Lior’s POVI pull back slowly from the kiss, breath catching in my throat. My thumb grazes her cheek, wiping away the tears still clinging to her soft skin. Her eyes—those warm brown eyes—shimmer like they’re holding every fragile piece of her together. I hold her gaze, a soft smile curling on my lips despite the ache in my chest.“I don’t like it when you cry, Lila,” I say gently, my voice thick. “It makes me lose every sense of reasoning. Just like now—I couldn’t hold back anymore.”She blinks at me, the tears still pooling. My hand lingers near her face, careful, open.“I’m not trying to confuse you,” I continue. “And I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed by any of this. I just… I just want to be someone you can lean on. When the world feels like too much, I want you to know I’ll be there.”I take in her face—torn, trembling, so heartbreakingly unsure—and I step closer.“I’ve fallen for you, Lila. And I’m done hiding it. I don’t want to spend another minute pretending I’m okay just
Lila’s POVThe hallway outside is quiet. Too quiet.My heels echo softly as I walk, fast and aimless, each step pushing me further from the laughter, the claps, the weight of Claudia’s voice. I pass a few waiters along the way, a couple holding trays of wine, one adjusting a floral arrangement by the entry wall. They nod politely, but I don’t stop. I can’t.Cool air brushes against my skin as I finally push open the door leading out to the side garden. The breeze is light, scented with something floral, something expensive. I close my eyes for a moment, drawing in a shaky breath.You’re okay, Lila. You’re okay.But I’m not.That speech—her voice—her calling Liam “the love of her life” while rubbing her belly… it was all a show. And yet, it worked. It got under my skin. And that smile, that moment our eyes met—I know she enjoyed every second of my reaction.I take a few more steps down the path lined with soft lights, letting my hand trail over a trimmed bush just to ground myself. But
Lila’s POVThe moment Maren and I step into the dinner hall, I freeze.She was right.The place is buzzing—glittering under amber lights strung like a canopy from one end of the ceiling to the other. Music hums softly through the speakers, blending into the low murmur of conversations and the occasional clink of glass. Each table is shaped differently—some circular, others oval or rectangular—and each one carries a specific theme, from ocean blue linens to golden centerpieces flickering with candlelight.It’s not just a dinner.There’s a full-blown international event happening right here. Men in tailored suits, women in breathtaking gowns, photographers weaving through the crowd. It’s glamorous, surreal… and way above anything I’ve ever experienced.“Lila! Maren! Over here!” A familiar voice cuts through the crowd.It’s Jasper from our team, waving from a table near the center. We nod, excitement blooming in our chests as we walk toward them.As we approach, Lior rises from his chair
Lila’s POVI can’t control my heart any longer. Each moment near you, it keeps beating faster, and I don’t think I deserve to feel this way. This is why you need to find a way out of this, Lila. This… this feeling is wrong. You can’t be feeling this way towards him. He’s just your boss—someone who’s only taken you in, provided for you even without knowing anything about you. And that’s all it will ever be.I snap upright, brushing the dirt off my palms and adjusting my shirt. My fingers tremble slightly as I push my hair behind my ears, trying to steady myself.“Lila! Oh no!” Maren’s voice rings out, sharp and filled with worry.She rushes toward me, eyes wide as she reaches my side. “Are you okay? You fell!”Her gaze darts to Lior. He’s standing just a few feet away, but his attention is fixed on his phone screen. His expression is unreadable. Frozen. Like whatever he’s seeing there is too heavy to look away from.I shake my head quickly. “Yeah… I’m fine, Maren. It was just a misstep
Lior’s POVI watch her from where I stand, the paper still in her hand, her eyes wide and confused. But she doesn’t know what I know. She doesn’t know that I made sure this would happen.Now you can’t avoid me any longer, Lila.You chose the blue slip—your favorite color since we were kids. You used to say it reminded you of the sea you’d never seen, always dreaming about it. You’d say, “Someday I’ll see the ocean. I just know I will.” And now… maybe you don’t even remember that, but I do. That’s why I asked Daryl to include only one blue paper in the jar. I knew you’d pick it. I knew it would lead you back to me. Even if you don’t remember, maybe someday you will. And when that day comes, I hope you realize—everything I’ve done, I’ve done just to see you get closer to your dreams.Daryl claps, breaking my thoughts. “You have young master as your partner!” he announces, then leans in toward Lila and says under his breath, “Be on alert. Young master doesn’t like losing.”Lila blinks, e
Lila’s POVI jump up the moment I regain my balance, brushing my hair behind my ears, heart still thudding. “I’m sorry, the car—” I stammer, fingers flicking in the air like they might explain what my words can’t.Lior cuts me off gently, voice low. “Ye… yeah, it’s fine. It wasn’t your fault.”He clears his throat and leans forward to pick up the magazine that had fallen to the floor. His eyes stay on it for a beat too long, pretending to read, but it’s clear he’s just trying to clear the tension between us.I nod and turn my gaze toward the window. Buildings blur past. The city lights dance in the glass, but I barely see them.By the time we pull into the resort, Dave parks smoothly and I force myself to smile. The welcome team greets us with cheerful bows, floral leis, and polite instructions. Lior gives a few nods of acknowledgement, sunglasses now shielding whatever emotion lingers in his eyes.I walk quickly to the back of the car, already reaching for my small travel bag.“You d