His Contract Wife, His Unexpected Love

CHAPTER 11

“Well… I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Lily turned slowly, her stomach tightening as she saw Victoria Hayes. The woman stood with perfect posture, her smile sharp and controlled. Everything about her screamed confidence, but her eyes carried something colder underneath. Lily straightened slightly, unsure how to respond.

“Victoria,” she said carefully. “I didn’t know you’d be attending.” Victoria stepped closer, her smile never fully reaching her eyes. “Of course I would be here. Ethan doesn’t miss important events… and neither do I.”

There was a pause between them, heavy and uncomfortable. Lily could feel the unspoken history sitting between those words. Victoria looked her up and down slowly, as if evaluating something she didn’t approve of.

“So,” Victoria continued lightly, “this is what he chose.”

Lily felt her chest tighten, but she kept her expression calm. “Excuse me?” she asked. Victoria tilted her head slightly. “Nothing. Just… interesting. He never used to bring anyone before.” Her voice carried a meaning she didn’t fully explain.

Before Lily could respond, another voice interrupted them.

“Lily.”

Ethan had returned. His presence immediately shifted the atmosphere. Victoria turned slightly, her smile returning as she faced him. “Ethan,” she said softly, as if greeting someone familiar. But Ethan’s attention stayed on Lily.

“Everything okay?” he asked her directly. It was simple, but protective in a quiet way. Lily nodded slightly. “Yes.” Ethan looked at Victoria briefly, his expression unreadable. “We’re leaving soon,” he said.

Victoria smiled again, but there was something forced in it now. “Already?” she asked. Ethan didn’t answer her question. Instead, he placed a hand lightly near Lily’s back, guiding her gently away. It wasn’t dramatic, but it was firm. And it didn’t go unnoticed.

As they walked away, Lily felt Victoria’s gaze following them. She didn’t speak until they reached a quieter section of the hall. “Do you always leave like that?” she asked softly. Ethan glanced at her. “Leave how?” he replied.

“Like you don’t want to stay around certain people,” she said. Ethan stopped walking for a second. “I don’t waste time on unnecessary conversations,” he answered simply.

Lily looked at him, unsure if she should push further. But something in her did. “And Victoria?” she asked quietly. “Was she unnecessary too?”

For the first time that night, Ethan didn’t answer immediately. His jaw tightened slightly, a small shift in his control. “That’s in the past,” he said finally.