"Your old phone was broken, so I got you a new one. It has the same number," Sean said, still watching her.Liliana held the phone tightly, feeling uneasy under his gaze. "Thank you for saving me."She had decided to cut ties with him, but she knew things could have been much worse for her without his help.Sean had put aside their past problems to help her, and she was thankful. He had been very considerate, too.Tania would be so worried if she knew what had happened.Liliana bit her lip. "I really appreciate it." However, that was as far as she would go. She could not expect anything more.Sean looked at Liliana, who seemed so distant, and felt a tightness in his chest that made him uncomfortable. He clenched his fists and said, "You don't need to thank me. You're Charles's sister, so of course I saved you.""Still, I want to thank you," Liliana said softly, her eyes dimming. ‘So,’ she thought, ‘it was only because I’m Charles's sister.’Of course. Sean and Charles were clos
"No!" Liliana shook her head. "I'm okay. It's just that my mom needs me right now, so I can't come back anytime soon.""Alright, I get it. You take care of what you need to. You've lost your job, and there's nothing much for you to do here anyway. You're better off staying busy at home. It was only an internship, after all."After hanging up the phone, Liliana felt a wave of unease.Clutching the latest smartphone, she was reminded of the vast difference between her life and the lives of Sean and Charles.She had felt so powerless that day, like a puppet in someone else's hands. However, Sean and Peter were different. They could snatch away someone's job with the flick of a wrist.When Sean walked in again and found Liliana sitting on the bed, deep in thought, he could not guess what was on her mind."Liliana."She looked up to see Sean offering a lunch box, her forehead creasing with concern.Sean caught the look on her face. He did not like how distant she seemed, even though
Liliana let out a relieved breath. "Thank you!""You know, when you think about it, you were the one who ended up hurt," Sean said. He did not remember that night very well, but he kind of remembered that he was the one who made her do things, even though she was the one who gave him the drug.Liliana hung her head. "I was wrong. I shouldn't have had those thoughts about you, and I definitely shouldn't have drugged you.""Okay. Let's not talk about it anymore. It's all in the past." Sean did not want to lose Liliana as a friend, especially since she was Charles's sister. They used to bump into each other all the time, and he did not want to see her act aloof and distant toward him anymore."Okay."Liliana nodded, and then there was silence.Liliana could only eat a little bit of oatmeal before she could not have any more. Her tongue was hurt, and even eating something as soft as oatmeal still irked it.Sean saw how uncomfortable Liliana was and felt a twinge of concern, but he s
"As long as you're happy, that's what matters!"Liliana asked Tania to make sure Keith was settled in, and then she dashed back to the kitchen to keep busy.Tania snuck up and hugged Liliana from behind, making her jump. "Hey! What's up?""Hehe! It's been ages, and you seem slimmer to me." Tania playfully squeezed Liliana's waist but then looked concerned. "You really have lost weight.""Nope. You're imagining things." Liliana gently pushed Tania's hand away. "Go look after our guest. I've still got things to do here!""Okay, okay. Let's drop the act. You know Keith came here just for you," Tania said as she nudged Liliana aside and started washing the vegetables. "Keith's been missing you for over a month. He's worried. You could've dropped him a line. He's been asking about you, so since you're back, I brought him along."Tania's face turned serious. "Honestly, Keith's liked you for ages. Do you like him back? He's a good guy. If you're single, why not think about it?"Liliana
Compared to Tania and Keith's nervousness, Liliana seemed a bit more relaxed.Worse come to worst, she could always pull some strings or come up with a plan.Liliana really did not want to ask Charles for help unless she had no other choice. She had kept a big secret for so many years—none of her friends or teachers, and not even Tania, knew she was connected to the Hoffman family. She did not want to depend on them.After they finished eating, Tania made Liliana promise to walk Keith out. Liliana could not say no, so she walked with him toward the exit.They took their time going downstairs. Keith walked slowly because he wanted to make the moment last. He wanted to be alone with Liliana for a little while longer.Liliana felt torn. She did not know how to act around Keith. She knew he liked her a lot, and that was why he was always so nice to her.She had thought about being with Keith, but the truth was that she did not like him back. No matter how great he was, her feelings j
Liliana had agreed to give things a try with Keith, but she was not sure what to expect. Keith, on the other hand, was thrilled. Ever since Liliana said she would give it a shot, he was by her side from dawn till dusk, the picture of a devoted boyfriend. Even Tania had to admit that Keith's efforts were impressive.Liliana appreciated his dedication, so she welcomed his affection, except when he tried to spoil her with fancy gifts. Other than that, they enjoyed each other's company a lot.After two months of spending time together, Liliana landed a new job. She and Keith were not super close, but they were not just acquaintances either. She did not mind holding hands from time to time.One day on the weekend, Liliana was getting ready to go out with Keith. He had excitedly told her he got tickets to a big movie release, knowing how much he enjoyed those films.Just as she was about to leave, her phone rang. It was Tania. "Hey Liliana, are you free? Come join me for a drink!"Lilia
Liliana kept to herself who the other woman was. The whole thing with Yasmin and Tania was just too messy, and she did not want to spread the story around, not even to Keith.Keith felt a surge of anger. "That's not right. I thought Jamie treated Tania well!"Since Keith and Liliana became a couple, they had hung out with Tania, Jamie, and a few others a couple of times. Keith had always thought Jamie was a decent guy.Liliana just let out a chilly laugh. Jamie?She did not know Jamie very well, but as Peter's nephew, Jamie was no simple character. She had her doubts about Tania and Jamie from the start. Jamie had seemed sincere back then, and Liliana did not think he would ever betray Tania, but it looked like Jamie was just as bad as his mother now.Liliana took a deep breath to calm herself. "We can't talk about this now. We have to find Tania first. I'm really worried she might do something silly."Tania might not have looked like it, but she was actually super tough. Liliana
Peter's eyes narrowed when he saw Sean. "You got here quickly."Sean let out a chilling laugh, his face fixed with a fake, friendly smile. "When you call, Peter, I wouldn't dream of taking my time."Peter glared at him, and Sean quickly put up his hands. "Okay, okay, no need for that look. You didn't just call me here to stare me down, did you?"Peter scrunched his eyebrows together and then handed Sean a student ID. "Vista University?"Sean raised an eyebrow, but when he saw the student ID, his eyes landed on the innocent face pictured, and he could not help but smirk. "Wow, looks like a young girl has totally played you!""She's not that skilled!" Peter snapped back, his fingers laced together on his lap. His eyes seemed colder than before. "Do you know her?"Sean's mouth twitched at Peter's intense gaze. "Could you look any scarier?""Out with it!""Her name's Tania, Liliana's classmate and bestie," Sean said casually. "What's she done to you?"Since Liliana was involved, S
"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