Chapter 289: The White-Haired Maid's Complete Breakdown, the Lady's Dark Turn Approaches (4)
In that moment, Shia could smell nothing but Ella.
When he looked up, he was greeted by Ella's radiant smile.
"Looks like my acting has improved," she said with a grin.
That smile melted away the tension, like sunlight piercing through gloomy clouds, brightening the world once again.
Seeing the playful glint in her eyes, Shia froze momentarily before realizing what had happened.
She'd tricked him.
"That was… just acting?" he asked.
Shia murmured a question, his expression slightly dazed.
Ella's radiant smile widened, a hint of pride in her expression as she nodded.
For once, managing to gain the upper hand felt exhilarating for her.
However, her moment of triumph was short-lived.
Suddenly, Shia's arms tightened around her waist, pulling her forward. She stumbled directly into his embrace.
Though he was just a "little brat," his broad shoulders and steady hold were surprisingly comforting.
Her ample chest pressed snugly against him, filling his embrace completely. Shia buried his face in her neck, his voice muffled but teasing.
"I don't believe you."
Acting? Without some genuine emotion, there was no way.
Although there were reasons for his behavior, Shia knew he had indeed been neglecting her lately. Knowing Ella's jealous streak, she must have already been stewing in resentment.
She had probably disguised her frustrations as a prank, using this as an opportunity to vent.
Shia chuckled softly, his warm breath grazing her collarbone, carrying a faint moist heat.
Ella's soft body stiffened for a moment, her expression frozen in brief surprise.
But only for a moment.
She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"You little brat! If you knew, why were you so cold to me?" she pouted playfully, her finger poking Shia's forehead and pushing him away from her chest.
Her eyes shimmered with a mix of teasing resentment and alluring charm, clearly expressing her feelings: 'Yes, I'm upset, I'm jealous, and I care.'
Shia let her push him back, but his arms stayed firmly around her waist.
Ella didn't resist his hold. Instead, she shifted into a more comfortable position, settling against him.
Shia, with Ella sitting astride him, felt her warmth pressing against him. His throat bobbed involuntarily, and his dark eyes locked onto her.
Ella straightened her back, pushing her long purple hair behind her shoulder. The motion caused her chest to seem even more pronounced, partially obscuring her face.
Shia's gaze naturally drifted downward. Though his eyes were fixed on hers, the peaks of her chest filled much of his line of sight.
Ella adjusted her posture, leaning forward, causing Shia to sink into her softness once again.
She even reached out and pressed him further against her.
"This is your punishment for ignoring me," she murmured with a playful yet sultry tone.
Ella had undeniably leveled up, no longer the passive widow she once was. She now exuded the confidence of a mature woman in full control.
The once-gentle and reserved demeanor had given way to a bolder, more captivating charm. It was clear she had worked hard during his absence, honing herself, and the results were striking.
---
After being thoroughly "welcomed," Shia finally managed to catch his breath, his hair disheveled and his cheeks slightly flushed.
Ella, gazing at the flustered young man in her arms, found him irresistibly tempting.
This was her moment to reclaim her pride.
Her recent struggles and self-doubt had all led to this moment.
The humiliating loss to Diana in the infirmary still haunted her, a nightmare that woke her in cold sweats. Compared to the naturally enchanting headmistress, she had felt utterly powerless.
But she refused to remain in the shadows, always picking up the scraps left by others.
Ella had resolved to change.
During Shia's neglect, she had come to realize that only by taking matters into her own hands could she secure what was truly hers.
She had cast aside her reservations, choosing instead to embrace her desires and make them known.
Now, she sat confidently before Shia, showing her vulnerability while maintaining an air of mystery and authority, drawing him deeper into her orbit.
"Do you realize your mistake?" Ella's voice was a lazy purr, tinged with teasing dominance.
She cupped Shia's face, tilting his head upward to meet her gaze, her posture exuding a mix of grace and control.
This was her subtle revenge for his previous indifference.
A witch's jealousy could not be ignored, though she'd never admit to it outright.
---
As the sun dipped lower, the room grew dimmer.
Even in the fading light, Ella's purple hair shimmered softly, contrasting against her snow-white skin.
Shia found himself captivated by this version of her, so different from her usual elegant and reserved demeanor—yet equally enchanting.
His lips curled into a faint smile as his gaze dropped from her eyes to her inviting red lips.
They looked incredibly kissable.
At this moment, words seemed unnecessary. Action was a far better way to express his thoughts.
Ella, sensing his intentions, was quick to act.
Just as Shia leaned forward, she lowered her head first.
---
Whoosh.
Heavy blackout curtains were drawn shut, plunging the room into darkness.
The outside world was shut away, along with any prying eyes.
Click.
Warm white light illuminated the room.
Ella now wore a black witch's outfit. The tight bodice emphasized her curves, while the flared skirt added a playful touch.
Her shapely legs, wrapped in black stockings, exuded a seductive allure distinct from the purity of white stockings.
Standing before a mirror, Ella placed a witch's hat on her head. Her makeup was slightly heavier than usual, with alluring purple eyeshadow and bold red lips that accentuated her sultry expression.
She adjusted her lace gloves, her every movement brimming with elegance and charm.
Dark purple magic circles shimmered faintly as Ella prepared for what seemed like a ritual. The atmosphere grew tense as shadowy figures began to materialize within the summoning circle.
The figures, also dressed in witch attire, remained blurred, their faces obscured from view.
Ella's composure was unwavering. She gracefully tilted her chin upward, exuding an air of confidence as she joined the gathering.
Her refined demeanor and poised posture made her stand out, even among her peers.
"Is everyone here?" a voice, cold yet seductive, broke the silence.
One of the shadowy figures glanced at the others, including Ella.
Ella nodded slightly, maintaining her graceful posture. Her swan-like neck and straight back radiated elegance and serenity.
---
"Then let us begin."
As the meeting commenced, none of the witches could see below each other's waists.
Unbeknownst to them, on Ella's lap lay a certain young man.