CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 4: SO EAGER TO CONSUMMATE OUR MARRIAGE?

How could Seraphina dare?

She hurriedly opened her mouth to accept the candy he’d peeled for her.

As she took it in, she not only caught the candy but also a section of the man’s finger.

Realizing the odd texture, Seraphina quickly bit down on the candy and leaned back in her seat.

Her face felt a little hot, and she sneaked a glance sideways at Ethan Sterling.

The man lowered his eyes, looking at the finger she’d just held in her mouth, his expression somewhat peculiar.

He must be disgusted...

Seraphina groped in her bag for a pack of tissues, pulled one out, and turned toward Ethan Sterling.

"Let me wipe that for you..."

The car in front suddenly braked hard. Sean Hale quickly turned the steering wheel and stepped on the brakes.

Seraphina’s body jolted, lost her balance, and tumbled right into Ethan Sterling’s arms.

In her panic, she instinctively reached out her hand to steady herself.

As luck would have it, her hand landed right on the man’s waist.

And under her fingers—a strange sensation.

"So eager to consummate our marriage?"

By her ear, his voice was low, with a smile, playful and teasing.

Seraphina, her face glowing crimson, quickly pushed herself up and returned to her seat.

"Sorry, the car in front stopped suddenly." Sean Hale turned, apologetic. "Miss Thorne, are you alright?"

"I’m fine."

Seraphina leaned back, trying her best to look as unbothered as possible.

Suddenly, the light dimmed in front of her.

Ethan Sterling suddenly leaned toward her, his hand reaching for her chest.

Seraphina tensed, looked up nervously, and instinctively shrank back.

Is he really about to make a move in the car?

While she was panicking, his hand swept past her chest, grabbed her seat belt, and buckled it smoothly.

Seraphina’s racing heart finally settled down.

"Thank you."

Ethan Sterling glanced at her, his gaze lingering on her flushed cheeks, before leisurely straightening the wrinkles in his suit pants that she had made.

Seraphina bit down on the chocolate candy in her mouth, sat stiff and proper, pretending she hadn’t noticed anything.

But her right hand was so awkward she had no idea where to place it.

Fortunately, the school was close to the Civil Affairs Bureau. After two turns, the car smoothly stopped at the side of the music academy gate.

"Thank you."

Seraphina unbuckled her seatbelt and slipped out of the back seat.

"Wait." Ethan Sterling got out after her, extending his right hand. "Unlock your phone for me."

Seraphina didn’t know why, but still took out her phone and handed it to him.

Ethan Sterling operated for a moment, then handed the phone back to her.

"I don’t like people not answering my calls."

On the phone screen, the contacts list was open.

A newly added number sat bold at the very top of her contacts.

The name column shockingly read "Husband," and to put it at the top, he’d even added an "A" in front.

Seraphina’s lips twitched: ...

She suddenly didn’t know whether to call him overbearing, or childish.

"Can I leave now?"

"No."

"Is there something else, Mr. Sterling?"

Ethan Sterling reached out both hands and pulled her coat tight across her chest.

The coat was naturally oversized, and on her slender frame it made her seem even smaller and emptier inside.

"Remember to eat on time. I don’t like women who are too thin, and also..." He lifted her chin, making her look at him. "From now on... call me husband."

"Okay, Eth—"

Ethan Sterling tightened his grip and raised an eyebrow.

"Hm?!"

Seraphina pressed her lips together, and her response was dry and awkward.

"Hu—husband. Sorry, I’m still not used to it."

"That’s alright." Ethan Sterling bent lower, his lips brushing her ear. "Just say it a few more times and you’ll get used to it."

His nose tip skimmed her ear, warm breath caressing her skin.

Seraphina felt her skin tense; even the roots of her hair went sensitive.

"I—I’ll go now."

She turned and darted through the academy gates as if running away.

Ethan Sterling stood on the spot with one hand in his pocket, watching her silhouette disappear into the academy.

He turned, opened the car door, and slid into the back seat.

"Drive."

The car moved forward. Ethan Sterling opened his hand, his gaze landing on his right index finger.

On the side of that finger—a faint pink tint.

That was the color of Seraphina’s lip balm.

It made him think uncontrollably of that kiss, and her lips swollen under his in the light.

"Cancel all my engagements tonight."

"But..." Assistant Sean Hale was a little hesitant. "You have an appointment tonight with..."

Ethan Sterling gently brushed at the faint pink on his index finger.

"Cancel them!"

...

...

Seraphina jogged through the academy gate, her left ear still burning.

She wondered if she was just imagining it, but Ethan Sterling’s "say it a few more times" probably wasn’t directing her to just call him husband.

There’s no turning back once you set the arrow in motion.

From the moment she signed her name on the contract, she was prepared for everything.

They were both adults—Seraphina knew perfectly well what "marital obligations" meant.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch.

The Wall Street big shot, iron-fisted and decisive—he was no philanthropist.

Why would he help her with no strings attached?

She shook her hair, trying to throw off the stray thoughts, and turned toward the administration building.

Throughout the campus, banners for the "Music Festival" were everywhere, with promotional signs lining the walkways.

Seraphina stopped in her tracks.

Over the past days, she’d been so tangled up with family matters, she’d nearly forgotten it was the school’s annual music festival.

At this time, the department head was surely at the auditorium event, so Seraphina turned in that direction.

Outside the hall, people bustled about.

The school orchestra’s performance was the highlight of the festival.

As usual, the school had invited music industry luminaries and reporters, and parents also flocked over to support their kids.

In front of the Department of Orchestral Studies, Director Bennett was speaking with a student’s parent. Seeing her, he headed over in mild surprise.

"Seraphina, what brings you here?"

By the normal plan, she’d have already left for her studies abroad by now.

Seraphina explained the situation briefly.

"I want to stay in the country to care for my dad. Could you help me cancel the overseas exchange program?"

The recent troubles at Zenith Group were no secret in the city.

Director Bennett knew well the Thorne Family’s situation. Although he felt it a pity she gave up the exchange spot, he agreed readily.

"Alright, don’t worry, I’ll handle everything. Just come to class as normal next week."

"And..." Seraphina gave a slight cough. "If there are any paid performances at school, I’d like to join as well."

Right now, aside from saving Zenith Group, her top priority was to make money.

Director Bennett laughed. "Absolutely, no problem! It’s nearly year’s end, lots of events coming up. I was just short a violinist!"

From farther off, another teacher called for Director Bennett.

"Seraphina, don’t overthink things. Life’s full of ups and downs." Director Bennett patted her shoulder warmly. "If you need anything, just ask."

He’d always cherished this violin prodigy in the department.

After so many days of enduring cold shoulders, Director Bennett’s kindness warmed Seraphina’s heart.

"Thank you, Director Bennett. I won’t keep you."

Saying her farewells, Seraphina quickly walked out of the side hall.

"Well, if it isn’t the Eldest Miss Thorne!"

A mocking voice called from the steps below.