NovelsFreeChapter 362
At the entrance of the villa, Zane halted and glanced at Elysia. She was glued to their joined hands, staring
intently, completely unresponsive.
He raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Elysia, are you waiting forto open the door?”
At that, Elysia’s gaze slowly shifted to him, and she looked a bit lost. When she noticed the playful grin on Zane’s
face, irritation bubbled inside her.
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Without hesitating, she yanked her hand free. Her long fingers quickly punched in a few numbers on the keypad,
and a cheerful “ding” echoed as the door clicked open.
Zane reached out for her hand again, but she gracefully sidestepped him.
Feeling a bit deflated, he realized she was upset with him.
Walking behind Elysia as she hurried inside, he noticed she was about to trip on the stairs. Acting fast, Zane
stepped forward and grabbed her wrist. With a gentle tug, Elysia stumbled right into his arms.
Still fuming, Elysia shot him a glare that could freeze fire.
She pushed him away, creating a bit of distance. “Mr. Hartley, please keep your distance. You know, boundaries.”
Zane blinked in surprise, wondering, ‘She's callingMr. Hartley? What's with the sudden distance?”
“Elysia- he managed to say, but she cut him off.
“If you have nothing else to discuss, you can leave now, Mr. Hartley.” With that, Elysia pivoted sharply and
walked off.
Watching her storm away, Zane was momentarily stunned. If he didn’t chase after her, she would stay mad
much longer.
Zane quickened his steps and reached for her arm, but she pushed him away with surprising strength. Not
hesitating, Zane scooped her up around the waist.
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“What do you think you're doing?” Elysia gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief. She squirmed, trying to break free
from his hold.
Zane tightened his grip, unwilling to let her go.
Glancing at the nearby dining table, he walked over and gently set her down. Leaning in, he placed his hands on
either side of her, effectively cornering her.
Elysia turned her head away, avoiding eye contact.
“Are you mad?” Zane's voice dipped low and soft, and their closeness added tension. His breath tickled her neck,
sending shivers down her spine.
Still, Elysia remained silent. Zane watched her closely, his eyes warm. “Is it because | held your hand? Is that
what et you?”
When Elysia didn’t answer, he continued, “If you didn't like it, | won't do it again.”
His voice grew a bit heavier as he spoke. Just the thought of not being able to hold her hand anymore made his
heart sink.
If Elysia wasn't still in school, Zane would have loved to throw a big party. He wanted everyone to know who she
truly was— his destined wife and his one true love.
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Chapter 362
He kept reminding himself to stay sensible. He couldn't hurt Elysia, not even a little bit. But every the saw
her, he couldn't help but want to ruffle her hair and hold her soft hand.
But Elysia didn’t like that.
Looking at her turned-away face, worry flooded his mind. Deep down, he felt a painful twist in his heart.
“I'm sorry,” he said softly.
As soon as those words slipped out, Elysia froze. Shock filled her eyes as she stared at Zane. ‘A proud guy like
him is apologizing? Just because I'm upset?’ she thought, bewildered.
When she met his serious gaze, Elysia started to wonder if maybe she had gone too far this time.
Seeing that she still wouldn't speak, Zane reached out, wanting to mess up her hair playfully. But then he
remembered she didn’t like that and quickly pulled his hand back.
Just as he was about to turn and leave, a small hand grabbed the corner of his suit. “Are you really going to leave
Zane turned around, confused. Elysia was holding out her arms, pretending to want him to scoop her up like a
little girl asking for a hug.
With a gentle smile, he wrapped his arms around her. But as soon as he lifted her, Elysia’s legs wrapped around
his waist like 9 a little sloth clinging on.
“Careful, | don’t want you to fall,” he said, tightening his hold around her waist. “I thought you didn’t like this?”
“Who said | don’t like it?” Their eyes locked, and Elysia’s tone softened. “If | didn’t like it, do you really think I'd
let you hold my hand?”
Zane's heart skipped a beat. “Then why did you-"
“I can’t believe you don’t even know why I'm mad,” she pouted. “Why did you laugh atjust now?”
“Laugh at you? When did | do that?” he asked.
“Back at the door! It was so obvious in your eyes. And your lips were curved up! Don’t think | didn’t see,” she
insisted, narrowing her eyes playfully.
Zane chuckled, a wave of relief washing over him. So, she wasn’t mad because he held her hand; she was upset
because he laughed.
He couldn’t help but smile. Elysia didn’t truly reject him after all.
“Are you still laughing?” Elysia reached up, gently pressing the corner of his mouth with her fingers. “Do you
think I'm not reserved enough? Is that why you're laughing?”
Suddenly, his hand disappeared from her waist. But the way he held her didn’t change; if anything, he gripp
tighter.
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er even
Zane took the hand that rested softly on his lips and held it firmly. His eyes sparkled with determination. “I can’t
help it. My heart and eyes only see you. I'm laughing because you're what matters to me.”
Elysia blinked, surprised by his serious tone. She leaned her chin on his shoulder, feeling warmth spreading
inside her. After a moment, she teased playfully, “Mr. Hartley, are you really opening up like this?”
“What do you think?” Zane replied, raising an eyebrow as a small smile tugged at his lips.
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Chapter 362
Elysia looked up at him, mischief glowing in her eyes. “Oh, it totally is.”
“Elysia, you've never calledMr. Hartley before.”
“Isn't ‘Mr. Hartley’ a nice name?” she asked, a grin dancing on her lips.
“It feels too stiff for us,” he said, shaking his head in lighthearted disapproval,
“Then how about just Zane?” she asked.
Zane's expression softened further, and a genuine smile spread across his face. Elysia lifted her hand, tracing
the shape of his brows with her touch. Then, she asked casually, “Zane, what would you do if | started dating
early?
Zane's brows furrowed in surprise. “Dating early? With who?”
“With you,” she declared boldly, her eyes twinkling with playful challenge.
As soon as those words left her lips, Zane’s heart began to race like a wild drum. It felt like it might leap right out
of his chest at any moment.
In the business world, he could handle just about anything. He had navigated tough negotiations and faced
fierce competition. But when it cto Elysia, all his usual composure faded away.
“Elysia,” he said, his voice dropping to a serious tone, “do you really know what you're saying?”
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