Chapter 168
+8 Pearls
A soft knock on the car window broke the spell, interrupting their kiss. Lily and Ethan, their hearts still racing,
pressed their foreheads together, taking a moment to catch their breath.
Lily let out a light chuckle as the situation sank in. She couldn't help but laugh at how easily Ethan could make
her lose control of herself. Hearing her laugh, Ethan tilted his head and asked, “What's so funny?”
Shaking her head with a warm smile, she replied, “Nothing. I just love you, Ethan. I love you more than anything
in this world.”
Her heartfelt confession brought a soft smile to Ethan's face, but before she could say anything more, he leaned
in again, capturing her lips in another deep, tender kiss.
Outside the car, Mia stood waiting, her arms crossed. She tapped her foot impatiently, frowning as she glanced
at her watch. She could only imagine what the couple was up to. Fortunately, the car windows were heavily
tinted, sparing them from prying eyes in the bustling area. Mia sighed, knowing full well what kind of attention
they'd attract if anyone saw them like this.
Realizing twas ticking, Mia knocked again, this ta little more firmly. Inside the car, Lily gently pushed
Ethan away, her breath coming in short, uneven gasps.
“Be careful,” Ethan murmured, his voice low and husky. He pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead.
Lily nodded, her cheeks flushed with warmth. With a quick peck on his lips, she opened the door and stepped
out, her face still glowing with a rosy blush.
As Ethan's car pulled away, she turned to Mia, a smile lighting up her face. “Sister Mia!” she greeted warmly.
-Mia raised a curious eyebrow at her. Noticing the slight panic in Lily's eyes, she couldn’t help but smirk.
“Sister Mia, do | look okay?” Lily asked nervously, patting her face as though searching for any telltale signs of
what had just happened.
Mia shook her head, teasing, “You look perfectly fine. Like a blushing bride.”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
Lily exhaled in relief, grateful for the light makeup she'd applied. It had saved her from looking too flustered, and
she silently thanked her foresight. “That's good,” she muttered, more to herself than to Mia.
As they began walking toward the venue, Mia couldn't resist teasing her. “Lily, | think after your movie
premieres, you and Boss Ethan should finally take that honeymoon.”
“Sister Mia!” Lily pouted, her cheeks reddening again. “Don’t tease me!”
Mia laughed, clearly enjoying her reaction. “Alright, alright, I'll stop. But seriously, it's a good thing the windows
of that car are tinted. If anyone had seen what you two were up to, | guarantee you'd be the top trending topic
on every news outlet right now.”
Lily laughed along, though her blush deepened at the thought.
As they approached the venue entrance, Mia's tone turned curious. “By the way, Lily, how long are you planning
to keep your marriage with Boss Ethan a secret?”
Lily hesitated, her expression thoughtful. “I don’t know yet, Sister Mia. | feel like it's too soon to make it public.
Once people find out, the paparazzi will be relentless, and we'll lose any sense of privacy. | want to
aniou this twith Ethan without that constant enotlight*.
09:43 Fri, 14 Mar
Chapter 168
79%
+8 Pearls
Mia nodded in understanding. “That makes sense. Sometimes, keeping things private is the best way to protect
them.”
They stepped inside the venue, the bustling energy of the event greeting them. Lily quickly spotted Director
Young, Rose, and Leon Haris chatting animatedly with the show’s host. Taking a deep breath, she straightened
her posture and smiled, ready to join the group and face the event ahead.
The set of the popular live interview show buzzed with excitement as cameras rolled and the crew worked
tirelessly to ensure everything was perfect. Lily entered the stage gracefully, accompanied by Mia. Her confident
demeanor and radiant smile immediately captured the attention of everyone in the room.
As she approached the group, the host of the show greeted her warmly. “Miss Lily, you look absolutely stunning
today,” he said, his admiration evident.
“Thank you so much,” Lily replied with a sweet smile, her tone polite yet charming. The male host blushed
slightly, flustered by her presence.
Standing nearby, Rose watched the exchange, her polished exterior hiding the storm of emotions brewing inside
her. Always trying to steal the spotlight, she thought bitterly, clenching her fists discreetly. To her, Lily's every
move seemed calculated, designed to draw attention.
Lily, noticing her younger sister, approached her with a pleasant expression. “Rose, how are you?” she asked
casually, her tone light.
Rose forced a smile, though her mind was racing with resentment. Memories of what had happened to her
fiancé, Ryan, flashed through her mind. He had been publicly humiliated and badly beaten, and his company had
crumbled overnight. All of it, she believed, was orchestrated by Lily and her husband. Still, she managed to mask
her fury.
“I'm fine, Elder Sister,” Rose replied sweetly, the words tasting bitter on her tongue.
Leaning slightly closer so no one else could hear, Lily lowered her voice. “Is that so? | heard your scumbag fiancé
lost his company and is still in the hospital, nursing his wounds,” she said with a smirk, her tone tinged with
mockery.
“You!” Rose's eyes flashed with anger, but she quickly composed herself, taking a deep breath. This wasn’t the
place to lose her temper, and she knew it. Smiling tightly, she responded, “I see what you're trying to do, Lily,
but | won't fall for it. No matter what happens, I'll stand by Ryan. He has me, and that’s all he needs.”
Her voice took on a mocking edge as she added, “Unlike speople, not everyone is driven by greed. My love
for him isn’t about money.”
Lily's smile didn’t falter. “That's admirable,” she said calmly. “But tell me, does your precious Ryan love you the
sway? Are you absolutely sure he’s loyal to you? Or could it be that he has... other women on the side?”
The subtle jab hit its mark. Rose’s expression darkened, and she struggled to maintain her posure. “Watch your
words, Lily,” she warned, her voice low but venomous.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
“Check my words, Rose,” Lily countered with a playful smile, clearly enjoying the reaction she was provoking.
Before their exchange could escalate, Director Young's voice called them over, breaking the tension. Reluctantly,
both women turned their attention back to the event, setting aside their differences for the
cameras.
2/3
09:43 Fri, 14 Mar
Chapter 168
79%1
+8 Pearls
The interview began shortly after. The set was perfectly arranged, with the main cast seated in the center.
Director Young, Lily, and Rose shared the couch, while Leon Haris sat on a chair to the left. The male host, full of
energy, sat opposite them on the right.
“Good evening, everyone!” the host began enthusiastically. “Tonight, we have a special treat for our viewers as
we welcthe cast and director of the much-anticipated movie Shades of Love! | can’t tell you how thrilled |
am to have such an incredible lineup of talent with us today.”
He gestured toward Leon Haris. “First, we have the legendary Mr. Leon Haris, a one-tAcademy Award winner
whose performances never fail to captivate.” Turning to Rose, he continued, “Next, we have Miss Rose, one of
the industry's most celebrated actresses, known for her charm and versatility.”
Then, his attention shifted to Lily. “And joining us is Miss Lily, a rising star whose grace and talent have already
made waves in the industry.”
Finally, the host smiled broadly as he introduced the director. “And of course, we can’t forget the man behind it
all-Director Young, whose vision has brought this project to life.”
The audience applauded as the camera panned over the group. Lily’s smile remained poised, while Rose kept her
expression sweet, though her mind continued to swirl with resentment. The interview had only just begun, but
the tension between the two sisters simmered beneath the surface, unnoticed by the unsuspecting crowd.
548