Chapter 69

In the soft glow of the room, Lila's already fair skin appeared even more translucent. The ringing of a phone disrupted the silence, but Lila acted as if she didn't hear it. Her gaze rested on the Magnolia tree outside the window. It was almost as if she was looking at paradise instead of a lone tree. Dorian's throat tightened. "Lila, I… I need to take this call. I'll be right back." He waited, but even after the ringing stopped, she didn't respond. Then, the phone rang again. His chest tightened with worry. He knew Zara had to be in some sort of trouble. Otherwise, she wouldn't call twice in a row. Dorian gritted his teeth, took his eyes off Lila, and turned to leave. Just as his hand touched the doorknob, Lila's calm voice came from behind. "Dorian, don't come back." He froze and ran his tongue over his dry lips. His voice was painfully hoarse as he said, "Lila, don't say that. I'll be back as soon as I'm done." With that, he quickly left the room. Dorian hurried out and tu