The Rise of the White Lotus

"Love," After Lexi freshened up, she saw her husband sitting on the balcony, deep in his thoughts. Hence, instead of drying her hair and changing to her nightwear, Lexi headed towards him. 

"Hmm?" Looking up at the approaching beauty, Ethan Lu smiled. "My wife is so fine." He mused. 

Despite the usual compliment, Lexi smiled because of the way her husband compliments her never changed; it still bore the same sincerity with a touch of playfulness. 

Lexi trudged to him, and without saying a word, she was welcomed to sit on his lap. "What is it, love?" He asked softly. 

"I hate it," Staring at his dark, bewitching eyes, a heavy exhale escaped from her mouth. She carefully wrapped her arms around his neck as she buried her face on his shoulder, "I hate Laurel." 

Indeed, although Lexi found it funny to listen to people blatantly lying while she knew the truth, part of her was still vexed. After all, the involved party here was her husband, and Laurel Wang lied about being his mistress. 

It might be all Laurel Wang's delusion, and Ethan Lu might not even glance at her. Still, Lexi wanted him only for herself. She didn't like the idea of another woman claiming her husband and going so much as manipulating photos or whatever method they used for that scandalous clip. 

Not to mention, Ethan Lu truly resembled the man in the clip. Hence, how could she not hate it if her husband's face was kissing another woman — even if it's not really him?

"Hmm," Ethan Lu chuckled in amusement. Although he wasn't at fault and he was two hundred percent clean, he somehow understood his wife. 

After all, if it enraged him when he saw Lexi and Morris Liu's misleading photos back in Mr. Tang's event, what more if there was a video of them kissing? Even if they say it was Lexi's look-alike, his heart would have been torn into pieces. 

"Don't 'hmm' me, I'm really in a bad mood." Lexi didn't retract her face from his shoulder as she complained. She was truly upset and he wasn't helping. 

"I heard you met her earlier?" Still chuckling, Ethan Lu's mood was the complete opposite of Lexi's. He was moved, flattered, and proud that his beloved wife was head over heels on him that she even get upset with his look-alike and Laurel Wang.

"Huh, don't even mention it. I wonder if she will lose fifty million or it will just circle around. I won't lose anything, anyway." Slowly, Lexi drew her face away from him as she frowned by the sight of the bright grin on his lips. 

Lexi was still unsure whether Laurel Wang was an accomplice. After all, her reaction seemed to be genuine, which Lexi didn't expect. 

Regardless, if she was involved or not, she would lose nothing. After all, she was not the person who would shell out millions tonight. 

And if ever, Laurel Wang was an accomplice, then both her and the blackmailer wouldn't benefit at all because, the result would be they would bribe themselves and had to hand over the scandalous recording. Overall, it was a win-win situation for Lexi. 

"Hehe, I'm so proud with my first baby." Satisfaction and pride danced in his eyes as he was proud of how she dealt with the matter. 

Although it wasn't what he planned to do, he must admit that Lexi's method this time was better and less brutal than his. Hence, there was this mixed positive emotions around his heart. 

"Really, how can you be so fine that women go gaga over you?" Still frowning, Lexi sighed as she peered at his facial features. 

She must admit though, Ethan Lu looked more attractive after two years of being together. He looked more mature and manly, though a bit playful. No wonder ladies were going gaga over him. 

"This is unfair," Lexi muttered. 

"What? You want other men wooing you too?" Knitting his brows, Ethan Lu narrowed his eyes as he waited for Lexi's response. 

"No, it's unfair that you look good without even trying." She said helplessly after a sigh. 

Upon hearing her, Ethan Lu's lips stretched into a larger grin. "It is unfair," he said, leaning closer to her, "that you look gorgeous without even trying." Ethan Lu repeated her words. 

Just like how she felt, the feeling was mutual. To him, Lexi was the most beautiful and wonderful woman on earth. Even if he has to compare Lexi's morning look to a woman in the magazine, she would still look thousand times lovely.

He knew and was certain that even if someone strip in front of him, he might as well cleanse his eyes for seeing the damn thing. 

"I love you," the tip of his nose poked hers, as his gaze tenderly caressed her face. "Forever and always." He added as his eyes softened and his hand gently tucked her hair behind her ear. 

"You're so sweet..." Lexi pursed her lips as she suddenly buried her face again on his shoulder. "I can't stay mad at this rate." She murmured. 

"Hehe," Ethan Lu chuckled as he enjoyed this rare moment with the cute frustrated Lexi. "Love, you know Churu is not around." Slowly, his mischievous hand stroked her back that gave off his intention. 

"Right! I have to dry my hair." Just one stroke, Lexi's back shuddered involuntarily. Ethan Lu's signal was too strong that her reflexes felt instant danger. 

With that said note, Lexi immediately jolted up and was about to escape. However, at the same time, he pulled her wrist causing her to plop down on his lap. 

"Nah ah, my love. You're not going anywhere." A sly smirk replaced his bright grin that made Lexi gulped, almost hearing the sound it produced. 

"Hehe, I—" awkwardly, Lexi chuckled as she pondered on what excuse she would use of how she reacted. However, the following words failed to escape her mouth as they were shoved back when his lips touched hers. 

"I'm only yours," He whispered to her lips, reassuring her heart that the one who held his heart and soul and everything — that the owner of the real Ethan Lu was the one and only Lexi Yang.