“Yes, I am an *sshole. What about you? Would you take an *sshole like me back?” Finally, the sound of Sean speaking quietly rang out in Liliana’s ears. That sentence felt like a spring breeze in March that soothed her heart. She blinked and stared at Sean as if he were a stranger before she started laughing. She reached out and grabbed Sean’s hand, slowly stepping toward him as he backed away from her. Liliana’s eyes narrowed when she noticed the way Sean was acting, and she finally managed to corner him. She pressed one hand against the wall, a gentle smile on her face as she slowly made her way toward him and leaned forward to puff a breath of air against his ear. When she noticed the tips of his ears growing red, Liliana smiled and opened her mouth to nibble at his ear. She did not bite down hard enough to injure him, but it still brought about a stinging pain. Liliana noticed Sean curling his hands into fists as if he were fighting the urge to do something. Her eyes crinkled
“Why not return home if you’re back here?” “Home? In case you've forgotten, my home is not in Brookville, Mr. Hoffman.” Liliana wiped the smile from her face. “Alright, I think that’s enough of seeing each other for today. I’ve got other matters to attend to, so I’ll pass on reminiscing with everybody. Goodbye!” Liliana turned and walked away after she finished her sentence. Though she seemed relaxed on the surface, her slightly faltering steps betrayed her emotions. Noelle watched Liliana from the corner of her eyes and made sure she was gone before she approached Sean and asked, “Sean, are you alright?” Sean’s face was pale, but he merely shook his head. "I’m fine!” Liliana must have packed all her strength into kicking him, or else he would not need this long to recover. When he recalled what she had said just now, his face turned even paler. He pressed a hand against the wall to support himself as he grinned at Charles. "Looks like her hatred extends toward you as well no
“But from how Sean looked at Liliana, I don’t think it’s what you’re making it out to be. He…” Noelle sighed but did not finish her sentence. After all, she did not know Liliana well enough to be saying too much about her. “But what relationship do you have with Liliana?” When she heard Liliana addressing Charles as ‘Mr. Hoffman’ just now, Noelle guessed that their sibling relationship was not what she had imagined it to be. “Other than Tania, that’s how Liliana treats everyone in the Hoffman family!” Charles pulled Noelle slightly closer to him so he could wrap his coat around her. “Feeling warmer now?”“Yes!” Noelle nodded. “Are Liliana and Tania very close?” “Yes, they’re very good friends. They were friends in university before Tania returned to the Hoffman family, hence their closeness!” “Did Liliana say her last name was Emiliano just now? It’s obvious she’s trying to set boundaries between herself and the Hoffman family.” “Her biological mom’s last name is Emiliano. T
It was late by the time Liliana returned to her rented place. She gently pushed the door open. When she saw the babysitter waiting for her, she hurried in and asked, “Has he fallen asleep?” “Yes, Ms. Emiliano. He’s fast asleep!” The babysitter untied her apron as she said, “I’ve already prepared dinner for you, Ms. Emiliano, and it’s ready to be eaten now. I must head home soon. Also, Bobby had a slight fever today. I’ve brought his temperature back down, but the poor child must have felt quite unwell. You should take him to the hospital for a check-up, Ms. Emiliano. His body won’t be able to take it if this goes on for longer!” “Really? Did Bobby cry today?” Liliana frowned and hurried into the bedroom to lay a hand against Bobby’s forehead, which did feel warm to the touch. She hurriedly scooped him into her arms. “You can head back first. Thank you so much for keeping an eye on him this late in the night. I’m so sorry for the inconvenience!” As Liliana spoke, she took a stack of
Bobby shook his head firmly. "It doesn't hurt. Bobby is a man, and men don't feel pain!""How brave!" Liliana praised while planting another kiss on Bobby's small cheek. "Now, sleep tight. Mommy will stay with you, always."Bobby's tiny hand clung tightly to Liliana's, holding on as though afraid to let go. Seeing him like this, Liliana felt an unbearable ache in her heart, though she hid it well.It was not until Bobby finally drifted off to sleep that Liliana carefully withdrew her hand. She walked to the hallway and pulled a cigarette from her bag. She was about to light it but paused, lowering her hand instead.Her gaze fell on the hospital garden not far away. There was a deep melancholy in her expression as her hand unconsciously rested on her abdomen. She let out a bitter smile, the corners of her lips barely lifting.Sean entered just as this scene unfolded. He saw Liliana's hand protectively placed over her abdomen. Her face carried a sadness that seemed to stem from a pa
Liliana's eyes turned slightly red as she bit her lip and took a deep breath. "Sean, what exactly do you want?"Sean frowned slightly. Seeing Liliana in this state caused a faint ache in his chest. He reached out his trembling hand, but just as it was about to touch her, it froze in mid-air.As he stared at her face, he sighed softly. "Do things between us really have to be like this?""What else? Do you think there's another option for us? If you don't have anything else to say, I'm leaving!""Why are you at the hospital?" Sean called after her. "Are you sick?"Liliana bit her lip. "It's none of your business!""Liliana, you should know that in Brookville, no hospital is better equipped than mine," Sean said.Liliana's back stiffened instantly.She clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. "So, you've been investigating me! Sean, you're despicable!"Sean closed his eyes briefly. "You must understand that in Brookville, if you want something done, you either turn to Charles or
