30 Days of Passion and Revenge-Chapter 42: Tarnished Dignity

Lily sat on the couch, feeding Ethan a slice of orange as he lounged behind her. His broad shoulders strained against his school uniform, the fabric frayed at the cuffs, revealing wrists marked by old scars. She wrinkled her nose in distaste but continued the motion, her eyes fixed on the television screen.

"Lily, what do you want? Jewelry, a house, a car?" Ethan’s voice was low, with a sensual undertone as his teeth grazed her ear. "Your car is trash. I’ll get you a better one."

Now, she was waiting for rescue while he was the generous benefactor. This reversal of their positions pleased him immensely.

The television showed Alex Carter repeatedly exiting a hotel, handing out red envelopes with a polite smile. Lily watched quietly until Ethan’s teeth sank into her earlobe, jolting her back to the present. "What’s wrong now?" she asked, though her tone suggested she already knew.

Ethan flipped them over, pinning her beneath him on the couch. His hand gripped her chin, their breaths mingling. "What were you thinking about, Lily?"

"Nothing," she replied innocently, pushing against his solid chest. When that failed, she pouted, "You’re hurting me."

Ethan loved seeing her like this—submissive and vulnerable. His gaze dropped to the cleavage visible above her v-neck top, a smirk playing on his lips. "Good thing I haven’t flattened you yet. There’s definitely been some growth, all thanks to me."

Lily glanced down, her face flushing crimson. "Pervert!"

"Miss Anderson," Nanny’s voice called out. Lily turned to see the woman in her crisp white uniform approaching with a wine glass filled with ice. A teardrop-shaped white gemstone ring was resting on the rim, gleaming even without light.

"I don’t want a drink..." Lily began, but her words trailed off as she noticed the ring.

"This is a gift from Mr. Blackwood from Japan," Nanny smiled.

"A gift?" Lily’s eyes shifted to Ethan, who sat casually on the couch, his short hair neatly styled, exuding an air of arrogant superiority.

Nanny placed the glass before Ethan, who removed the ring and reached for Lily’s hand. The sparkling stone hovered above her finger.

Lily curled her hand into a fist without thinking, leaving Ethan’s offering suspended mid-air.

"Hmm?" Ethan’s eyes narrowed, a shadow of menace crossing his features.

"I..." Lily stared at the ring, then met his gaze. "Do you know what a ring symbolizes?"

His grip on her hand tightened. "Explain."

Lily freed her hand and placed the ring back in the glass. "If you don’t intend to marry a woman, never give her a ring. It only creates misunderstandings."

Ethan’s lips curled into a wicked smile. "So you think this is an engagement ring?"

"Ah?" Lily blinked in surprise. Was there a problem with her question or his understanding?

"The Blackwood family’s standards aren’t easy to meet," Ethan said, pulling her hand back and sliding the ring onto her finger despite her resistance. "But as long as you’re good, I won’t get tired of you so quickly."

This was the most significant promise he’d ever made to a woman. Yet she was merely his mistress, discussing ring symbolism as if it were a serious matter.

The ring on her finger shimmered brightly, its intensity oppressive as it overwhelmed her senses. Lily forced a smile. "It looks nice," she said.

She’d wear it in front of him to avoid further conflict. Honestly, she hoped he’d tire of her soon. This dangerous relationship as a kept woman was fraught with risks. The longer it lasted, the greater the chance her father and uncle would discover her secret...

Ethan’s good mood was evident as he lifted her from the couch. "Let’s go car shopping."

Lily glanced at the TV, showing different news without Alex’s face. As long as she pleased Ethan, he was remarkably generous. He’d given her exclusive access to the "Kill" film crew, ensured her magazine position was secure, and even provided a credit card. Now he was taking her to buy a car.

He ultimately chose a sleek and eye-catching red BMW. Lily wanted to refuse; she didn’t want to explain where the car came from to her uncle and aunt. But Ethan’s personality being what it was...

She’d have to leave the car parked most of the time. A ring she couldn’t wear and a car she couldn’t drive—she was a mistress who couldn’t be seen in public.

After buying the car, Ethan dragged her to purchase evening wear and finish her hair. The pale yellow strapless short dress and an elegant updo made her look gentle and captivating. Ethan didn’t allow her to wear makeup—his naturally pale, clean skin was preferable to any artificial enhancement, which he found vulgar.

