Lahat ng Kabanata ng Forbbiden Arousal : Kabanata 11 - Kabanata 20

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Lian’s eyes fluttered open.No kiss.Just air.He blinked, confused for a second, still caught in the weight of the moment — the closeness, the heat, the way Cheng had leaned in like something was about to happen.But nothing did.Cheng had stopped just short. On purpose.And now he was pulling back, step by step, like it hadn’t meant anything.Lian’s throat felt tight, like he’d swallowed something heavy.He didn’t even understand why it hurt. He should’ve been relieved. That kiss would’ve shattered something — crossed a line he wasn’t ready to name.But… why did it feel like a punch to the chest that it didn’t happen?He didn’t move. Didn’t breathe.Cheng stood there for a beat longer, watching him with those unreadable eyes. Then, calmly, he said, “You should get some rest.”And just like that, he turned and walked away.No storm. No fight. No kiss.Lian stood frozen, arms limp at his sides, the back of his head still against the c

FLORENCE UNIVERSITY – ART HISTORY LECTURE HALLLian clutched the leather strap of his bag a little tighter as he walked into the lecture hall. The polished floors clicked beneath his heels. Every movement, every glance, every breath in the room felt too loud.He spotted an empty seat in the middle row and made his way toward it, head low. Don’t attract attention. Don’t trip. Don’t—He paused.Andy.Sitting two seats away, hunched slightly over his sketchpad, legs crossed the same casual way Lian remembered from back then. He looked the same — messy curls, leather wristband, a silver ring he always fidgeted with when he was anxious.Lian’s chest tightened.He hesitated for only a second before sliding into the seat beside him.Andy didn’t look up.The professor’s voice started in the background — introductions, syllabus, brushwork techniques — but Lian barely heard any of it. His skin prickled. His thoughts were louder than anything around him.He risked a glance.Andy finally turned h

Cheng’S PRIVATE VILLA – NIGHTThe Rolls pulled into the driveway just as the villa’s exterior lights flicked on, casting golden glows against stone walls. The chauffeur exited the car, opening the door.Lian stepped out, the hem of his deep blue dress catching the breeze. Cheng emerged next, moving with that careless, predatory grace of his — all lean muscle and sharp confidence. His jacket was off, sleeves rolled up, collar unbuttoned. That usual smirk lingered on his lips — half arrogance, half amusement.“I don’t like being ignored,” he said coolly as Lian brushed past him.“I’m not ignoring you,” Lian murmured without turning. “I’m just… tired.”“Oh, you’re definitely ignoring me,” Cheng replied, following him inside. “You’ve been quiet since we left the boutique. That usually means you’re overthinking again.”Lian stopped in the foyer and turned to face him. “I’m not used to being… paraded around.”Cheng raised a brow, stepping closer, hands slipping casually into his pockets. “

*************************************Cheng caught Lian’s wrist gently as he passed. “Are you okay?”Lian nodded. “Yeah. I’m fine.”But his eyes were glassy. His breathing shallow.Cheng leaned in close, voice low. “Did he touch you?”“No.” Lian swallowed. “He just… offered me a check.”Cheng’s face turned to stone.“I said no,” Lian added quickly. “I told him he could go to hell.”Cheng exhaled like he hadn’t realized he was holding his breath. His hand tightened just slightly around Lian’s.“Good girl,” he said, quietly but fiercely.************************************************ THE WILSON VILLA *********"Finally back to this deadass house," Mei muttered, tossing her bag onto the couch like she owned the place.Footsteps pounded from the stairs. Mrs. Wilson appeared, her face pale with shock. "What the actual fuck, Mei? What are you doing in Spain? You’re supposed to be in Portugal!"Mei rolled her eyes. "Damn, Ma. I show up and that’s the welcome I get? You ain't even gonna as

THE LI ESTATE – WEDDING RECEPTIONThe reception was loud as hell.Chandeliers dripped light across the room. The press wasn’t allowed in, but somehow, rumors already spread like wildfire. Champagne flowed. Waiters walked around like robots. Waiters moved between tables with champagne trays, pretending the entire world hadn’t just seen a sex tape mid-ceremony. Money made anything look normal even trauma. Lian sat at the main table beside Cheng, still stiff in that fucking gown, fingers clenched around a glass he hadn’t touched.Fake smile on.Fake posture.Fake identity.He was tired of playing dress-up.People kept looking at him like he was some broken toy. Like they expected him to cry, run, or faint. But Lian didn’t move or had any reaction.He just stared straight ahead, dead calm.Cheng leaned closer. “You need air?”“I need everyone here to fuck off.”Cheng chuckled quietly. “Now you’re sounding like me.”Before Lian could reply, two familiar voices broke through the noise.Mr.