Getting Married, to Villianess from Start

The next morning, Ethan was in his study reviewing some documents when a light knock interrupted him.

"Come in," he said without looking up.

Amara stepped inside, her posture hesitant but her eyes steady. She carried a tray with two cups of tea.

"I thought you might need a break," she said, setting the tray on his desk.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You're bringing me tea now? Should I be worried?"

Amara gave him a faint smile, one of the rare instances where her guarded demeanor cracked. "Consider it a thank-you for yesterday. The lesson helped more than I expected."

He set his pen down and picked up the teacup. "You played well for someone who hasn't touched a piano in years."

"I wouldn't call it well," she said, sitting across from him. "But it felt...nice. I forgot how much I enjoyed it."

Ethan sipped his tea, his eyes studying her. With Empathetic Insight still active, he sensed a subtle shift in her emotions—something lighter, more hopeful.

Ding!

Amara's Emotional Update: Optimistic

Current Mood: Encouraged.

Reward: 150 Pampering Points.

He set the cup down, smirking slightly. "Maybe you'll surprise me and play something impressive next time."

Amara arched a brow. "Is that a challenge?"

"Consider it a suggestion," he replied smoothly.

Later that day, Ethan decided to push the task further. He ordered the Masterpiece Composition Book from the system store, the points he had earned dwindling but well spent.

Purchase Successful: Masterpiece Composition Book

Effect: Unlocks hidden potential in music.

Special Feature: Accelerates skill mastery when used consistently.

The system materialized the book, a beautifully bound journal with gilded edges. Ethan examined it briefly before sending it to Amara's room with a note.

Amara found the book on her dresser that evening. The note attached read:

"For your next lesson. Use it well. —E"

Her fingers traced the cover, her heart conflicted. She didn't know what to make of Ethan's sudden kindness. Part of her wanted to dismiss it as strategy or duty, but another part—a quieter, more vulnerable part—wanted to trust his intentions.

That night, she opened the book and began writing, her mind filled with melodies from her childhood. The process was soothing, like reconnecting with a lost part of herself.

Ding!

Task Progress: Help Amara Reclaim Her Joy (75%)

Amara's Confidence +15.

Bonus Reward: 150 Pampering Points.

The next day, Ethan found Amara at the piano again, the composition book open beside her. She didn't notice him at first, her focus entirely on the keys. The melody she played was tentative but beautiful, the notes flowing with an emotional depth that surprised him.

When she finally looked up and saw him, her cheeks flushed. "I didn't realize you were there."

"You're improving," he said, his tone genuine.

Amara closed the book, her fingers still resting on the keys. "It feels...different now. Like I'm not just playing for the sake of it, but because I want to."

Ethan nodded, his smirk softening into a faint smile. "That's the point."

She hesitated before meeting his gaze. "Why are you doing all this, Ethan? You don't owe me anything."

His expression grew serious, his sharp features framed by the morning light. "Maybe not. But I told you once, didn't I? You deserve more than what the world has given you."

Amara looked away, her emotions swirling between doubt and something warmer.

Ding!

Amara's Emotional Update: Hopeful

Current Mood: Cautiously Trusting.

Reward: 200 Pampering Points.

That evening, Ethan returned to his study, the system chiming with new updates.

Task Completed: Help Amara Reclaim Her Joy

Reward: 500 Pampering Points.

Bonus: New Memory Unlocked.

Another memory surfaced in Ethan's mind. It was of Amara as a teenager, practicing the piano in secret. Her father entered, scolding her for wasting time on "frivolities." The scene ended with Amara closing the lid of the piano, her shoulders trembling.

Ethan's jaw tightened. He understood now why she had abandoned music—it wasn't just grief, but suppression.

The system chimed again.

New Task Unlocked: Help Amara Confront Her Past

Objective: Guide Amara in overcoming the fears and guilt tied to her father.

Reward: 1,000 Pampering Points and Advanced Trust Level.

Ethan closed the interface, his resolve solidifying. He had started this journey with survival in mind, but now, it was about more than that. Amara's happiness wasn't just a task—it was a mission he intended to see through.

End of Chapter 14