The next morning, Selina had already freshened up and changed back into her dress. She came out of the room, closing the door behind her with a quiet click.
With caution, she scanned every corner of the house like a sensor, checking if that cold devil was anywhere in sight.
'Cold devil'—the nickname she'd picked for him after last night's rough intimacy. She needed to escape this chilly place.
Noticing that Zane was nowhere in sight, nor anyone else, a rush of urgency struck her. With her heels in both hands, she tiptoed barefoot across the cool tiles of the staircase, descending as quietly as she could.
Selina quickened her pace toward the open entrance, glittering with the promise of freedom. Relief washed over her—until it vanished in an instant. Her heart jumped at the sight of the imposing figure stepping into her path from the corner.
Her body tensed, her mind scrambled, and her eyes widened.
Selina, halt!
Oh, no!
Too late!
Before she could stop, her forehead collided with his broad, firm chest. She stumbled back, lost her balance, and plopped onto the floor.
"Ouch!" she winced, rubbing her forehead.
Zane, unfazed, crossed his arms across his chest. "Were you trying to escape?"
How did he appear out of nowhere like a ghost? She twisted her face, berating disappointedly in her head.
An awkward chuckle slipped from her lips. "No, I was just… admiring the mansion before I bumped into you."
"I didn't bring you here to admire the scenery. My business with you isn't over yet. So brace yourself," Zane said coldly, his words hinting at whatever dark intentions lay beneath.
Selina stood up, brushing off her hands. "What business is that?"
Zane leaned in, his gaze sharp. "Are you that desperate for another intimacy?"
"What… what intimacy?" Selina stammered, blinking at his shameless remark. "My body is already aching. Maybe we should skip today. I mean we can't do it again."
Zane raised an eyebrow. "You seem fine to be on your feet. I believe I went easy on you. So gentle."
Gentle? Selina scoffed inwardly. Was that a compliment or a jab at how helpless she'd been under him?
"I don't remember much of it, but you can't keep me here forever," she said, her gaze drifting past him, unable to meet his intimidating stare. "I have my own life, my dreams. I need to work hard, earn enough, and build a future beyond these walls."
"I never said I'd stop you from reaching your dreams," Zane replied coolly, his voice trailing off as he turned, descending the steps. His black trench coat swept behind him, boots echoing on the stone as he walked away without looking back.
Selina stood dumbstruck, as if she'd just heard something utterly shocking. Was this… a change of heart? He had promised to see her in misery, then didn't that mean suffering or something dangerous?
A small smile crept onto her lips. She hurried to catch up with him, stepping into his path.
Zane slowed.
Walking backward, she lowered her head in a dramatic bow. "Thank you, Mr. Zane. I won't forget your kindness and mercy."
She then looked up with a radiant smile and winked at him.
Zane slid his hands into his pockets, wondering if she was always this dramatic, like someone out of a '50s movie. He doubted her gratitude would last once she saw what awaited her next.
He stared at her, noting how her bright eyes locked onto him appeared familiar, yet distant, as if something faint flickered behind them before he quickly looked away.
Selina cleared her throat, a sudden idea sparking. "Let me repay you with dinner. Since I can't afford a meal at my restaurant, I'll find a nice place for us. What do you think?"
She needed to get close to him and understand this hellish conflict between him and her father before it tore everything apart.
"I'm not your friend," Zane said flatly, turning her down.
Selina nodded, recalling how he always ate alone at the restaurant. She stopped in front of him again, blocking his path.
He raised a brow at her bold move, ready to tell her to get out of the way—when she gently raised her hand and touched his forehead.
The back of her hand lingered for a moment, leaving Zane motionless. His brows furrowed, astonished.
She slid her other hand into his palm, feeling how cold his skin was against hers despite the scorching weather.
Her eyes softened. "Are you unwell, Mr. Zane?"
Zane snapped back, yanking his hands away, fury flashing in his eyes. Rage boiled beneath his skin at her uninvited affection.
"So impulsive and audacious," he muttered, his voice low but heavy, making Selina retreat.
She blinked, unsure why he was upset. Was he really that cold?
"I was just worried about you."
Zane's expression didn't shift. "You should worry about yourself."
"But you don't seem fine."
"Don't act like you know anything about me," he rebuked quietly, a cold edge in his voice.
Selina took a slow breath. "I don't. That's why I've been trying. I want to understand… I want to be by your side."
Zane clenched his jaw, his patience thinning again. Her boldness, her endless chatter, her softness—it gnawed at him.
And now she dared to want to stay by his side? What a reckless, foolish wish.
For a moment, the fire in him felt uncontrollable, ready to burn everything in its path—including her.
But he swallowed it down and said sharply, "Let me make this clear. I would never need someone like you by my side."
With that, he brushed past her without a glance back.
Selina stared after him, a frown tugging at her lips. "How could he be so blunt with his rejection?" she muttered, watching his retreating figure.
When she saw him take an unfamiliar path, she hurried to follow. "Where are you going?"
"Come with me quietly," Zane ordered, his voice low and dangerous. "Or I'll rip your tongue out."