Outside The Majestic Lounge, Sean's entire demeanor shifted after Andrew spoke. Andrew cautiously observed Sean, sensing a change in the atmosphere around him. After a long pause, Sean finally said, "Take me to see it.""Right this way, Mr. Smith!"Sean and Andrew entered the surveillance room and pulled up the footage from the cameras. Since each private room in The Majestic Lounge had surveillance, it was relatively easy to monitor the conversations inside.However, the lounge kept these recordings highly confidential. Retrieving them was typically impossible—except for Sean and his team.Andrew had accidentally noticed Liliana appearing in Yankel's private room earlier, which immediately struck him as odd. He had been keeping a close eye on the situation and promptly informed Sean when something noteworthy occurred.Sean watched the footage, his expression hardening. "Can you retrieve the audio from their conversation?""This will take some time," Andrew admitted before hesita
"Mr. Smith has already gone to the hospital to see Ms. Hoffman. Bobby was admitted again today," Ronald reported.Charles frowned deeply. "Admitted again?""Yes, Mr. Smith went to see Ms. Hoffman, but she turned him away. Sir, should we intervene and stop Mr. Smith from seeing her?" Ronald hesitated, knowing Sean was the primary cause of Liliana's pain all those years ago."No need. The matter between Liliana and Sean must be resolved eventually. Let them handle it themselves. What's the update on Grant? I asked you to investigate him.""Mr. Anderson has been engaging with the Nexus Group while in Brookville. Other than the meeting with your wife a few days ago, he hasn't had any private contact with her. Recently, he's been alternating between field visits and staying at his hotel. Everything appears normal so far."Charles waved his hand. "What about Kelly?""It seems Mr. Anderson has confined Ms. Anderson. She hasn't made any moves recently. Should we take any action?""Keep
"Sean, stop messing around. Let go of me first," Liliana tugged at Sean's arm, realizing how tightly he was holding her. "You're choking me."Only then did Sean loosen his grip slightly, though he still did not let her go. His forehead rested against hers, and he panted softly. "Liliana, do you remember what you said to me in the fire?"Liliana's face turned red, and she awkwardly turned her head away. "N-No, I don't remember. What did I say? I don't think I—mmph..."Before she could finish, Sean kissed her, swallowing the rest of her words with that one stubborn kiss.Liliana raised her hands and smacked Sean on the shoulder, trying to push him away. "Sea—mmph, what are you doing? Let me go..."She shoved him hard, and Sean stumbled back, clutching his chest. Liliana's face went pale, and she rushed over. "Sean, what's wrong? Are you okay? Did I hurt you somewhere?"Nonetheless, Sean took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her again. That feeling of holding her tightly
Noelle raised an eyebrow. "I didn't say that."Then, she added, "That knot in Liliana's heart can only be undone by Sean."What happened back then had always been a shadow between the two of them. Noelle had noticed it these past few days. Though Liliana stubbornly claimed she no longer cared, she clutched her phone every single day, obviously waiting for a call.Liliana's social circle was small. Noelle and the others knew everyone she knew. Who else could she be waiting for but Sean?Charles furrowed his brows. "If Liliana can't have the best, then she's better off with nothing."Noelle could not help but laugh. "Alright, alright. I know you're still holding a grudge against Hayes and Savannah."Honestly, Noelle shared the sentiment. "Savannah really crossed a line with how she handled everything."Charles reached out and gently pinched Noelle's knuckles. "That's not what I meant."Noelle chuckled, exasperated. "I know."Outside, the sound of a car engine drew their attentio
Sean shoved Hayes away. "Dad, if you're just like Mom and trying to stop me from being with Liliana, then don't even bother. If I can't marry Liliana in this lifetime, I won't marry anyone else."With that, Sean lay down decisively. Hayes frowned. "Sean, this isn't about what we want anymore. It's about Liliana and Charles now."Truthfully, Hayes did not have many opinions about Sean and Liliana's relationship. He was always too busy with the company to pay attention to such things. Even the events from four years ago were only now becoming clearer to him."If you insist on marrying her, I won't stop you. But from what I can see, the problem lies with Liliana and Charles."Sean's gaze sharpened as he clenched his fists. "That's impossible. Liliana already forgave me back when the fire happened. She promised that if we both made it out, she'd marry me."Hayes sighed. "Your mother… She misunderstood Liliana and said some harsh things. Just rest for now. Once you're better, we'll go
