“And then?” Ethan asked when Clara remained silent.
“She invited me to a party tomorrow night,” Clara said.
Nora invited Clara to a party?
Ethan knew about Nora’s social circle. A group of high-society ladies who spent their days hosting various parties, competing to outshine each other. He didn’t like it, but many men in the circle enjoyed attending such events. Where there were women, there were men.
“So… you’re looking at dresses?” Ethan asked.
Clara nodded, “Yes.”
She voiced her concern, “I rarely attend such parties. This is the first one I’ll be going to since marrying you… I’m worried…”
Even though she didn’t finish, Ethan understood. The young woman was worried about making a fool of herself. He knew enough about those social circles to know that improper attire would lead to ridicule. In their eyes, everything could be a reason for mockery-mismatched outfits, wearing last season’s fashion, or even wearing clothes with copied designs.
He didn’t approve of such circles, but Clara would eventually have to enter this world. As his wife, she represented him to some extent. She couldn’t stay home forever and avoid social engagements.
“Leave it to me,” Ethan said.
Clara looked at him in confusion.
“I have a dedicated styling team. You don’t need to worry,” Ethan explained.
Ethan’s luxury and meticulousness once again amazed her. He wasn’t a celebrity, yet he had his own styling team. Should she call him extravagant or just someone who liked to show off?
However, Clara felt relieved. As Ethan’s wife, her embarrassment would be his embarrassment too. To avoid that, Ethan would ensure his team dressed her well.
Clara felt reassured. Without Ethan’s help, she would have been worried about handling it herself and potentially embarrassing both of them.
—
It was time for the evening bath and sleep.
Clara went to the dressing room to get her nightgown. Seeing the red sheer nightdress she had bought, Clara blushed. She almost didn’t have the courage to take it out. But in the end, she steeled herself and took it into the bathroom.
She had already bought it. Not wearing it would be a waste. And it wasn’t cheap.
Besides, Ethan had promised her a house if she pleased him. The house near her school was practically worth a fortune.
Clara took a bath and put on the red nightdress. The red color made her skin look even whiter.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Clara blushed and tugged at the nightdress uncomfortably. She didn’t think she could walk out dressed like this. But she had only brought this nightdress into the bathroom, so what else could she wear?
The clothes she had taken off were already in the laundry basket, soaked with water.
Clara bit her lip and took a deep breath. She couldn’t be so hesitant. Ethan had promised her a house near the university if she pleased him. Those houses were incredibly expensive. Even an old, small apartment cost seven figures, and a slightly better one easily reached eight figures.
Ethan wouldn’t settle for an old, small apartment, right? So, for the sake of the house and those eight figures, she had to go for it!
Clara took several deep breaths to prepare herself mentally before gently opening the bathroom door and stepping out.
Ethan was sitting on the sofa, chatting on his phone. Hearing the door open, he looked up and saw Clara in her nightdress. His eyes darkened instantly.
The pure young girl had transformed into an enchanting seductress tonight?
“Come here,” Ethan commanded in a slightly husky voice.
Clara’s heart tightened, and her body stiffened momentarily. Blushing, she slowly walked towards Ethan.
Ethan put down his phone and looked at Clara as if admiring a moving piece of art.
Clara stood before Ethan, nervously clasping her hands and looking down, not daring to meet his gaze.
Ethan grabbed her hand and pulled her onto his lap with a forceful tug.
Clara gasped as she fell onto Ethan’s lap. He held her waist with both hands and positioned her comfortably on his legs.
Clara’s face turned even redder, and she lowered her head further, not daring to look at Ethan. She had caught a glimpse of the heat and storm in his eyes earlier, which made her heart race with fear.
Ethan’s hand gently caressed the nightdress. The quality was excellent, and it felt wonderful to touch.
Clara’s body trembled slightly.
“When did you buy this?” Ethan asked.
“Today,” Clara whispered.
Ethan played with the hem of the nightdress and looked at Clara with a half-smile. “Why did you buy this?”
Her face turned even redder as she bit her lip and couldn’t speak. He was so smart; he must have already known why. Yet he still wanted her to say it out loud. How mean.
“Hmm?” Ethan raised an eyebrow, his voice slightly rising.
It seemed he wouldn’t let her go until she said it.
“It looked nice… so I bought it,” Clara said softly.
Ethan looked at Clara. Although she kept her head down and he couldn’t see her face, her ears, neck, and body were all tinged with pink… Under the warm light, she exuded a deadly allure to him.
“Little liar…” Ethan chuckled softly.
“But… it does look good,” Ethan said as he slipped off the straps of the nightdress.
The sheer fabric hung loosely on Clara’s body, revealing her alluring curves…
—
During the process, Clara thought several times that she didn’t want the house anymore. She just wanted Ethan to stop. It was too torturous. But by then, it was no longer up to her; Ethan was in control.
—
It was Saturday, a day off with no classes. Clara slept until ten in the morning before getting up. Last night had been exhausting.
Clara sat up, and the blanket slid off her body. Looking down at herself, she saw bruises all over her chest-dense patches of purple and green that looked frightening.
Blushing, Clara frowned with worry after a while as she looked at those marks… How could she wear a dress like this? Would she have to wrap herself up tightly for the party?
Clara got out of bed and saw the sheer nightdress on the floor. The new nightdress she had bought yesterday was now in tatters after last night. She hadn’t even worn it for one night.
In the future… she wouldn’t buy such nightdresses again. They were too costly.
Clara went to the bathroom to freshen up, then came out and changed into clothes before going downstairs for lunch. It was indeed lunchtime by then.
No one in the Logan family said anything about Clara getting up so late. Apart from Ethan, most of the Logan family treated Clara as if she were invisible.
After lunch, Clara returned to her room. She hadn’t seen Ethan since waking up.