Do you want to be my temporary boyfriend? (1)

"I heard about a locksmith who specializes in opening any lock, no matter how old or complex," Sharen explained. "He moves around frequently, but I received word this morning that he's here in the market. We're here to find him."

"Do you know what he looks like?" Alex inquired.

"No," Sharen admitted. "But he has a distinctive snake tattoo that runs from his neck to eyebrows, and he's over six feet tall. We'll have to keep an eye out for someone who fits that description."

Alex nodded, silently acknowledging the task ahead, and together they resumed their search through the bustling dark alleyways where illegal goods were sold.

The next day morning…

Knock Knock…

Lea had just woken up when she heard someone at the door. Rubbing her eyes and stifling a yawn, she shuffled over to open the door, still groggy from sleep.

To her surprise, there stood Liam, dressed in his workout clothes, his silky black hair neatly combed back. In contrast, she looked like a mess, her cheeks turning pink with embarrassment at being seen like this by Liam so early in the morning.

Liam, however, found her disheveled state very cute, his hands itching to pinch her rosy cheeks.

"What are you doing here so early?" Lea asked, a bit flustered.

"Sorry, did I wake you up? I brought you your favorite mocha latte," Liam said, lifting two mugs to show her.

"No, I had just woken up before you knocked. That's why I look like this. Come in and have a seat. I'll just freshen up," Lea said, opening the door wider and stepping aside to let him in. Once he was inside, she closed the door behind him. "I'll be back in five minutes," she added, heading towards the washroom.

"No worries, take your time," Liam replied, making himself comfortable on the sofa in the sitting area.

A few minutes later, Lea returned, looking more refreshed, and settled down with her cup of mocha on the couch opposite Liam. She took a sip and commented, "This tastes really good. Where did you get it from?"

"I made it myself," Liam replied.

Lea raised her eyebrows in surprise, then nodded lightly. "Thank you."

An awkward silence settled between them, making the atmosphere tense. Liam struggled internally, unsure of how to start the conversation he had come for, at this moment Lea spoke breaking the awkward atmosphere.

Why did you come to see me, Liam? It's surely not just to give me coffee..."

Liam, who had been staring at the floor, let out a sigh and looked up at Lea. "Do you remember the talk we had before the attack the other day?"

Lea stiffened at his words. After a brief pause, she nodded. "What about it?"

"Do you truly have a fiancé, Lea?"

Lea stared into Liam's eyes for a few seconds before responding, "How does that matter now, Liam?"

"Yes, you're right. It doesn't matter. But your answer to my next question does."

"And what question is that?"

"Do you love me, Lea? Or not?"

"Why are we talking about this again now, Liam? Has everything not been good?"

"It hasn't been good for me, Lea. It's not. I am trying really hard to forget everything and move on, but I can't. Whenever I look at you, I remember what you told me that night, and I start imagining you in another man's arms. It drives me crazy."

Silence filled the room.

"Lea please… just tell me if you love me or not, this answer is enough for me… I will not trouble you after that".

Lea just stared at him deep in thought without giving any answer. When Liam's patience was almost faded away Lea spoke,

"Do you want to be my temporary boyfriend?"

Her words caused Liam to go into a deep state of shock and confusion.