Sean spat out a mouthful of blood. One hand gripped the bedsheet tightly, his gaze turning darker than ever."What do you mean by that? What do you mean she doesn't want to marry me? She promised me. She said that as long as I was willing to walk out of that fire with her, she'd be with me. You're lying to me, aren't you? Tell me you're lying to me."Sean's bloodshot eyes locked on Savannah's. "Tell me."Savannah was momentarily stunned by the sheer force of Sean's gaze. This was the first time she ever felt fear in front of her own son. "Sean, I…""Where's Liliana?" Sean demanded."Sean," Hayes called out as he pushed open the door and stepped in. "That's no way to speak to your mother.""Then how should I speak to her?" Sean's voice turned icy."Did you know it was Joanna who drugged me nine years ago? And while I was under the influence, I forced myself on Liliana? I misunderstood her, and as a result, she had to hide in the countryside for years."Four years ago, it was me
The operating room door swung open, and Liliana spun around. She saw Saxon step out. Not caring about anyone else’s opinions, she grabbed his hand. "Mr. Holt, how's Sean?"Saxon looked down at their hands, noting how soft and warm hers was. He met her eyes and nodded. "The patient is out of danger now. He should wake up by tomorrow."Hearing that, Liliana let out a sigh of relief and then suddenly fainted."Liliana!"Charles rushed over and wrapped Liliana in a tight hug, but his eyes quickly darted to Hayes and Savannah. "Now that Sean is safe, Sean's fate is no longer Liliana's concern, nor ours," he declared, speaking for the Hoffman family.With those words, Charles carried Liliana away. Saxon was tugged along by Linda. "Saxon, you should check on her. The young lady seemed off to me. She's been hiding her pain. Besides the wound on her shoulder, I think she breathed in a lot of smoke."Saxon's eyes shimmered for a moment. "Yeah, I'm aware."Liliana had been pushing through
"Charles, you…""Stop it!" Hayes was taken aback by Savannah suddenly slapping Liliana. He did not particularly like or dislike Liliana, but she was part of the Hoffman family, and their family commanded much respect. Besides, Noelle was still Charles's wife, and they had to be careful about their actions.Hayes turned to Charles. "I'm sorry, my wife acted without thinking. But what in the world happened today?"Hayes had been told that his son was hurt, but he did not know the details. When he arrived and saw Liliana was there and injured too, Hayes and Savannah could not help but think that Liliana must be connected to Sean's injury.Charles gave a sharp look. "It was Joanna's doing.""Joanna? No, that can't be!" Savannah was shocked to hear the name Joanna, and she quickly objected, "Joanna is such a sweet girl, she couldn't possibly...""Oh, sweet indeed!"Liliana, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. She narrowed her eyes and stood up, ignoring the pain from her w
"Liliana!""Get up quickly!" Liliana used all her strength to pull Sean up from the ground. "Can you walk?""Uh-huh!" Sean had been hit by a falling piece of wood on his leg when he tried to push Liliana out earlier. That was why he could not get out in time and could only hear Liliana's loud calls from outside.He had wished so badly for Liliana to leave quickly, but she had come back for him.Sean bit down hard and pushed himself up.Even if it was hard to walk, he had to try because Liliana wanted him to stand.Liliana slung Sean's arm over her shoulder, noticing his injury. Her eyes were red with tears. "Sean, hang in there. If we both make it out today, I'll forgive you. You can ask me to do anything.""Really?" Sean's eyes sparkled, and he smiled. "Liliana, I don't want you to do anything." In his heart, he added, ‘I just want you to marry me.’"The fire is licking at our heels, and you two are still dawdling," came Charles's icy voice from up ahead. In a flash, he was be
"Sean, where are you? Didn't you just say you love me?" she cried out. "How can you leave me like this, saying you love me and then j-j-just giving up? What am I supposed to do now?"Sean, you took our child from me. How could you think I'd just forgive you? If you don't make this right, I swear I'll never forgive you," Liliana yelled outside, her voice filled with madness. Inside, the plant was engulfed in flames. Shaking from head to toe, Liliana's screams slowly turned into a whisper. She clenched her hands tight, staring blankly at the fire. "If you're gone, what's left for me here?""Liliana!"Charles rushed over and saw Liliana moving toward the flames. He grabbed her and pulled her back. "What are you doing?"Liliana looked up, dazed, and saw Charles. She quickly stood up and grabbed his hand. "Charles, please. I'm begging you. Help me save Sean, please!"Charles's brow creased as he looked at the fiery red inferno, his fingers tensing. "Liliana, the fire's too big. Sean mi
Liliana shoved Sean aside and covered him with her body, taking a knife stab from Joanna. "Ugh..."Pain whitened Liliana's face, and blood dripped onto Sean's face. Reacting quickly, Sean rolled over, picked Liliana up in his arms, and seized Joanna's neck, twisting it hard until it cracked. Joanna's eyes bulged in disbelief as she stared at Sean."You..."She had not thought Sean would actually snap her neck. Her eyes were wide open, one hand clutching a knife, and the other holding a lighter.With her last breath, she tossed the lighter.A loud bang followed, and flames started to spread from that spot.Sean's eyes darkened as he carried Liliana and dashed for the exit. However, how could he outrun the swift spread of the fire while burdened with Liliana's weight?Liliana's eyes widened as she saw the flames creeping up behind them. She pushed Sean, urging him, "Go now, or it'll be too late!"However, Sean's eyes turned a deep red with emotion. "Liliana, I won't let go of you