CHAPTER 15: CHAPTER 15: TEASING HER: EVERY SECOND IS TORMENT

After handling the hospital affairs, Seraphina Thorne hurried back to school to continue rehearsing.

Julia Chamberlain wasn’t present in the rehearsal hall, and Seraphina didn’t ask much about it.

She had too many worries and no extra time or energy to concern herself with such trivial matters.

A day passed busily, and it was already dusk in the blink of an eye.

"Thorne," a short-haired girl from the orchestra walked over, carrying her cello, "shall we go to the restaurant together for dinner?"

Recognizing her as Tano, the dormmate who had invited her to share a bed last night, Seraphina looked apologetic.

"Sorry, I need to go home tonight. Maybe another day!"

Ethan Sterling had already requested her to move in today.

There was no avoiding it.

Concerned that Julia Chamberlain might be a threat to her father, Seraphina purposely rushed to the hospital first.

After asking the on-duty nurse to confirm her father’s well-being, the weight in her heart finally settled.

The Paramount Gardens wasn’t far from First General Hospital, situated roughly between the hospital and the music academy.

Because it’s in the city center, the transportation is very convenient.

Seraphina took the subway back from the hospital, stopping by the convenience store at the community entrance to buy some food.

Ordering delivery was too expensive, and now she saves whenever possible.

Ethan Sterling’s apartment was the best in the community, a penthouse with an elevator directly into the home.

Inputting the password Ethan Sterling told her on the lock, Seraphina easily entered the residence.

Like Ethan’s office, the room’s decor was primarily black, white, and gray.

Accented with sea blue and bright yellow, it was simple yet understated with a touch of luxurious taste.

When she opened the shoe cabinet, besides Ethan’s shoes, there were also two pairs of new women’s slippers with tags.

She wasn’t too surprised.

Could someone like Ethan Sterling ever lack women?

Who knows how many girls had stayed over here.

Without wearing the shoes in the cabinet, Seraphina took out her slippers from the box and put them on.

Taking out her phone, she sent Ethan Sterling a WeChat message.

[Cherish (Seraphina’s WeChat name): I’ve arrived.]

[Ethan Sterling: Working overtime today, no need to wait for me.]

Seraphina breathed a sigh of relief.

Tonight, she should have dodged a bullet.

Finding a guest room, Seraphina dragged her suitcase inside — despite being prepared, she still couldn’t accept sharing a bed with Ethan Sterling every night.

Putting the purchased food in the fridge, she simply heated a dinner to fill her stomach.

It was still early for sleep, and Seraphina looked around, seeking a suitable room to practice the violin.

Along the corridor by the bedroom, a slightly open door revealed a corner of a grand piano, prompting Seraphina to approach quickly.

Indeed, it was a music room.

The music room was professionally arranged, with soundproof panels on the walls, a premium Steinway grand piano, a metronome on top, along with several music scores.

It was evident the piano was used frequently, not just a display of wealth.

Could Ethan Sterling play the piano too?

This caught Seraphina a bit off guard.

But only a bit.

It’s common for children from affluent families to learn piano or painting in childhood to enhance their demeanor.

Opening a simple music stand and placing the music sheet, Seraphina shut the door, focusing intensely on practicing.

The performance was scheduled for next week; time was pressing.

Being a last-minute substitute for the lead violinist, she could only shine on stage by practicing diligently backstage.

Music was her refuge.

Once fully immersed, she would forget everything.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

...

Unknowingly, it was already late at night.

Yawning, stretching her slightly sore waist and back.

Seraphina glanced at the time, packed up the violin and music sheets, and returned to the guest room.

She enjoyed a warm shower, emerging in pajamas, before taking a carton of milk from the fridge to heat.

Just as she poured the heated milk into a cup, she heard the smart door lock emit a soft "ding" from the door.

Was Ethan Sterling back?

Seraphina’s heart skipped a beat.

She hastily returned to the guest room with her milk cup, bypassing cleaning the kitchen.

Placing the cup on the table, she kicked off her slippers, climbed into bed, turned off the table lamp, and pulled the quilt over herself.

In the foyer.

Ethan Sterling casually tossed his car keys into a key dish on the foyer shelf.

His gaze softened at the sight of the creamy coat hanging there.

Removing his coat and hanging it beside hers, he changed into slippers and walked into the living room.

"Honey?"

No response.

Noticing the light in the kitchen, Ethan stepped in.

No one there.

A small milk pan was left out on the counter.

Ethan glanced around and walked towards the master bedroom.

As he passed the guest room with its slightly ajar door, he stopped and pushed it open.

Seraphina lay there with her eyes shut, pretending to sleep.

Light streamed in from the corridor, brightening the guest room.

Ethan’s gaze swept over the scattered slippers by the door and beside the bed, and the steaming cup of milk on the table, before settling on Seraphina hidden under the quilt.

Bending down, he picked up the slippers and placed them by the bed.

He lifted the blanket gently, revealing her face.

Seraphina kept her eyelashes down, unmoving.

Yet her ears were perked, tensely listening for his actions.

The bed at her side slightly sagged as he sat next to her.

A warm hand brushed aside the hair covering her face.

The familiar woody aroma approached; she felt his breath.

Seraphina maintained her previous posture.

She knew the day would come sooner or later.

But for now, she wasn’t ready.

A cool pair of lips touched hers.

Seraphina pursed her lips, her fingers tightly clutching the quilt, her body still immobile.

Just hoping he would leave her alone.

His lips moved away from hers.

Landed on her earlobe.

Then trailed down her neck, gently nibbling her collarbone...

A hand reached in, brushing her side rib through the pajamas, under the quilt.

Her heart felt like it was being scratched by a soft, furry paw.

An intoxicating itch.

Each second felt like torture.

Seraphina’s heart raced, her toes curled under the quilt, her legs clamped instinctively.

Clenching her fingers inside the quilt, she controlled her breathing, leaving no trace to betray her.

She was asleep.

Asleep!

She didn’t believe he’d still be interested.