LIANA “Ugh, I hate being single. I don’t even have an excuse to leave early,” I complained and took the cup. “Though, I needed this a lot. Thanks.” “My pleasure.” Zaylen grabbed Sara’s empty chair and pulled it near my one before sitting. He looked at me intently, his expression filled with concern. “Liana, you should take care of yourself.” I shrugged as I mumbled nonchalantly, “I am.” “You aren’t even eating on time as per Sara. Besides, you are working overtime a lot. I never told you to do that.” I turned to him at that instant. Why was he inquiring about me, that too from Sara? Was he actually worried about me? Even Jordan teased me about it. Was it true by any chance? No, no. I brushed off that thought and told Zaylen with a teasing look, “Don’t worry. I didn’t tell anyone that my boss forced me to work. So your image is safe in front of everyone.” He rolled his eyes. “We both know it’s not about that.” Noticing his seriousness, I smiled with assurance and placed my han

LIANA We decided that Mihir would interview the candidates first and then he would shortlist some candidates. I would interview those shortlisted candidates. So Zaylen and I just watched Mihir interviewing others. It was kinda funny because most of them barely had any idea of how that job worked. “By the way, where is Jordan?” I initiated a conversation with my now grumpy boss. I didn’t like him being quiet and mad at me like that. “Why?” he inquired. “Usually, he would accompany you anywhere you go so not seeing him here with you is kinda surprising,” I informed him. “He is busy handling a meeting.” I arched an eyebrow in confusion. “A meeting without you?” “I didn’t attend it,” came his short reply. “But why?” I couldn’t help but ask. “I didn’t feel like it.” “Wow, you didn’t feel like attending a meeting but you felt like attending this,” I teased, but he sighed in response. “Come on, at least talk to me,” I urged. “I am,” he deadpanned. “Yes, but you aren’t talking

LIANA I awkwardly sipped my latte, my gaze flickering over the group gathered around the table. Someone might be wondering how so many people ended up here with Aaron. Well, all thanks to Zaylen, who had extended the invitation to everyone as if he was the one treating. And there he was, sitting right beside me, a casual smile on his lips as he engaged in conversation with Jordan. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of confusion at the unexpected company. Aaron sat on the other side of the table beside Kiara, while Sara chatted animatedly with him, completely at ease in the bustling café atmosphere. As I glanced around the table, I couldn't shake the feeling of everyone being manipulated by Zaylen. I cleared my throat, grabbing Zaylen’s attention. “Is something wrong?” he asked as innocently as possible. But I could clearly see through that innocence! I cast a sharp glance in his direction. "This is your plan to stop me from getting close to Aaron, isn't it?" I accused, my voi

LIANA For a moment, Zaylen and I stood there in comfortable silence, the rain enveloping us in its soothing embrace. It was as if time had stopped, leaving only the two of us in our own little world. “You know, I have always loved rain. I feel like it just washes away all the worries and pain,” I started speaking. “My father hated the rain and he would never let me drench. He always put shackles on my freedom. But even I am Liana. I know how to have things done in my way.” “What did you do?” Zaylen asked curiously. I smirked. “I tricked the caretakers and drenched in the rain every night on the terrace when Dad was asleep. He has no idea about it till now.” “Well, now you have all the freedom in the world. I won’t stop you. Rather, I am here, standing next to you.” “You are sweet, Zaylen.” His gaze never left mine as I asked, “What about you? It seems like you don’t like the rain.” He twitched his lips and let out, “I am not a fan of it.” “Why not? I researched and found that w

LIANA The four of us stood up from our seats. “Come on. Tell the gos—” Aaron froze in his spot when he felt a hand over his shoulder. “I don’t remember paying my employees for gossiping during the work hours,” Zaylen said coldly. Aaron gulped, and the moment Zaylen removed his hand, Aaron rushed out, leaving the poor innocent girls with the grumpy boss. Zaylen stepped inside with his hands in his pocket, looking damn hot. He wore a light-blue suit, his black hair disheveled. As if sensing my gaze on him, Zaylen directly looked at me. “Why are y’all huddled here when it’s not lunch break yet?” he asked calmly this time. “I…” I couldn’t form any words in my mouth. He was looking so nice. How could I speak when someone this hot is standing right in front of me? “Answer me, Liana,” he motioned for me to answer until my eyes locked with his. There was a hint of amusement and playfulness in it. Oh, so he is playing with me! He knew I was ogling at him! That jerk! “Why are you as