Chapter 4: Falling for My Savior

Ethan took me back to Willow Creek.

That night, I had showered long ago but stayed in the bathroom, too afraid to come out.

I heard him outside on the phone, handling what happened that night.

When he finished, I wrapped myself in a towel and came out.

He was lounging lazily on the sofa, a few buttons of his white shirt undone, his delicate collarbone faintly visible.

I walked over, mustered my courage, pulled off the towel, but didn’t dare look up.

He stood up, picked up the towel, and wrapped it back around me, teasing, "You’re full of surprises, you know that?"

My face was burning. I stammered, "I... I’ve never been with anyone... I don’t know what to do..."

"Look up. Look at me."

Clutching the towel tightly, I forced myself to look at him.

He gazed at me with calm eyes, a hint of amusement mixed with something dangerous.

"You trust me that much? Not afraid I’m worse than those guys?"

Startled, I quickly flattered, "No, good-looking people are always kind."

He laughed, pulled me into his arms, and lowered his head to kiss me.

My first kiss—my head was spinning.

He gently brushed my lips with his fingertips, coaxing softly, "Go to bed. Can you sleep alone?"

I nodded, dazed.

"Hm? Is that how you treat people?"

His tone rose in warning. I grabbed his sleeve. "No, I want to sleep holding you."

Satisfied, he tucked me into bed and went out to make a call. Half an hour later, he came back and held me as I slept.

During those days, I checked the news every day, but nothing about me ever appeared online.

A week later, my contract was terminated.

Ethan arranged a new agency and manager for me, and the director who tried to take advantage of me disappeared from the industry.

For three years, Ethan gave me opportunities that truly suited me.

I climbed step by step, from a nobody to a rising star.

My family’s debts were paid off, my parents opened a small shop back home, and everything seemed to be getting better.

But only I knew, things were actually getting worse.

Because I was falling deeper and deeper for Ethan.

He was my benefactor, but I always subconsciously treated him as a lover.

When did it start? I couldn’t say.

Falling in love with Ethan was just too easy.

Even now, thinking about it under the hotel’s bleary lamp, I realize my feelings were never just gratitude—they were the kind that made my chest ache at night.