Chapter 36 A Test Of Loyalty

• The sun filtered through the diaphanous curtains, casting a warm, golden light across the room as I lay indolently on Ethan's bed, my fingers tracing lazy patterns on the silk sheets. My gaze absently continued to stare at the ceiling, lost in thought, when Ethan suddenly entered, a sly smile playing on his lips.
• "Morning, beautiful," he said, his voice smooth and warm, holding a sleek, black velvet box in his hand. I sat up, eyeing the box suspiciously. Ethan rarely did grand gestures without a reason, and this had the markings of one. The pulse quickened and curiosity piqued my interest despite my skepticism.
• "What's this?" I asked, pretending indifference even as my heart pounded in my chest.