Chapter 1

chapter1

I've been losing lingerie frequently lately.

Since I got off work early today, I bought two new pieces.

I just returned home and noticed my brother's door was slightly ajar.

As I approached, I could clearly hear strange noises.

What was he doing?

I tiptoed closer, intending to startle him.

The nearer I got, the more suppressed the sounds became.

I peered through the crack in the door.

He sat upright at his desk, his computer displaying a photograph.

I set down my new lingerie and rose on my toes to see the picture clearly.

The subject of the photo was me.

It was a boudoir photoshoot my best friend had convinced me to do.

My face flushed crimson with embarrassment.

I felt completely flustered.

Looking closer, I noticed the black fabric in his hand seemed familiar.

But the angle prevented me from seeing it clearly.

I gently pushed the door open a little wider.

Now I could see it clearly.

He was holding my lingerie.

I nearly fainted.

It was the very piece I had been missing for three days.

And nestled within the black lace lingerie was something that made me blush fiercely.

He suddenly stopped.

I thought I had been discovered.

I quickly covered my mouth, frozen in place behind the door.

After a long moment, I heard no further movement from him.

I cautiously peeked again to see what he was doing now.

The lingerie had been set aside.

He was now lying on his bed, eyes half-closed.

I couldn't comprehend why he would act this way.

Dizzy and disoriented, I grabbed my new lingerie and rushed back to my room.

I tore open the packaging.

Now I regretted buying this particular style.

I buried my face in my pillow, my entire body trembling uncontrollably.

My mind began to race with wild thoughts.

Ethan Lowell and I share no blood relation.

Three months ago, my mother Charlotte married his father William Lowell.

William treats my mother exceptionally well.

So well that he resigned from his job to travel the world with her.

They haven't been home in a long time.

Now it's just Ethan and me in the house.

I racked my brains but couldn't understand why he would do such a thing.

There's no telling when my mother and William will return.

Could Ethan restrain himself from making a move on me?

After some thought, I decided to avoid facing him at home.

I went out to find my best friend.

That night, every time I closed my eyes, that scene replayed in my mind.

I tossed and turned until very late before finally falling asleep.