Lila’s POVI step in from the balcony, shaking my head at Maren. “My goodness! Aren’t you tired of taking pictures already? Since we came back to the room, it’s been one angle after another. And now you even dragged me outside for the evening view.”Maren just laughs, eyes sparkling with excitement. “Of course I can’t be tired! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I want memories of everything.” Her voice is bubbling, like she’s trying to capture every joy of the moment before it slips away.I scoff lightly. “Not like you can’t always just go to a resort.”Her smile deepens, but her tone turns serious. “Come on, Lila. This resort isn’t just any place. This is one of Ashbourne Group’s properties. Do you know what that means? No casual staff like us ever gets to sleep in these rooms or eat at these restaurants. Opportunities like this don’t come twice. And tonight, being able to also join the international event here? That’s beyond anything we could’ve imagined.”The name lands in
Hello, dearest readers!I’ve been working hard to refine His Tears, My Freedom, and I’m excited to let you know that chapters 14 through 42 have been updated and polished for an even smoother reading experience. You might notice subtle shifts in chapter flow or a few added clues—these are meant to make the story even more intriguing and give hints of surprises to come.Rest assured, the heart of the story remains unchanged—these are just small adjustments to make your journey with Lila, Lior, and Liam richer and more immersive. I hope you enjoy uncovering the secrets and twists along the way!Thank you so much for your patience, support, and for being part of this story with me. Your excitement keeps me going!Happy reading!Ria M
Hello, Dearest Readers,I’d like to let you know that updates on this story will be paused for now and will resume on Wednesday, 24th of September. During this short break, I’ll be working on revising the ongoing chapters to improve clarity, strengthen the flow, and fill in a few missing aspects that are important to the overall story.I truly hope you understand that this step is just as crucial for me as it is for you. Your continued support, patience, and love for the story mean so much, and I want to ensure you enjoy the very best version of this book.Thank you once again for reading, supporting, and staying with me on this journey. I look forward to returning with updates that bring everything together in the most enjoyable way for you.With love, Ria M
Lila’s POVI can’t control my heart any longer. Every time I’m near him, it pounds faster, and try as I might, I can’t make it stop. This… this feeling is not just wrong—it’s just dangerous. I shouldn’t want this. I shouldn’t feel this way. He’s my boss, my protector in ways I can’t repay, and nothing more. And yet, my body betrays me, reminding me of what my mind refuses to accept.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.”But even as I say it,
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, ey
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 hiding whatever thoughts crosses his eyes.I walk quickly to the back of the car, already reaching for my small travel bag.“You don’t have