CHAPTER 4

THE ROOM we got was huge, but it only had one bed. The paint and theme of the entire room complement each other and make the entire room aesthetic, so it’s pleasing to the eyes to look at. It’s interesting that we seem to be in a Five-Star Hotel now. We are on the 5th floor, so I know the view up here is nice if the weather is good and if it’s early.

I took a deep breath and turned to Liam when he spoke.

“Take a shower. There are new clothes in the bathroom. You can use them according to the receptionist downstairs. I have also ordered our food so we can eat.” Liam directly said that. Until now, the wrinkles on his face are still visible. He can’t even look at me directly, which is why I’m curious.

‘Well, I don’t care. Whatever his problem is, it’s up to him.’

I looked at him, who had just come out of the bathroom. He was still wearing the same thing as before, so it looked like he hadn’t taken a bath yet. The eyebrows are still frowning.

‘What’s wrong with him?’

I simply followed Liam’s actions. “Why haven’t you taken a shower yet? You’ve come from inside, haven’t you? You go first and I’ll follow. I’ll take a long time to take a shower,” I said while still standing on the edge of the bed.

“You go first,” he said sparingly, and sat down on the sofa. He took out his cell phone from the pocket of his pants.

 “You’re already there. You haven’t showered yet. Later, you will get sick. I glared at him. It’s not that I’m worried about him. I don’t care about this guy, but it’s a waste of time. It’s so cold today!

He scratched the side of his forehead, then bent down as if he was thinking. I can’t see if his eyes are closed or what. When he looked up, Liam bit the side of his own lip. “Ladies first, right?”

‘Really?’ I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at Liam.

I looked at him again and walked away. “Okay.” I didn’t argue with him anymore. To be honest, I’m already feeling unwell because we got wet from the rain earlier. I can’t get sick, so I’m going to take a shower first. I’m sure mommy will be furious when I get sick. She will blame me again, like the usual thing.

I entered the bathroom and immediately looked around the place. It’s big and cozy. It is also clean. I looked at the cabinet on one side and opened it. There are new clothes that I can use. Even the undergarments are also completely sealed, new, and unused. Unlike the bedroom theme, the bathroom is purple, pink, and white. There are different types of shampoo, conditioner, and body soap that can be used. There are also towels of the same color as the theme, which are carefully folded and layered in a row. Even the smell inside is also fragrant and smells like lavender.

It was nice and there was a heater so somehow I felt comfortable. While taking a bath, I was thinking about something. Mommy, my siblings, and Manager Dory must be angry because I haven’t been home until now. I didn’t want to get lost, but because I know mommy, she will blame me again. I laughed a little, then shook my head.

While washing my body, Liam entered my mind. I don’t know why I’m with him now. What is that man planning? He won’t get anything from me, even if he teases me. No matter what he does, I will never believe what he tells me.

I just tried to get Liam out of minutes,y mind, and just rinsed my body. Fortunately, the hotel room provided by Henry, who is the owner of this hotel, is really good and fully equipped with bathroom equipment.

When I finished almost an hour later, I wrapped my body in a pink wardrobe and put the towel on my wet hair. After a few minutes, I got dressed and left the bathroom. Thank God and somehow I feel better. It’s not as bad as before.

I caught up with Liam, who was still sitting on the sofa. His head was leaning against the pillow and his eyes were closed. I immediately looked away because he might suddenly open his eyes and see me looking at him. I strolled. In my peripheral vision, I noticed that he didn’t move or even open his eyes. I looked at him.

‘Is he asleep? Maybe his clothes will dry out and he’ll get sick!’ That immediately came to my mind. ‘But… shall I wake him up?’

I shook my head because I was thinking wrong. ‘Gosh! It’s up to him! I don’t care about him!’

I walked to the other side of the room and sat in front of the vanity mirror. It was not by chance that my gaze landed on him in the large mirror I was facing. Even from a distance, I could clearly see the smoothness of Liam’s skin. His very handsome face was the first thing that caught my attention when I met him.

I can’t help but remember how we met back then…

“Are you Manager Dory’s new secretary?” I asked the man wearing office attire who was obviously a secretary because he was holding a brown ledger. When Alicia was still in the company, that was what she was holding. It amazed me to look from head to toe and back again at the face of the man who looked respectable.

“Y-yes, Ms. William.”

“You talk to me formally,” I said, then laughed a little. “Call me Ava. And you are?”

“Liam. Liam Brown.” It’s obvious from his face that he’s very embarrassed because I’m talking to him now. ‘How cute.’

I smiled at him. Even though he was obviously ashamed of me, I could see that he was really happy in his eyes.

“Ava, aren’t you coming in yet?” Manager Dory asked as she peeked through the door. It was only then that I noticed that my other two sisters, who were sure to be inside, were gone.

“Just wait. I’m just going to talk to Liam,” I replied with a smile and Manager Dory just nodded as she entered and closed the door. I remained standing in front of Liam, who now obviously didn’t know what to do or say. “Hey!”