"Try this set of diamonds," Ethan commanded from his seat as a sales assistant helped Lily change again. Under the bright lights, the necklace around her neck sparkled brilliantly, declaring its immense value.

Lily glanced at her reflection, reminded of her childhood when her father’s company was thriving and her mother, a typical housewife, would dress her in designer labels. Those days were replaced by nine years of patched socks and secondhand clothes.

She’d grown accustomed to this simple life.

"These diamonds make me look like a nouveau riche," Lily said, turning to Ethan. "Can I skip the jewelry?"

"You love luxury so much," Ethan said, dismissing her concern as he handed his card to the salesperson.

At the hotel, their reserved table wasn’t a private room or by the window, and Ethan’s expression darkened. "When did you make this reservation?"

...Whenever there was an available table, really.

Lily smiled sweetly, linking her arm through his. "We’re here now, let’s just enjoy it."

The French restaurant on this floor was filled with couples dining by candlelight, with soft saxophone music in the background. They were seated, and the waiter immediately brought wine.

The candlelight illuminated their faces, separating them. Ethan’s gaze remained fixed on Lily, his eyes intense. "Coming to my place after this."

Lily forced a smile, feeling uneasy. This was her first candlelit dinner, and her date was Ethan Blackwood.

Ethan was strikingly handsome—tall, perfectly featured, with mesmerizing eyes and a sensual mouth. Yet here they were.

"Mr. Blackwood," a sultry voice cut through the quiet. Lily turned to see a tall, voluptuous woman accompanied by a sharply dressed young man. The woman immediately gave Ethan an enthusiastic hug.

Lily recognized her immediately—Beth Samson, a triple threat in film, music, and television, and her husband Damien Kingsley, a wealthy second-generation heir. Their wedding had been highly publicized.

"What a coincidence meeting you here, Mr. Blackwood. Mind if we join you?" Beth pulled out a chair without waiting for an answer.

Damien nodded respectfully. "Mr. Blackwood, what a surprise."

"Mr. Kingsley, please sit," Ethan said coolly, sipping his wine as he watched Lily with inscrutable eyes.

Lily avoided his gaze, focusing instead on cutting her steak. Beth wore a purple low-cut evening gown, her cleavage barely contained, her makeup bold and enhancing her natural beauty beyond what was seen on screen.

Throughout the meal, Beth persistently asked Ethan about film opportunities while subtly suggesting he help her husband advance his career. Damien appeared increasingly uncomfortable, eating little.

When Lily bent to retrieve a dropped napkin, she noticed Beth had removed her high heels under the table. Her legs, clad in black silk stockings, were curled, and her toes were tracing circles along the leg of the man beside her—Ethan.

He remained perfectly still, allowing her touch.

The facade of upper-class sophistication crumbled beneath the table.

Lily felt a wave of disgust but maintained her composure, continuing to eat as if nothing had happened. Even the finest foie gras and steak tasted bland, turning her stomach.

"I’ll use the restroom," Ethan announced abruptly, his voice cold as he stood and left, his expression troubled.

Lily watched him go, puzzled by his irritation. Moments later, Beth also excused herself, claiming to freshen up.

The table fell silent, and only Lily and Damien remained. An unspoken understanding passed between them—adults recognizing the situation without needing words.

Damien’s anxiety grew, and his foot tapped impatiently. Before he could leave, Lily stood. "I’ll check on the restroom, too."

Damien retracted his foot. "Please, and see why Beth is taking so long."

"Of course," Lily said, heading toward the women’s restroom. She didn’t find Beth there but heard muffled voices around a corner. Peeking, she saw Ethan pinning Beth against a wall, engaged in a passionate kiss.

"Ethan," Beth whispered upon seeing him, her makeup slightly smudged. "I’ve missed you so much..."

Lily dialed Ethan’s number. He ended the kiss and answered without speaking, his breathing heavy with desire.

"It’s getting late," Lily said coolly, her tone tinged with sarcasm. "Her husband is waiting."

Ethan hung up without reply. Lily returned to the table as Ethan and Beth followed. Ethan’s face was cold, but his eyes burned with barely controlled fury. Lily remained expressionless.

