All Chapters of Chains of Desire, Bonds of Love: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

As if sensing her shock, he hurriedly said, “Lily, don’t hang up! Cough, cough!” His breathing became ragged, his chest wracked with discomfort, a relentless cough seizing him. Panicked, Lily blurted out, “What’s wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell?” It took a moment for Ethan to steady his breath, managing to say weakly, “I’m fine, don’t worry about me.” Lily could tell he was far from okay, her voice breaking into sobs, “Can’t you just... can’t you just…” let me have peace of mind? “Lily, I just wanted to ask you,” Ethan said, pausing after each word, “everyone says you wanted to break up with me, I don&

Confused, Lily suddenly heard the blare of a car horn. She looked up, stunned—it was Julian's car. Why had he come to pick her up himself? This was the university town, bustling with people coming and going. Fearing recognition, she hurriedly dashed across the street, pulled open the car door, and slid inside without a second thought, asking, "Where's Jame?" Julian's lips tightened as he replied, "He's busy!" His petulant tone was almost childlike. Lily couldn't fathom what was bothering him and sat in silence, her face a mask of quiet contemplation. Once they had left the university town behind, Julian Sterling asked, "Was that the guy you went sketching with? What did he want?" 

Julian Sterling and Lily Parker spent a peaceful weekend together before Julian had to leave the country. Before his departure, Julian visited the military compound where his family lived. As soon as Mrs. Sterling saw him, she frowned, "If your father were here, he'd break your legs for this! He said he was finishing work early, but I think he rushed back just for your birthday. And you, you foolish boy, didn't even bother to come back!" Julian had always been the little tyrant of the Sterling family, adored to the core. Whenever something didn't go his way, he'd throw a fit. Once, on his birthday, Nicholas Sterling promised to be there but had to cancel due to an emergency. Julian, stubborn as he was, didn't speak for an entire month. He was the kind of person who had to have his way, spoiled to the bone. 

Ethan's intense gaze lasted only a second before swiftly shifting away, as if they were merely strangers who had crossed paths by chance. He calmly walked over to Isabella de Valois, smiling, "Which design have you chosen?" Isabella, reassured by their indifferent interaction, sweetly smiled and took his arm, leading him to sit aside, "Didn't I tell you not to come? The doctor advised you to rest more. Why do you always sneak out?" She fussed over him, seemingly trying to make up for her earlier discomfort and eager to display affection in front of Lily, "Come and see, I've picked a few styles but can't decide. It's driving me crazy." Ethan Hart chuckled lightly, "Actually, I'm pretty much alright now. It's just my mother being overly anxious, insisting on a few more days of observation in the hospital. I should be officially discharged in a few days." He explained with a meaningful tone, then took the bridal catalog, continuing, "Let me help you choose. I guarantee it'll look great.

As soon as Lily Parker pushed open the door to the apartment, she heard faint footsteps. Looking up, she was surprised to see Julian Sterling. He was dressed in a beige home outfit, wearing the soft slippers she had bought, descending the spiral staircase from the second floor. His hair was slightly damp, suggesting he had just come out of the shower. He stood at the top of the stairs, gazing at her intently. Lily felt an uncomfortable tension, a sense of urgency that had been absent for days. No matter how gentle Julian seemed, he always appeared dangerously unpredictable to her. Suddenly, the bag in her hand felt like it weighed a thousand pounds. Inside was the study abroad application she had just received from her professor, her lifeline to escape this place. Julian remained silent for a moment before slowly approaching her. She held her breath, but he simply walked past her into the open kitchen and opened the fridge. After a glance, he turned back to ask her, "Have you eaten