“Y-yes, Ms. William?

I laughed softly because he was confused and it was obvious in his voice. “Relax, Liam. I’m the only one you’re talking to. Anyway, how old are you?” I don’t know but I just saw him now, but I seem to know right away that he is a kind person and he is handsome.

“I’m twenty-four, Ms. William.”

“There you go again! Just call me Ava. As you can see, you’re only twenty-four and I’m twenty-two. Maybe it’s okay that you don’t call me Ms. William and Ava will do because it’s really okay,” I said. I’m happy with his appearance. Liam’s wearing something that suits him. Actually, if I didn’t know that the uniforms of Manager Dory’s secretaries were green, I would have thought he was a talent or artist too like us.

“O-okay, Ava.”

“Good. Okay. I’m about to go inside. Maybe the people inside are waiting for me.” I even waved at him and smiled sweetly before leaving him outside the office...

I didn’t realize that I was now in front of Liam and sat on the sofa next to him and stared at his face freely. I looked at every detail of his face. “Your handsome face still hasn’t changed,” I whispered. I could stare at its entirety and focus my full attention on its slightly parted lips.

‘Those lips used to make me lose my sanity.’

“Why are you staring at me?”

I suddenly stood up when he spoke, and his eyes widened. I looked away and slightly turned away from him. “W-what is it...” I didn’t know what to say. My heartbeat is so strong. Nervousness and fear mixed. I can’t be sure what. “Y-you’re finally awake.”

He didn’t answer, but stood up slowly. He wasn’t looking at me. Well, I’m not sure because I couldn’t look at him. I feel like my entire face is red. I don’t want what he thinks just because I’m looking at him. But when he says I’m looking at him, I want to disappear in shame. It took me a while to calm myself down and try to fix my appearance. I also cleared my throat.

I felt Liam step closer to where I was standing, so I backed away slightly. I held my chest because I was afraid that he might hear my heartbeat.

“Yes, and I heard what you said,” he said in a low voice. That’s when I met his gaze. Liam’s eyes were staring at me. I’m not sure either, but it looks like a smile is hiding on the lips.

“W-what did you hear?” I’m trying to fix my voice but I’m really stuttering.

I tried to avert my eyes from him because he might read my true feelings.

“Why can’t you look at me straight, Ava?”

Before meeting his eyes, I took a deep breath. I have to find a way to keep this guy from thinking that I am still into him. I forced myself to look him straight in the eyes. “What are you talking about?” I was very nervous, but I did everything to hide what should be hidden.

‘But go ahead! I will hide my feelings as long as I can. I will not defeat this man.’

Instead of speaking, he quickly approached me. His distance from me became very small. Liam’s face was barely an inch away from mine.

‘My God, keep me away from temptation.’

“Do you know what I want to do tonight? Do you know how much I missed...” He looked at my lips and spoke again, “those lips, Ava?”

I was stunned for a moment because I didn’t expect Liam to act and say that. I swallowed hard and tried to back away from him, but the bed was behind me. “Get away from me, Liam!” I threatened, but he didn’t move until Liam slowly came closer and closer to my face. I just closed my eyes to what was going to happen next, but…

I also suddenly opened my eyes when he sneezed with dominant force. that Four or five sneezes followed. I left in front of him, but not that far. I was just by his side while just looking at him because he looked like he was struggling.

“L-Liam, are you okay?”

“Y-yeah, I’m sorry, baby. I probably need to take a shower and I might end up getting sick,” he said and went into the bathroom.

It left me staring at the bathroom door that Liam entered while still in disbelief at what had almost happened earlier. I held my forehead when I realized that he almost kissed me.

‘My God, Ava! W-why didn’t you even refuse? Close your eyes right away. Accept his kiss immediately?’

I shook my head while speaking to myself. I want to punish myself for letting that happen earlier.

I DON’T know how long Liam was in the bathroom. The food he ordered has arrived and I have also prepared it for the table. Even if I don’t want to eat with him, I can’t do anything.

‘He spent his money here and then I won’t accompany him? It’s like my bad person has come out. Besides, I’m hungry, so I’m going to eat with him whether he likes it or not!’

But I can’t eat first. I have to wait for him. I took a deep breath before calling him. “Liam, why did you take so long? The food is ready!” I shouted outside the bathroom door. I even knocked a little more.

“Y-yeah!” he answered from inside.

My hair is also dry because before the food got delivered, I dried it using the blower in the drawer. I just tied my hair. The style is a messy bun, so there is no disturbance when I eat.

My phone is now charging. I don’t open and read the texts of my siblings and mom. They will scold me and I will lose my appetite. I sat in a chair while waiting for Liam.

I heard the creaking sound of the bathroom door, so I turned around.

“Let’s eat — what’s that? Get dressed!” I shouted at Liam. How come he’s only wearing boxer shorts and nothing on the upper part of his body? There were a few more drops of water on Liam’s body, even though his hand was busy wiping the towel around his neck and hair.

