It had been a few days, and things were finally starting to feel normal again.
Liana woke to the soft buzzing of her phone. She sighed and carefully shifted away from Ethilia, moving slowly so she wouldn't wake her.
Ethilia stirred anyway, turning slightly and curling deeper into the blanket as she murmured something Liana couldn't quite catch.
Liana smiled and leaned to press a gentle kiss to Ethilia's forehead before reaching for her phone.
Leaning back against the headboard, she replied, "Hello, Laura."
Laura's voice came through calm, but clearly annoyed. "Well, my highness. You do remember you need to be early for our collab recording today, right?"
Liana nodded even though Laura couldn't see her and stretched, "Yeah, I know. I'll be on time. Don't worry." She paused and then asked again, "Anything about that girl?"
She could hear Laura huffing, "No. If I hear anything, I'll let you know."
Liana hummed and ended the call after a simple bye. She set the phone aside and slid back under the blanket beside Ethilia, spooning her from behind. She nuzzled into her neck, breathing her in.
This sweet scent always makes her forget everything. With a huge smile, she pressed a few lingering kisses to Ethilia's skin. "Baby…"
When Ethilia didn't respond, Liana pouted slightly and ran her fingers through her hair. "Lia… wake up. You have classes."
Ethilia sighed and turned toward her as she opened her eyes. There was no trace of sleepiness in them. Liana raised an eyebrow, leaned in, and kissed her head.
Ethilia's heart skipped a beat. She wrapped an arm around Liana and hooked a leg over hers. "Who were you talking to?" she asked in harsh voice.
Liana pulled back to look at Ethilia with a frown, "Wait, you heard everything?"
Ethilia nodded and tapped Liana's nose lightly. "Mm. I heard you say you'd be on time. Just didn't hear who it was."
Liana squeezed her waist and leaned closer, "You know… I love this about you."
Ethilia tilted her head and pinched Liana's back in warning before whispering, "What exactly?"
Liana winced and pouted, earning a chuckle from Ethilia. "That you ask me directly," Liana said. "You don't overthink like others."
Ethilia's lips twisted into a soft smile, but she forced a firm expression. "Now tell me." She grabbed Liana's collar and pushed her back slightly.
Liana caught Ethilia's wrist, bringing it to her lips and kissing her knuckles. "Laura. She and the team are watching. If that girl posts anything, they'll track it and remove the video."
Ethilia nodded slowly, snuggling her face into Liana's chest beneath the blanket. Liana started for a few seconds in amusement, and then laughed.
She wrapped her arms around Ethilia and rolled them so Ethilia was resting on top of her.
Ethilia let out a sigh when she heard Liana's rapid heartbeat. She melted into this warmth.
One of Liana's hands was rubbing slow circles on her back, the other threading gently through her hair. It felt like she was where she belonged, and it made getting up feel impossible.
"Lia... you really need to go. Come on. Get up." Liana said softly, even though there was a firmness.
If it were someone else, they might have listened, but not Ethilia. She shook her head and mumbled, "A few more minutes," her words muffled against Liana's chest.
Rolling her eyes, Liana sat down again, making sure Ethilia stayed settled on her lap. "Wrap your legs around my waist, baby."
Ethilia blushed, but she complied, wrapping her arms around Liana's neck and legs around her waist, "Why?" she asked softly. "Are you going to carry me now?"
Liana chuckled, one arm supporting Ethilia's thigh, the other staying on her back as she stood up from the bed. "Yes, I'll help you take a shower."
She whispered against Ethilai's ear as she pushed the bathroom door open with the hand resting on her back.
Ethilia's eyes widen, and breathing fasten hearing Liana. It wasn't that she minded but... she was still a bit shy. Biting her lip, she pulled back just enough to look at Liana. "Shower?"
Liana nodded easily. "Yes. But brush first." She stopped in front of the mirror. "Will you stand?"
Flustered, Ethilia hummed and slid down from Liana's arms. "But I was thinking I might skip the shower today." Her voice was barely audible.
Liana frowned as she grabbed the toothpaste and two brushes. "What do you mean? You'll stink," she said bluntly, handing one to Ethilia.
Ethilia took it and pouted. "You mean I stink even though I showered last night?"
Liana bit her inner cheek and grinned sheepishly. Ethilia turned toward the sink and started brushing while clearly sulking.
Liana couldn't help but find the situation funny and Ethilia cute. Yet, she let it slide and focused on brushing her teeth too.
After finishing their morning routine and breakfast, Liana offered to drop Ethilia off. Ethilia, still sulking just a little, refused.
Liana followed her outside and grabbed her wrist. "I said I'm sorry. Come on." She pouted and gave Ethilia a soft peck.
