"If it's a work-related injury, the company has a dedicated department to handle it."He had no reason to be concerned.Liam's response was seamless, and his expression remained as composed as if he were discussing the weather.If Suzy hadn't personally witnessed his tattoo and known the door lock code to his home, she might have doubted whether he truly cared for Sophia."But aren't you... her friend?""So, do you plan to visit her with me?"Suzy shook her head vigorously, like a tambourine. "I've been quite busy lately.""Is it because you're busy with that project led by that guy Jeffrey?" Liam paused while holding a glass of milk and looked at her."Not entirely, I'm also working on the SNS project with Mr. Lincoln."She didn't feel guilty, despite Liam's apparent scrutiny."Well, do your best."He didn't press the matter further, and after they finished breakfast, they both went to work....In the hospital, Sophia, who had just undergone acute appendicitis surgery, was slowly reg
Her voice trembled with a desperate plea that was impossible to resist.Clive had known Sophia for many years, and she always maintained a poised and elegant demeanor. This was the first time she had humbly begged someone.He sighed and reluctantly agreed, "Okay."Then, he left the hospital room.In a corner of the hospital corridor, Clive lit a cigarette, took a puff, and called Liam.After a few rings, Liam's deep and slightly grainy voice came through."What's up?""Yeah, things are pretty serious here with Sophia, and I can't handle it alone. If you're available, could you lend me a hand?""I need to get home early."Clive knew he would say that, and he irritably took another drag of his cigarette. “I hate to bring this up, but don’t you think you’re taking it too far when it comes to Sophia? She ended up with acute appendicitis due to late-night work, and considering our long-standing friendship, as the head of the Park Group, shouldn't you come and demonstrate your support for s
While Suzy didn't look down on people of lesser means, she couldn't comprehend her mother's perspective. She felt that if she married a dishonest man, regardless of his wealth or poverty, he would still cheat. If she ended up with someone both poor and unfaithful, it would only make her angrier.Moreover, with Melissa’s current attitude, Suzy wouldn’t want to introduce whoever she was dating, fearing Melissa might confront him as soon as he walked through the door."So, I need to see for myself. Your relationship must pass my scrutiny before I acknowledge it!""I understand. I'll take him there."Suzy's tone was filled with resignation.The pressure at work was already substantial, and her mother added another burden to her shoulders. Finding a fake boyfriend was even more challenging than staying up late to write a few more project proposals!Setting aside her phone, Suzy leaned against the wall and let out a long sigh.She didn't have much time to contemplate these matters because t
Once Clive left, Sophia, despite her weakness, forced a graceful smile and said, "I'm sorry, Liam. It seems like I’ll have to delay working on those contracts I have in hand. But don't worry, I'll get back to work soon. Clive promised to bring my laptop to the hospital!"Liam appreciated her dedication to work, but as the CEO, he had to discourage such reckless behavior."You need to focus on recovering. Legal affairs are not solely your responsibility. I'll have Alec and Suzy handle the contracts for now.""No!"When Sophia heard Suzy's name, she suddenly raised her voice, realizing it sounded wrong after she spoke. "I'm sorry... I don't like others meddling with my work. It's nothing personal. Besides, I have spare time in the hospital, and working might make things more interesting for me here.""Your health is the top priority.""I really don't mind! By the way, Liam, due to the sudden surgery, I won't be able to fly to see Mrs. Park this week. She just called me and learned about
It was 0825 again.How deeply did Liam love Sophia?She couldn't imagine that someone as serious, old-fashioned, and unsociable as Liam would be willing to go to such an extent for love.Setting a password, getting a tattoo, writing love letters.Any of these alone wouldn't seem like something Liam would do, but he did them all for Sophia.Suzy didn't read the letter; she simply placed it back where it belonged, along with the books, and left the study room in slow steps.She felt she had crossed a line; this was Liam's business, and she shouldn't read, think, or develop any emotions about it.As a hired substitute, she didn't have that privilege.…Liam left the hospital when Clive returned. He got into his car and didn't start the engine. Instead, he called his mother, Grace Park."Liam, are you done with your work?" Due to the time difference, it was already late on Grace’s side."Yes. Liam leaned back in his seat and rubbed his temples. "I heard from Sophia that you're coming back
Suzy looked at the man in front of her and almost thought she was dreaming.Shouldn't Liam be staying up all night to take care of Sophia because of the surgery?"She has another friend with her, so I'm not needed," Liam replied casually and took off his suit jacket to put it away.Suzy blinked. "Is it a guy?"Liam nodded. “Yes, he's better suited to take care of Miss Burns."With this explanation, Suzy could piece things together! She used to ponder the dynamics and misunderstandings between Liam and Sophia, which kept them deeply in love but apart. Now, it was evident that there was someone else in the picture.It made sense; Liam's reserved and quiet nature probably didn't compete with the charm of the rival, which was why Sophia was torn between the two men.No wonder he always wanted to take her to annoy Sophia."Have you eaten?" Liam's first concern was always whether she was hungry."No, I'm on a diet," Suzy replied, genuinely having little appetite."You can’t. You should eat
Fortunately, John brought dinner over right on time.Liam allowed Suzy to rest after having sex with her once. However, she felt thoroughly drained of energy. She needed his help even to have a meal in the dining room.Before going to bed, Liam leaned against the headboard and read a book. Looking at his profound profile, Suzy had considered asking about Sophia several times, but in the end, she remained silent.She glanced at her phone, and the day after tomorrow would be August 25th. On this day, Liam shouldn't return to Easter Bay, which happened to coincide with the three-day deadline her mother had given her.The next day, as soon as Suzy arrived at the office, she immediately started a hectic day.Alec still had several major projects in hand, and he couldn't focus solely on SNS. So, he entrusted most of what he could to Suzy.Around noon, she finally lifted her head from a pile of documents and called Wendy."Tomorrow, at the latest tomorrow... I need a guy to accompany me to v
"Alright.”She wasn’t worried about having no place to return tomorrow night.After giving his instructions, Liam went to take a shower. Suzy lay on the bed, taking a deep breath.Should she... maybe look for a place in advance? That way, if she got kicked out, she wouldn't end up on the streets....That night, Suzy tossed and turned, only falling asleep as dawn approached.When she woke up, there was no one beside her, only the breakfast prepared in the dining room and the familiar note.She sat down to eat while contacting Wendy."My friend is currently not in the country, what should I do?""...Can I hire someone with money?"It seemed like the only option now!"What time are you going to the hospital to see Mrs. Chase?"Suzy thought for a moment. "After work, maybe around 5 o'clock.""Then wait for my message. I'll try to find someone who can pass off as your husband. If that doesn't work... you can talk to Mrs. Chase and see if she can wait for a couple more days. My friend will