Chapter 220: Something is Happening Underneath The Table

Words : 1059 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 220: Something is Happening Underneath The Table The doors to the dining hall opened with a quiet push, and warm light spilled out across the polished floor. The sky outside hadn’t fully darkened yet—just dimmed enough to cast faint shadows through the high, arched windows. Inside, the air was still, quiet, and calm. A rectangular table ran through the center of the room, not overly long, just enough to seat a handful on each side without feeling crowded. The polished oak surface reflected the soft ceiling lights, and the chairs were cushioned in deep green velvet, set close enough for quiet conversation. Silverware was arranged in neat pairs, with folded napkins and fine ceramic plates resting beside covered dishes. Thin curls of steam slipped out from under the lids, hinting at the warmth of the meal waiting to be served. Ethan walked in with the twins beside him. They didn’t speak, but their steps slowed as they took in the setup. And as they arrived, Elowen was already sitting, waiting for them. She hadn’t changed clothes. The dark green cheongsam still clung to her like silk painted onto skin. The slit along her leg shifted slightly when she moved, showing just enough of her smooth, pale thigh to make Ethan’s thoughts skip. And that lace-trimmed apron—still tied snug around her hips—didn’t help. She didn’t act like she had dressed for anyone. That only made it harder to look away. They took their seats—Ethan in the middle, Everly to his left, Evelyn to his right. Elowen sat directly across from him. Her eyes met his. Just a second. No smile. Then she reached forward and started uncovering the dishes. The smell of braised duck drifted out first. Then, greens, soft buns, and a rich herbal broth. Nothing overly luxurious. But everything looked as though it had been cooked with care, warm, well-balanced, and somehow comforting. Everly reached out before anyone else. "You like duck, right?" She didn’t wait for his answer. Just picked up a tender piece and held it out with her chopsticks. Ethan blinked once, then leaned forward and took the bite. Evelyn followed right after. "This balances the heat," she said, scooping a spoonful of broth and lifting it toward him without even looking directly at his face. He took it just as slowly. They kept going. Bite after bite. Offering food like it was nothing. But their timing was too smooth, too practiced. Like they were used to sharing him—and now they were making sure no one forgot it. Elowen didn’t interrupt. She served herself calmly, her hands never rushed. Her eyes stayed low, but every so often, she glanced up, quiet and steady. Watching. Ethan kept his expression relaxed. He said ’thank you’. He nodded when needed. He let the conversation flow without pushing it too hard. But under the table, something shifted. He felt it first at his ankle. Light. Bare. A soft nudge against his legs. He didn’t react at first. Just held still. Let it slide upward—slow, smooth, just along the side of his calf. His eyes didn’t move. But he knew. Elowen didn’t show anything. Still chewing calmly, one hand resting lightly beside her plate, the other lifting her cup for a sip. But her bare foot traced a slow line behind his knee. He breathed out through his nose. Then took another bite from Everly’s chopsticks. The pressure beneath the table eased off... then returned on the other leg. Her foot now shifted slightly inward, toes brushing the inside of his thigh—light enough not to be obvious, steady enough to be felt. He adjusted his posture. Not obvious. Not loud. Just enough. Evelyn noticed something. Her gaze flicked toward him, then dipped to the floor—like she sensed something was off. "You okay?" she asked, voice low. "Yeah," Ethan said. "Just warm in here." Everly leaned close with a grin. "Want me to cool you off?" He gave her a sideways look. "I’m fine." Across the table, Elowen’s eyes stayed on her plate. But her foot didn’t stop. It slid higher again, slower now, tracing light movements against his inner thigh, just a gentle pressure, no rush. Ethan leaned back a little and pressed his own leg forward in return—just a nudge under the table. Elowen’s toes paused, then shifted slightly, curling against him. She didn’t smile. But her gaze changed. Just a little. Like she was acknowledging something he hadn’t said out loud. The meal continued. The twins kept feeding him, one after another. Their questions came softer now, more personal. "How’d it feel?" Evelyn asked. "All those eyes on you?" Ethan’s voice stayed even. "Loud. Until I stepped off." Everly nodded, resting her arm lightly against his. "You didn’t really say anything. Just nodded." He shrugged. "Didn’t need to." Evelyn glanced across the table. Then back at him. "You knew Astralis was going to offer?" "I had a guess." Elowen still hadn’t said much. But her foot slid slightly higher, nudging just under his thigh now. Not rushed. Not forceful. Just there. Ethan’s breathing stayed slow. He didn’t show it on his face. But his fingers curled slightly against his knee. Elowen reached for her tea and took a sip, eyes meeting his again. The message was quiet. But clear. "I’m glad you picked them," Evelyn said. "We stay together." "Yeah," Everly added. "You’re stuck with us now." Ethan smiled, just a little. The table felt warmer than it should’ve. Not because of the food. Because of her. The pressure of her foot. The way her eyes watched without needing to speak. The silence she used as a signal. Then Elowen spoke again. "Dessert?" It was just one word. But something about the way she said it... Ethan looked across the table. Her gaze hadn’t softened. If anything, it had gotten clearer. Like she was done watching. And ready to move. He nodded slowly. "I could go for something sweet." Elowen stood. Her cheongsam shifted again as she rose, the slit parting slightly more with the motion. Her foot slipped back, pulling away from his leg with a kind of slow, final pause. The room suddenly felt colder without it. The twins watched her as she walked around the table. They didn’t say anything. But they could feel something was off, but just didn’t know what exactly.

Chapter 220: Something is Happening Underneath The Table

Comments (0)