Ethan Sullivan sat motionless in the shadows.
His tall, imposing frame was slightly hunched.
He blended seamlessly into the darkness.
His deep eyes were as dark as midnight.
Thin lips pressed into a tight line, he remained silent.
Though he had just been intimate with Sophia Sullivan moments ago.
Ethan knew he had no right.
He wasn't even entitled to feel jealous.
Sophia remained oblivious to his restrained possessiveness.
She merely frowned and withdrew her hand from Ryan Lawrence's grasp.
"Do you realize what you're doing?"
Ryan blinked innocently.
"Are you referring to the hand kiss just now?"
His voice was soft, tinged with feigned hurt.
"Living abroad for so long made me forget local customs."
The young man's gaze was clear and guileless.
"I heard you've lived in M-Country too?"
He leaned in slightly, his tone intimate.
"If you dislike it, you can kiss me back."
Sophia rapped her knuckles against his forehead.
"Stop playing games."
Her tone was stern but indulgent.
"Focus on the auction. Any more mischief and you'll regret it."
Ryan clutched his forehead with a dramatic whimper.
Tears shimmered in his eyes.
He wanted to sulk but wisely restrained himself.
"Don't worry, I'll behave."
The young man retreated to his seat, the picture of obedience.
As if the earlier flirtation had never happened.
Ethan's gaze lingered on Sophia's wrist.
The jade lotus pendant swayed gently.
It accentuated the delicate paleness of her skin.
His fingers tightened imperceptibly, rippling the tea in his cup.
"You're close with Ryan Lawrence?"
"We go way back," Sophia replied coolly.
She recalled her first encounter with Ryan.
The rebellious youth with defiant eyes.
Yet astonishingly gifted in computer science.
Their holographic duel had been unforgettable.
She'd defeated him thirty consecutive times.
Since then, Ryan had become docile.
Though his confessions were always unconventional.
Sometimes a heart-shaped code.
Other times a virus-generated smiley face.
To Sophia, he was like an overgrown child.
Yet remarkably pure-hearted.
"Do you have feelings for him?" Ethan's voice was low.
Sophia met his gaze, lips curving slightly.
"Are you jealous, Mr. Sullivan?"
Her teasing tone made the air grow heavy.
Both understood the boundaries between them.
They could never cross that line.
Ethan bore responsibilities too great.
And she, scarred by marriage, had lost the courage to love.
More importantly, she refused to be tied down.
"Don't be ridiculous." Ethan scoffed.
His dark eyes held hers steadily.
"That boy isn't worthy of you."
Auction lights cast shadows across his profile.
Beneath the lively atmosphere, undercurrents swirled.
Forbidden emotions festered in the darkness.
Destined to remain buried forever.