He laughed, then slowly walked closer to the table. Didn’t even follow what I said to get dressed. “Why? We’re just going to sleep. Why should I wear pants and a polo shirt?”

I gave him a sharp look, then focused my attention on my plate. I had no intention of looking at his adonis-like body. “Let’s eat! I want to rest so I can go home tomorrow.”

He nodded while putting food on his plate. “That’s if the storm stops,” he said, now sitting in front of me.

I frowned. “Storm?”

“Yes. There is a typhoon according to the forecast. Aren’t you reading articles and news on the internet?” he asked me.

I raised an eyebrow. “How did you know? Are you a weather forecaster?” I asked sarcastically.

He took a bite of a piece of steak and then looked at me. “No, but I know how to read social media news.” He rolled his eyes over the table. A few moments later, his eyes were on me again.

I looked at him and later my eyes fell on his neck. I couldn’t help but stare at his body.

‘My God! I have full eyes because of those muscles. My eyes are guilty!’

“Easy. You’re staring too much, baby,” he said.

I knew it was just a joke, but I immediately reached out and hit him on the arm. “Shut up! Get dressed! Earlier you were sneezing and now you have the courage to undress in front of me! It might make you sick because of what you do in life!”

Liam’s facial expression softened. His eyes widened, and he smiled sweetly. I was suddenly nervous about what it was planning. “Are you concerned, baby?” it asked gently.

My eyes widened. “What? Are you kidding me? What concern? I’m not concerned about you! I’m just telling you to get dressed because I’m not happy with the way you look now. I really don’t care if you get sick, okay?” I tried to be brave with every word I said to him. Liam should not take over my heart again. Another thing is that I don’t really care if he gets sick or not. It’s not really nice to see him naked right now in front of me. I drank water for a while before starting to eat.

And since I only ate fast food earlier, I ate a lot now. It’s especially nice to sip hot soup because the weather is cold. I broke my diet, but it’s okay. I can use my cheat day so it’s okay to eat a lot today.

‘Even if there is a big distraction in front of me, I will still eat!’

I didn’t pay attention to Liam, even though he kept glancing at me. Fortunately, he was dressed in a white shirt. After we finished eating, I was the one who put away and clean the table, but he was the one who took care of washing them. Since I don’t know how to wash dishes, I just let him. I just sat on the sofa while looking at my cell phone.

“You sleep on the bed. I’ll just be here on the sofa.” I turned to Liam, who was now getting a blanket and pillow from the bed. He came to my place and put the things he was holding there. He still smiled at me. His hair is down. That’s why he looks fresh in my eyes, but I look away.

I looked at the sofa and tried to imagine if Liam would fit there. I stand. “Do you fit in here?” I asked him. Obviously, he won’t fit because he is a tall man. Whereas the sofa only fits three people when sitting next to each other.

“I’m used to sleeping on the little sofa, Ava.”

“But—”

“Then you won’t let me stand beside you, will you?” Liam had a mischievous smile on his lips. The eyebrows rose several times at the same time.

I didn’t answer right away. I just looked at him. Later on, he became serious and looked at me like that too. A few moments later, Liam was scratching his forehead.

‘Yes, of course not!’

That’s what my mind screams, but doesn’t want to come out of my mouth. I just walked over to the bed and lay down. I looked at Liam, who was lying down on the sofa, but I myself was struggling with his situation. Something is screaming in a corner of my mind, but I want to move him here.

I lie down where I can’t see him. I closed my eyes after saying a quick prayer.

I’ve been in one place for a few minutes with my eyes closed, but I can’t fall asleep. I want to look at Liam, but my body doesn’t want to. Such a thing is possible. You want to do something, but you can’t because your mind or body doesn’t want to. I sighed after a while and then closed my eyes.

‘I hope Liam is okay in his place.’

My eyes widened at my thought. Liam was behind me. He won’t see me if I’m awake now and wondering what I’m thinking. I can’t believe it.

‘Wait! Am I worried? No way!’

I know that Liam is not a demanding person, and he is easy to cope with a place or something. But his situation now is still different. The bed I’m on is huge for me and it still has plenty of space. I am guilty to see him struggling on the sofa. To face him, I turned to the other side of the bed. I also pretended to close my eyes and sleep, but opened them after a while.

That’s when I looked at Liam, who had his eyes closed and was obviously asleep. I honestly didn’t expect to see him on the road earlier. I thought that our meeting last night was the first and last time we would see each other after what happened to us.

My heart suddenly ached as I remembered how we parted ways. I also felt my eyes heating up until the tears were on their sides. Anger rose again in my heart. The pain that Liam had caused returned. I immediately wiped my eyes.

I can’t be concerned with this man because he has hurt me once. He left me then and now that I have forgotten him, will he come back? That’s not possible. I closed my eyes again and a few moments later I was completely engulfed by fatigue and sleepiness.