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

Chapter 159: Nyla tensed, inching away. "Let's go ahead with it," he said again, his voice now tinged with urgency. "It might distract you." A sharp intake of breath, and she understood his implication. Clinging to his shirt, her emotional barriers shattered. Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she released the pent-up anguish. She had been the pillar of resilience for too long. Now, faced with a hint of compassion, her fortitude waned. "I didn't do it," she murmured hoarsely, tears interrupting her plea. "I swear, Ethan. I didn't. Yet nobody believes me.

Not a soul." Nyla curled into Ethan's arms like a wounded child, silent tears streaking down her face as she tried to stifle her sobs. Her body trembled, and every so often, a muffled hiccup broke through her restraint. Ethan hesitated. His hand hovered uncertainly before settling gently on her back, offering an awkward, hesitant pat. He hadn't meant to eavesdrop on the earlier conversation. He had been on a call with an overseas client, and when it ended, Nyla's strained voice had stopped him in his tracks. He could have walked away. Should have, really.

But the raw despair in her voice rooted him in place. Why had he pulled her into his private lounge? He couldn't explain it. Maybe he just didn't want to see her fall apart; she was still a young member of the Brooks family, after all. At least, that's what he told himself. When Nyla's sobs finally subsided, her red-rimmed eyes were swollen, and she looked utterly drained. Small hiccups lingered as she slumped against him, her energy spent. "I didn't mean to dump all this on you," she said softly after a while. "I just...

couldn't hold it in anymore." She straightened slightly, as if gathering the remnants of her composure. "I know you're not doing this because you care. It's just... pity, isn't it?" Ethan's brows drew together. Her words should have eased the discomfort churning in his chest-she'd voiced exactly what he'd been thinking. Yet, instead of relief, they grated on him, leaving a bitter taste. Lᴀtеst chαptєrs n glнovєls.со Nyla wiped her face with the back of her hand and stood, smoothing her clothes. "Ethan, if you really want to push me away, stop doing this.

It's too easy to misunderstand." "Are you tossing me aside after using me? Guess you've really gotten smarter," Ethan said, his tone edged with sarcasm. Her fists clenched at her sides, but instead of walking away, she settled back onto his lap, meeting his gaze with a steady, defiant look. "Fine," she said, her voice low. "I'll pay you back." Then she leaned in, her lips brushing his in a kiss that was cold and detached. There was no tenderness, no warmth-just the mechanical act of going through the motions. Ethan didn't respond at first, his body rigid as he sensed her disinterest.

His grip on her waist tightened, his frown deepening. "Is this what I taught you?" His voice was low, sharp with authority. "Open your mouth. Don't provoke a man like this unless you mean it." . . .