Vampire's Veil Of Obsession-Chapter 73: Was She Ready

But to Zethan's surprise, just as the words left his lips, Lilia leaned in and kissed him—hard.

It wasn't just a kiss. It was slow, deliberate. A message written in heat and longing.

Zethan froze, his mind momentarily going blank. He had expected resistance, hesitation, anything but this. Yet here she was, matching the teasing game he had played earlier, her lips parting just enough for her tongue to slip inside, coaxing him to respond.

His breath hitched. A thrill ran down his spine. He was in awe—more than surprised.

Instinct took over. His hands found their way to her waist, gripping her firmly but gently. As if afraid she would disappear. As if this moment would shatter if he held her too tight. The golden light of the setting sun cast them in its embrace, their silhouettes merging against the wall. A breathtaking sight.

Zethan sat by the window, unmoving, as Lilia wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed closer. The warmth of her body, the scent of her hair—it was overwhelming.

It was as if they had fallen into their own world. A beautiful, untouchable world.

For the first time in a long while, Zethan felt weightless.

Just as Lilia began to pull away, Zethan reacted on instinct. His fingers curled into the fabric of her top, and before she could leave, he pulled her back—his tongue pushing inside, reclaiming the kiss.

The sensation was maddeningly beautiful.

Insanely intoxicating.

Lilia had never imagined a kiss could feel like this.

She had seen them in movies. Always exaggerated, always dramatic. She used to wonder why filmmakers made such a big deal out of it—why they zoomed in from every angle, as if capturing the very essence of love itself. Even though the only ones she was allowed to watch were the ones where a simple kiss was the farthest they would go, she still found herself blushing.

But even then, she had dismissed it.

It was just acting. Just camera work.

Now, all of those doubts vanished.

This passion, this intensity—this toe-curling, heart-racing feeling.

Her body trembled as the realization struck her.

She was losing herself in him.

Her knees gave way.

Zethan caught her just in time, his strong arms securing her before she could fall.

Lilia gasped against his lips, pulling away just enough to breathe. Their breaths mingled in the space between them, warm and uneven.

Their eyes met.

In that silent moment, it was as if they were having a conversation—one that needed no words.

A conversation spoken through locked gazes, through the unspoken emotions that lingered between them.

But then—

A single thought shattered it all.

Ava.

Lilia's entire body tensed as a sudden realization struck her, and anger flared within her.

Anger at herself.

Zethan felt the shift immediately.

Without hesitation, he cupped her cheeks with both hands, pulling her focus back to him. His face was dangerously close, his voice low and steady.

"If you're still worried about her," he murmured, "she's gone now. That child isn't mine."

Lilia's breath caught.

Her eyes widened.

He was joking. He had to be. He was lying.

She shoved him away, shaking her head. "You're lying."

Zethan didn't even flinch.

Instead, he sighed, his voice dropping even lower.

"That is my cousin's child."

Silence stretched between them.

Lilia turned her head to the side, as if processing his words, as if hesitant to believe them.

Then, in a quiet, almost broken whisper, she asked:

"Are...you disappointed?"

Zethan blinked. Of all the things he had expected her to say, that was not one of them.

He let out a soft chuckle, tilting her chin up so she would look at him.

"Why should I be, huh?"

Lilia's lips parted slightly, her golden brown eyes searching his face. It was then that she noticed it.

The small, knowing smile curling on his lips.

Zethan was calm. Too calm.

And for some reason, that only made her frustration grow.

All this time...

What had Ava really been planning?

Had she truly been so obsessed with Zethan that she would go this far?

This—this unforgivable thing?

Lilia's hands clenched at her sides.

And Zethan—

He looked so composed. So unaffected.

As if he had known from the very beginning.

A fresh wave of frustration surged inside her.

Should she be angry at him? Or at herself?

She didn't know.

Silence stretched between them again.

Then, Zethan spoke.

His voice was quiet. Almost resigned.

"I wouldn't mind if you punched me."

Lilia's breath caught.

"Screamed at me."

Her fingers twitched.

"I deserve it, my little Loris."

She turned her face away.

Then she heard it.

A single word.

"Please."

Lilia's eyes widened.

Her lips parted in shock.

Was he seriously begging her?

Her mind reeled.

What was wrong with this man?

Even when he said the most vulnerable things, he still sounded so proud.

Did he actually beg?

Or was this just another one of his games?

But she knew him.

She knew him too well.

To Zethan's surprise, Lilia suddenly wrapped her arms around him, holding him tight.

She was hugging him.

"Thank goodness," she murmured.

Her voice carried a weight—one that had been pressing on her for far too long.

But what was she truly relieved about?

That the child wasn't his?

Or that Ava was no longer here?

Then, in a whisper, she added—

"Just like I'm yours...you're mine too. Understood, Mr. Zethan Lyall?"

Zethan stilled.

His lips pressed together for a moment before he finally spoke.

"Understood... Mrs. Zethan."

Lilia giggled, the sound light and airy as she playfully scrunched his shoulders.

