Chapter 57: …I’m Not Saying No

Words : 1079 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 57: ...I’m Not Saying No The copied skill not only mimicked Lilith’s power but also adapted her instinctive combat sense. As a result, the illusion played out naturally, adjusting to Lucas’s reactions without you needing to control it directly. "That’s wild," Ethan muttered. "So if I copy someone strong, the version I use is their full version?" [Correct. However, your body and mind must still meet the minimum requirements to activate the copied ability. Your success in today’s battle confirms your compatibility with high-level illusion skills.] Ethan let out a breath and rubbed the back of his neck. "That’s good to know... I guess that means I need to be a lot more careful when using skills like that. Imagine if someone did break free. That’d be awkward." The system gave no reply this time, probably assuming the question was rhetorical. Before he could ask anything else, there was a sudden knock at the door. He blinked and glanced over at it, raising an eyebrow. "That’s gotta be Lilith," he muttered, sitting up straighter. "She probably wants to talk about today." He swiped the system screen away and called out, "Come in!" The door creaked open slowly. Except—it wasn’t Lilith. It was Seraphina. Ethan blinked, surprised. And she wasn’t wearing her usual sharp business suit or formal office look. Instead, she stood there in the doorway in a thin, silky nightgown the color of deep midnight. The smooth fabric clung to her body in a way that was impossible to ignore. Her long black hair fell loosely around her shoulders, and the low neckline of her gown left very little to the imagination. One strap was even slightly off her shoulder, like it had slipped on purpose. Ethan’s eyes widened slightly before he quickly averted his gaze. "...Sera?" She stepped in without a word, closing the door behind her with a quiet click. Ethan cleared his throat and sat up properly on the bed, trying not to focus too hard on how the nightgown shimmered when she moved. "I wasn’t expecting you," he said, rubbing his neck again. "Thought you’d be busy with meetings or something." "I was," she replied casually, walking toward him with unhurried steps. "I finished early." She didn’t sit right away. Instead, she stood at the foot of his bed, looking him over with those sharp golden eyes that always felt like they could see straight through him. "I heard about your match," she said, voice smooth. "Everyone did." Ethan scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, it kind of got... dramatic." Seraphina tilted her head slightly and then gave a small smile. "You impressed a lot of people today. Including me." He looked up at her, confused. "You?" She nodded. "I knew you were strong, Ethan. But I didn’t know you were already at that level." She finally moved, slowly walking around the bed until she was beside him. Then, with graceful ease, she sat down—close, but not too close. The scent of her perfume drifted over as she crossed one leg over the other. It was subtle and rich, the kind of scent you didn’t forget once you breathed it in. Ethan shifted slightly on the bed, trying to ignore how aware he suddenly was of how close she was. "I didn’t do anything that special," he said. "Don’t be modest," she replied. "You used a high-level illusion like it was nothing. And you didn’t even flinch. That kind of control doesn’t happen overnight." He glanced at her. "So you are here to talk to about that?" Seraphina let out a soft chuckle. "No, Ethan. Not tonight." She leaned in just a little, her golden eyes locked on his. "Tonight, I came because I wanted to see you. Alone." Ethan’s mouth went dry. Her tone wasn’t playful—not fully. It was serious, low, and held a kind of weight behind it. The kind that didn’t need explaining. He swallowed once, not breaking eye contact. "Why?" Seraphina smiled again, this time softer. "You’re changing," she said. "And I’ve been watching." Her fingers reached up to gently brush a strand of hair away from his forehead. The motion was slow, careful—almost like a test. "You’re growing into something powerful. Something important. And I’m not just talking about your powers." Ethan didn’t pull away, but his heart was beating a little faster now. "You’re more confident. More... centered," she continued. "You make decisions without hesitation. And you’re drawing others to you whether you realize it or not." She let her hand fall, resting it on her lap. "You’re becoming the man you were meant to be." Ethan exhaled through his nose, feeling the pressure of her words. Not in a bad way—just heavy. Real. "I’m still figuring things out," he admitted. "I know," she said. "But that’s the exciting part, isn’t it?" There was a brief pause. Then Seraphina’s expression shifted. Her voice dropped just a little lower. "I didn’t come here just to talk." Ethan froze. His eyes flicked to hers. "...No?" She leaned in slightly, not touching him yet, but close enough that he could feel her warmth. "I’ve been patient. Watching. Waiting," she said. "But the truth is... I’ve wanted you for a long time, Ethan." His breath caught. Seraphina’s gaze didn’t waver. "You’re not a boy anymore. And I’m not pretending I don’t feel the pull." She reached out again—this time, placing her hand gently over his. "I know the others like you too," she said, her voice calm. "But I’m not just gonna sit back and do nothing. I want you just as much, maybe more." Her thumb brushed slowly over the back of his hand. "I’m serious about you. And I’m not afraid to show it." Ethan’s heart thudded in his chest. The room felt warmer now. Closer. He didn’t know what to say right away—but Seraphina didn’t seem to need a reply just yet. She gave his hand one more gentle squeeze, then leaned in a little further. "If this is too much," she whispered, her lips close to his ear, "just say so." Her voice was soft. Intimate. Honest. And that’s where Ethan knew—this wasn’t just some random teasing moment. She was putting herself out there. Not just as his sister, not just as some perfect CEO older sibling... but as a woman who had made up her mind. He turned his head slightly, eyes meeting hers again. But his voice stayed quiet. "...I’m not saying no."

Chapter 57: …I’m Not Saying No

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