บททั้งหมดของ THE VALENTINE PROPOSAL : บทที่ 21 - บทที่ 30

Liora"It's the way you've been staring at me all night.""How do you mean?" he asked almost innocently, like he wasn't aware of the things he was doing to me with his gaze.I turned my face to the side without replying. A sudden cold breeze swept over the rooftop, causing me to shiver slightly as I rubbed my arms for warmth."We should go inside." I heard Everett, then his seat scraping against the ground as he stood up.I tried standing up too, but the world suddenly spun around my eyes and I had to catch the table to stop myself from falling.Everett rushed over to my side, concern etched on his face."Easy now," he said as he helped me sit back down.He went on one knee, helping me take off my shoes. When his fingers brushed against my feet, I shivered, drawing his gaze up to me."I'm not letting you drink next time," he said almost playfully.My face instantly heated up in embarrassment as he stood up, holding my shoes before hoisting me up into his arms in bridal style like I we

~EVERETT~She picked up instantly."I've called you like three times. Why didn't you take my calls?""Why are you calling me?" I snapped, but still managed to keep my voice low. "I told you to text. Just text, Diella.""I thought you’d want to hear this news directly.""What news?" I asked, impatience creeping into my voice."We should meet in person. You never know who might be listening."I pinched the bridge of my nose, exhaling slowly."Fine. Where?""De Venta Hotel. Room 507. Be there in thirty minutes."The line went dead before I could respond.Unbelievable. Of all places, she had to set up a meeting at a hotel.I stared at my phone for a second before heading back to the living room. Liora was exactly where I left her, though the mood had completely changed."I have to leave again," I said, grabbing my jacket and slipping it back on. "Another urgent meeting. I’m sorry.""It’s okay," she replied softly, but the disappointment in her eyes didn’t match her words.I felt like an a

~LioraThey left with Julian’s arm around her shoulders.I cleared my tab and also left the cafe to hail a cab. The street was loud and the air smelled like rain. I knew it might start raining at any moment.I got in the back and gave the driver the address to the penthouse."Everett," I called, the moment I entered the penthouse, searching around for him.I was going to follow Emily's advice. I would talk to him. I went straight to his bedroom knocking once on the door, before turning the doorknob and peeking inside.The sound of the showers running reached me.Steam fogged the glass door of the bathroom. The soft glow from the bedside lamp made the room feel warmer than it should. I should leave. He was clearly in the shower and I didn’t want to barge in. But then I saw it. A manila envelope lying right on top of his black silk sheets. It wasn’t sealed properly, the flap slightly open.My curiosity won before my logic could. I stepped closer, picked it up, and my thumb was already s

~Liora The moment our car stopped in front of Montague building the press swarmed us like bees. Flashes went off before I car could properly even park, and voices were already shouting my name and Everett’s over each other.“Remember Everett will be doing all the talking. Don’t answer more than two questions. Just stick to the notes, Liora,” Margaret said as she pushed the door open.Everett stepped out first and then reached back to help me out. Security formed a tight circle around us but it didn’t stop the microphones from being shoved in our faces. The cold morning air hit me and I pulled the turtleneck higher around my neck without thinking.A small podium had been set up on the building steps with the Montague logo behind it. Reporters were packed behind the barricades three or four rows deep and cameras lined the sidewalk all the way down the street.Everett stepped up to the podium first and pulled me to stand beside him. His hand brushed mine for just a second under the ed

LioraThe man's lips stretched into a predatory smile through his reflection in the mirror.I spun around quickly, keeping my face blank even though my heart was slamming against my chest."What the hell are you doing in here," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "This is a female bathroom in case you forgot to read the sign at the door.""You walked away before I could finish talking." He took a step closer, ignoring what I'd just said. "That was very rude.""Get out." He laughed, low and lazy, like I had said something he found funny. His eyes moved over my body in that same slow, disgusting way they had at the bar."Relax. I just want to talk.""I don't want to talk to you, so get out before I scream," I warned, trying to still sound calm, but I was pissing myself on the inside.No one would hear me even if I screamed.His face darkened, displeased by my words, and the next instant, he reached out and grabbed my wrist.I opened my mouth and the scream that came out was sharp a