Love On Ice: Don’t Leave Me, My Charming Liar

Chapter 12: "No worries," Ethan replied casually. Callie couldn't help but study Ethan's sharply defined jawline-so flawless it seemed sculpted. His face was mesmerizing, a kind of beauty few could ignore. It was one of the reasons she'd rushed back to the country. "As soon as I returned, I wanted to see you. It's been so many years... I've really missed you," she admitted, her voice soft as she lowered her gaze, suddenly shy, like a teenager confessing a crush. Callie was often described as one of the most beautiful women in Ulares, but as Ethan glanced at her, he felt nothing.

"Send my regards to your father," he said instead, instinctively steering the conversation elsewhere. Callie bit her lip but refused to feel disheartened. It was normal, she thought, for feelings to fade after so long apart. Besides, during dinner, Ethan's father had told her he liked her and hoped she would become his daughter-in-law. Their families' engagement arrangement, delayed by her years abroad, had always lingered in the background. The thought filled her with confidence. Ethan hadn't been linked to anyone else during her time away-or so she'd heard.

She glanced at him now, sitting beside her with his usual calm demeanor. Her heart brimmed with affection, her gaze unable to hide it. "By the way, Ethan," she began, her tone light but deliberate, "your father mentioned our engagement is under preparation. Since I'm back now, can we move forward with it?" Ethan's hands tightened briefly on the steering wheel. For a fleeting moment, an image of Nyla flashed in his mind: her tear-streaked face, stubborn and defiant even as her words stung him. The memory irritated him in ways he didn't understand.

"We'll proceed as planned," he said, his voice neutral, distant. Feel the thrill at g aln ov el s . com Callie smiled softly, serene and composed. "Alright." She leaned back in her seat, confidence swelling. So what if she'd been gone for a few years? She was back now, and she would have her way. Ethan was destined to be hers. The next day, just past noon, Nyla was jolted awake by the sound of her doorbell. After a moment of groggy resistance, she sat up, raking her fingers through her hair in exasperation. "Who is it?" she called, her voice hoarse with impatience.

She had moved out of Cloudscape Mansion the day before, returning to an apartment she'd bought last year. Only Vicki and Ethan knew about it. Assuming it was Vicki at the door, Nyla dragged herself out of bed, ready to yell at her. Instead, she was startled when a group of strangers walked in, ushering her into the living room. Before she could protest, they began fussing with her face. Nyla was thoroughly annoyed as Vicki strolled in, looking all too pleased with herself. "What's all this about?" Nyla demanded, throwing Vicki an incredulous glare.

"I knew you wouldn't get up on time," Vicki said smugly. "So, I arranged for the makeup artists to come to you. This time, you're leaving the apartment looking amazing. No excuses. And don't think you're getting out of it. Your outfit's ready, and there's a car waiting downstairs." . . .