"Don't sulk, please?" She fluttered her eyelashes dramatically, clearly trying to break her resolve.
Finally, her luck shone, and Ethilia smiled softly before leaning in to kiss Liana.
Liana gasped at the sudden kiss, then wrapped her arms around Ethilia's waist without hesitation. She doesn't care if anyone saw or even judged. She was getting her hard-earned kiss and determined to enjoy it.
Ethilia looped her arms around Liana's neck and melted into it, the world around them fading as their breaths mingled. When they finally pulled back, Ethilia rested her forehead against Liana's.
Ethilia hugged Liana tightly, "That was supposed to be a soft kiss," She whispered in a breathy voice.
"Yeah, so?" Liana smirked shamelessly. "I was starving. I needed my dose."
She pulled away from the hug. "Let's go." She forwarded her hand.
Ethilai rolled her eyes but reluctantly took her hand before walking beside Liana, "You're spoiling both me and Alena."
Liana hummed, opening the car door and letting Ethilia get in before heading to the driver's seat. "Oh! Good that you reminded me."
She fastened her seatbelt and started the engine. "I wanted to ask… when are you thinking of enrolling Alena in school?"
Ethilia leaned back against the seat and hummed thoughtfully. "Alena will turn four soon. I think she's still too young to go to school."
Liana hummed, but her focus was on the road, "Then when do you think the right time is?"
Ethilia turned fully toward her. "After she turns six, maybe."
Liana blinked a few times, then glanced at Ethilia before placing a hand gently on her thigh. "As you wish."
Ethilia frowned slightly and placed her hand over Liana's. "No. Not just me. It's us," she corrected softly. "You have the same right to make decisions about Alena."
Liana slowed down and parked near the college. Turning fully toward Ethilia, she asked quietly, "Do I?"
Ethilia intertwined their fingers and lifted their joined hands, pressing a gentle kiss to Liana's knuckles. "If I'm her biological mother, then you're her mother by heart."
Liana's eyes widened, her grip tightening around Ethilia's hand. She didn't say anything, but the emotion was clear in her eyes.
Ethilia smiled, reached over, and unbuckled both their seatbelts before pulling Liana into a tight hug.
"I love you," Ethilia murmured. "And you have every right when it comes to me, or our daughter."
Liana closed her eyes and nuzzled into Ethilia's neck, humming softly. After a moment, she pulled back and gently patted Ethilia's head. "Go now. Or do you want me to walk you in?"
Ethilia cupped Liana's cheeks and shook her head. "No… thank you."
She smiled and was about to open the door when she paused. Turning back, she grabbed Liana's wrist.
Liana frowned and looked at Ethilia with that same soft look like always, "What?"
Ethilia squished Liana's cheeks slightly and narrowed her eyes playfully. "What do we say when someone says 'I love you'?"
Liana let out a surprised laugh and covered Ethilia's hand to stop her. "Okay, okay," she said with a smile. "I love you too. Happy now?"
Ethilia nodded and pulled away before stepping out of the car. Liana stayed where she was as Ethilia walked away. Ethilia turned back and waved before heading into the college building.
A few students nearby noticed Ethilia walking out of a Porsche Panamera.
"I didn't know she was that rich," one girl whispered.
Another boy leaned closer and murmured, "Maybe she's dating some rich guy."
Tessa and Rin were just as shocked to realize that their very new friend was actually rich.
As Ethilia approached them, Rin gasped dramatically, grabbed her hand, and dragged her toward their classroom.
"Gosh," she whispered loudly, "I thought we were all poor, but you turned out to be a rich impostor."
Ethilia chuckled awkwardly, and Tessa immediately smacked Rin lightly on the arm. "Hey, we're not that poor."
Rin rolled her eyes, and Ethilia let out a sigh. She had already noticed that these two had known each other for a long time and argued constantly. It felt safer not to interfere.
Meanwhile, Liana was back at her label, recording the song she would be collaborating on with Laura. The session was intense but enjoyable.
By evening, Liana wrapped up her work and headed toward Ethilia's college. Ashley wasn't with Ethilia today; there was no need. Alex was already behind bars, and the lawyers were making sure he stayed there.
Liana parked and stepped out of the car. She walked to a nearby shop and bought a few snacks. With a mask and cap pulled low, her face wasn't easily recognizable.
She placed the packages inside the car, then leaned against the door, waiting for Ethilia.
A few minutes passed, and Liana started checking her watch, "What the heck… she should be here by now."
She straightened, ready to walk toward the college, when she spotted Ethilia coming out with two girls beside her.
Her eyes narrowed as she saw one of the girls seemed a little too close to Ethilia for her liking.
"Who's that now?" she murmured to herself. "Looks a bit too close to my girlfriend."