Beth continued chatting, though her swollen lips betrayed what had happened. Damien, oblivious, extended a charity gala invitation to Ethan.

Ethan’s eyes narrowed. "Give it to Lily."

Both Beth and Damien turned to her. Beth’s eyes narrowed with jealousy and hatred, though she smiled. "Is Miss Lily your girlfriend, Mr. Blackwood?"

Ethan’s face was iron-gray as Lily glanced at him, remaining silent.

"Miss Lily..." Beth persisted.

"Mr. Kingsley, give me the invitation," Lily interjected. With a fake smile, she took it and tucked it into her bag before resuming her meal.

Beth fell silent, her attempt to inquire thwarted. Ethan’s mood remained dark.

On the way back, the warm air conditioning made Lily drowsy. She closed her eyes and rested against the seat.

The sports car screeched to a halt in a dark alley. "You saw everything?" Ethan’s voice was cold and menacing.

"Yes, when I picked up the napkin," Lily replied calmly.

"Is that all?" His voice deepened as he unbuckled his seatbelt.

Lily was confused by his unpredictable mood. "Her husband was genuinely worried. If they were caught, it would make headlines. I had to call you."

A dutiful mistress indeed.

Seeing her benefactor with another man’s wife and promptly informing him—though she was mainly concerned about becoming part of the scandal herself.

"Should I thank you then?" Ethan’s laugh was chilling.

Before Lily could respond, he was upon her, his large hand circling her waist, his lips claiming hers with punishing force.

How could he be so randy at any moment!

Lily tried to push him away, but his broad chest pinned her in place, forcing her to endure his heated kiss. The thought of him with Beth moments ago made her skin crawl. She turned her head, avoiding his lips.

His pursuit followed her movements, his kisses landing on her face instead. She avoided him like he carried a disease, her brows furrowed in evident discomfort.

Ethan suddenly turned on the light, swung open the door, and roared, "Get out!"

His voice was unhinged, the sudden brightness disorienting Lily. Ethan loomed over her, his face a mask of cold fury, his eyes blazing with anger.

What was his problem now? Always treating her like a servant to summon and dismiss.

Fortunately, she wasn’t in love with him. His erratic behavior would have hurt any woman who fell for him.

"Alright, I’m leaving," Lily said flatly, pushing him aside and stepping out.

She didn’t want to continue with this promiscuous man whose lips still carried traces of Beth’s lipstick and whose clothes smelled of perfume.

The night air was freezing. Lily rubbed her arms, looking around. Where was she? This dark alley was nowhere near her destination.

Ethan sped away, leaving her alone. If it weren’t for Beth stirring his lust and his test of Lily’s reaction...

He hadn’t realized how little Lily cared about him these past days. She could calmly inform him of his tryst, laugh with him back at the villa, lie beneath him...

Saying the ring looked nice, asking him to bring cookies back from Japan, writing "thank you" in fireworks when she saw him at the kindergarten—all of it felt like an act.

A performance to placate him.

Excellent, Lily.

Ethan accelerated, his sports car disappearing into the night.

Lily shivered in her strapless dress, with no coat to shield her from the wind. Her eight-centimeter heels made walking difficult, but she had to find a taxi.

As she emerged from the alley, headlights blinded her, followed by the screech of brakes.

"Watch where you’re going! Are you blind?" a man shouted as Lily was knocked to the ground. Her stockings tore, blood seeping from scrapes on her knees and elbows.

The pain was sharp, but her shock was more tremendous. First, Ethan abandoned it, but it was hit by a car.

The man exiting the luxury RV was David, the driver she’d seen with Alex at the kindergarten. He worked for Alex but answered his fiancée, Alice.

Recognizing him made Lily’s blood run cold. If David was here, who was in the car?

She looked up at the bright headlights, her face pale as death.

David pulled out a photo and compared it to Lily under the light. "You... you’re..."

The photo dropped—a middle school picture of Lily.

"What’s going on, David? Just give her some money," a woman’s voice called from the RV. "Alex is too drunk, feeling sick. Let’s go home."

It was Alice’s voice. The passengers were Alex Carter and his fiancée.

Today was their engagement day.

Was the universe mocking her? On Alex’s engagement day, she was hit by his car.