincerity that made Ethan’s heart beat faster.

He stepped forward slowly, his gaze lingering, taking in every exquisite detail. "You... look amazing. Beautiful," he said, his voice husky with admiration. "Truly... breathtaking."

A faint blush crept across her cheeks, her hands tightening slightly at her sides. The room seemed to shrink around them—the air thick with unspoken emotions, warmth, and the lingering scent of lavender from his bath. Ethan felt a rare, grounding clarity: in this moment, Lirael was more than companion or curiosity; she was captivating, radiant, and utterly pleasant, and he wanted to treasure every second of seeing her this way.

She shifted slightly, and the soft rustle of fabric seemed almost musical in the quiet room. Her eyes flicked down, then back up, and the corner of her lips curved into a small, teasing smile. "Well... you better not just stand there," she murmured, her tone playful but edged with vulnerability.

Ethan allowed himself a soft chuckle, finally closing the distance between them. "Oh, I’m not just standing," he said, his eyes never leaving hers. "I’m making sure this... masterpiece is appreciated properly."

The air between them pulsed with anticipation, warmth, and something unspoken, something electric—an intimacy wrapped in the delicate layers of a simple maid uniform, yet charged with a tension that made the moment feel infinite.

"So...?" Ethan’s voice cut softly through the quiet room, the faint echo bouncing off the walls. "Do you find the clothes... comforting?"

Lirael shifted slightly, brushing a strand of azure hair behind her ear. "Yes... it’s... surprisingly comforting," she admitted, her voice low, almost shy, yet carrying a note of truth.

Ethan smirked, a glint of playful pride in his eyes. "Well... my choice is always the best." He stood still, his gaze fixed on her, taking in every detail—the curve of her neck, the subtle way the fabric clung to her form, the shimmer of her earrings as they caught the light.

Lirael felt heat flood her cheeks under his unwavering stare. Her hands clenched slightly at her sides, and she tried to compose herself. "Heh... you were the one to say I should wear these... and now look at you... am I not good?" she huffed, attempting a tone of smugness, though the nervous tremor in her voice betrayed her embarrassment.

Ethan blinked, breaking out of his daze, a boldness sparking in his gaze. He stepped just a little closer, the scent of her faint floral perfume brushing his senses, stirring something deep inside. "Lirael..."

"Y-yes?" Her heart skipped a beat. Her eyes darted nervously to his, and a faint quiver tugged at her lips.

"Will... you go out with me?" His words hung in the air, heavy and deliberate, he dropped a bomb.

Ba-damp... ba-damp...

Her chest pounded in her ears, as though the room had shrunk and focused entirely on him. She knew—without a doubt—that he wasn’t asking about a mere stroll outside the building.

Her face turned a deep, crimson shade. "W-what?" she stammered, her hands trembling slightly.

Ethan’s expression softened, yet his eyes held a steady intensity. "Lirael... no woman I’ve met... has affected me the way you do. Not even my... business wife from my previous world. Hell... I’m pretty sure by now she would be in another man’s bed by now" His voice carried a rare sincerity, quiet but unwavering. "But you... you’re different. I appreciate you. I... I like everything about you—your courage, your wit, the way you carry yourself... even your little quirks. You matter to me more than I can properly express."

Lirael’s lips parted slightly, her chest rising and falling as if she could barely draw breath. Her eyes glistened, shimmering like deep pools under the soft light of the room. Every word seemed to etch itself onto her heart.

He stepped a fraction closer, careful not to invade her space, yet close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from him. "Of course... if you’re not ready," he added gently, his voice softening further. "You can take all the time you need. I won’t... I won’t force you to do anything against your wishes. Not now, not ever."

Her hands clutched at the edges of her apron, trembling, and she swallowed hard. The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken longing, nervous anticipation, and a burgeoning, tender trust.

Finally, she found her voice, barely above a whisper: "I... I... don’t know what to say..."

Ethan’s lips curved into a small, reassuring smile. "Then say nothing for now," he murmured. "Just... be here, with me. That’s enough."

The air in the room felt charged—warm, heavy, and intimate. The faint scent of lavender from his bath mixed with the soft floral notes clinging to her hair. Their gazes held, a silent promise forming, delicate yet unshakable, that neither was in a rush, yet both knew this moment had shifted everything.

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A/N: Do check the updated character profile of Lirael...though I updated it the day I wrote this Chapter, so it might have came early then the scheduled date of this Chapter release...do comment your thoughts!