Then, with a teasing grin, Zethan added—

"Now get ready. As promised, our wedding is tonight."

Lilia's eyes widened in shock.

Her entire body froze.

Zethan chuckled, his voice laced with amusement.

"Did you really think I would back down on my words?"

Lilia swallowed.

"I said we were getting married tonight. And that's exactly what's happening, my wife."

Lilia's mind raced.

Everything clicked at once.

Last night—when she had thought he had left.

When she had assumed he had gone to meet Ava.

He had actually been preparing this.

Their wedding.

Her heart pounded wildly in her chest.

She couldn't believe it.

Zethan had planned everything.

And she hadn't seen it coming.

He was surprising her in ways she never expected—

Making her feel emotions she didn't even know how to name.

Just then, his voice pulled her back to the present.

"Go on. Freshen up."

Still in a daze, Lilia nodded.

She turned, stepping into the bathroom.

The moment the door closed behind her, she gripped the edge of the sink.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached for the water, splashing it over her face.

Her reflection stared back at her.

Her cheeks were flushed.

Her lips...swollen.....

After her bath, Lilia stepped out of the bathroom, the warmth of the steam still clinging to her skin. She wrapped herself in a simple robe, tying it securely around her waist before making her way toward the door. Just as she reached for the handle, a soft knock sounded against the wood.

"Come in," she said quietly, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her.

The door opened, revealing Evie, who stepped in with a respectful bow.

"Good evening, Miss Lilia," Evie greeted, her tone professional yet gentle. "Your wedding gown and makeup preparations are ready. The gown has already been sent to the church, and everything is set up. All that's left is for you to get dressed, and then we'll head over. Mr. Zethan has already left to make his final preparations."

Lilia nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of it all. It was real. Everything was happening so fast, yet it still felt like a dream—one she wasn't sure she had fully accepted.

Evie handed her a neatly folded outfit—a matching white top and pants. The fabric was soft beneath Lilia's fingertips, cool and delicate like the emotions swirling inside her. She accepted it with a brief nod of gratitude. Without another word, Evie stepped out, allowing her the privacy to change.

Lilia took a deep breath, steadying herself before slipping into the outfit. The crisp white fabric hugged her frame comfortably, a stark contrast to the heavy wedding gown waiting for her at the church. She ran her fingers through her almost partly dried hair, letting it air-dry as she took one last look around the room.

Then, with quiet resolve, she stepped outside.

Evie was already waiting for her at the bottom of the staircase, her presence calm and reassuring. Without hesitation, she moved to assist Lilia as they descended. Outside, the cool evening air greeted them. The chauffeur stood patiently by the sleek black car, the vehicle's polished surface gleaming under the soft glow of the streetlights.

As Lilia approached, the chauffeur met her gaze with a polite nod.

"Good evening, Miss Lilia."

She offered a small smile in return. "Good evening."

Taking a deep breath, she slid into the car. The door shut with a soft click, sealing her inside the quiet, intimate space. The chauffeur took his seat, and soon, they were gliding through the city streets.

The drive was slow, almost agonizingly so, yet Lilia's heart raced wildly against her ribs.

Excitement bubbled inside her, but it was accompanied by something else—something she couldn't quite name.

Zethan had actually kept his word.

He had planned everything meticulously, ensuring every detail was perfect. Even when she had once considered leaving, even when the thought of divorce had crossed her mind, he had known. He had been prepared. He had orchestrated everything.

But why was her heart beating this way?

Was it the surprise wedding? The relief of knowing that Ava didn't have Zethan's child? The knowledge that Ava was no longer a looming presence in their lives? Or was it something deeper—something far more terrifying?

Was it because, at last, she was truly his?

Her hands clenched slightly in her lap as the weight of the moment pressed down on her.

Evie's voice broke through her thoughts.

"Miss Lilia, you don't have to be nervous."

Lilia exhaled softly, forcing a small smile. "I know."

But did she?

Even now, she still couldn't believe this was real. So many things in her life had crumbled, yet here she was, standing at the threshold of something new, something she had never imagined for herself.

Before long, the car slowed to a stop.

They had arrived.

Lilia's breath caught in her throat as she peered out at the grand church standing before her, its towering spires piercing the night sky. The glow of the lights illuminated the stone facade, casting long shadows that danced along the pathway.

She was really here.

Evie stepped out first, moving swiftly to open the door. Lilia hesitated for a fraction of a second, then drew in a deep breath before stepping outside.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Evie nodded respectfully and together, they walked toward a smaller building beside the church. It was a private space, separate but close, where her final preparations would take place.

As they stepped inside, Lilia was immediately surrounded by movement. The makeup artist was setting up, assistants were making last-minute adjustments, and the air buzzed with quiet urgency.

Everything was in place for her transformation.

Slowly, she lowered herself into the chair, taking it all in.

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Then, Evie turned to her with a knowing smile.

"Miss Lilia, are you ready?"

Lilia met her gaze, her heart pounding.

Was she ready?

She exhaled softly, her lips curving into a quiet but determined smile.

"I'm ready."

She was ready to marry Zethan Lyall.