Chapter 169
Just Looking at Him Was Enough
But as the final word lingered on her lips, Liam leaned forward, capturing them in his.
The kiss shocked her into awareness, her eyes wide open, every sense suddenly sharpened.
Liam was kissing her.
Yes, there was no mistake; the man kissing her was indeed Liam.
How long had she been waiting for this moment?
It seemed like forever since that junior year at Northern River University when Liam came to the language academy to pick up Teresa, and Diana caught her first glimpse of him, falling for him right there, dreaming of something more happening between them.
But Liam was one of the renowned elites in River North, the CEO of Evans Group. She felt he was out of her league, besides, Liam had a girlfriend, that was Teresa back then.
Therefore, she hid her feelings for him deeply, never letting them show in Teresa's presence.
It wasn't until she got the chance to go abroad as an exchange student with Teresa that Liam reached out to her. He had asked her to look after Teresa and to contact him immediately if anything happened. That was her first real interaction with Liam.
Even though Liam's interest was because of Teresa, she couldn't help but feel uncontrollably elated at the time.
Yet, since Liam's affection was reserved for Teresa, she had to hide her own affection for him, keeping them buried so no one would notice.
She knew that if she didn't restrain her fondness for Liam, her friendship with Teresa could be at risk.
Eventually, to her secret delight, Teresa married Gabriel. Only the heavens knew how happy she felt. Knowing Liam was the boss of Prime Investment spurred her to submit her resume there and apply for the position of Assistant to the CEO.
In front of Teresa and others, however, she played it cool, giving the impression it was all just a coincidence.
Now, facing the handsome face that haunted her day and night, Diana closed her eyes and passionately responded to Liam's advances.
Feeling her response, Liam, who had restrained himself for too long, swept Diana up in his arms and strode toward the lounge...
...
Diana couldn't recall how she fell asleep, but when she awoke, it was nightfall, and the city's neon lights were flickering outside the window, illuminating the dark sky.
There were no lights on, in the lounge, but the curtains were open. The glow pouring in from the elaborate floor-to-ceiling windows was enough to reveal the clothes scattered on the floor and the disarray of the large bed she was lying on.
Her eyes scanned the compact, eerily quiet space. The fervent moments she had shared with Liam not long ago replayed in her head, as vivid as if rewinding a film.
Those images, that wonderful sensation, made her heart race and her cheeks flush just by thinking about them.
She could hardly believe it; she had been with Liam, and it was in his office, no less. It was all too wild, utterly unbelievable.
Reflecting on those final moments, Diana's heart raced wildly, her cheeks on fire like the hue of the setting sun.
Embarrassed and flustered, she snatched the comforter and buried her head beneath it.
At that moment, she felt as though she was soaring through the clouds, a sensation beyond blissful description!
She knew that after Liam had left the Evans family business, his work pace turned manic, sometimes he'd even sleep in the office.
Now here she was, lying on his bed, each breath infused with his scent.
And what a delightful scent it was!
Suddenly, the ringing of the landline broke the silence, three times it echoed before being picked up, followed by the sound of Liam's deep, attractive voice.
He was still in the office! He hadn't left!
Although the door to the break room was shut, Diana could still hear his voice.
Instantly wide awake, she stopped her wandering thoughts, immediately threw off the covers, and hurriedly got dressed, and tidied herself up.
Once she was decently clad, she looked at the disheveled bed and the equally untidy room and swiftly started to tidy them up.
About ten minutes later, after ensuring everything was in order and there was no sign of impropriety, she exhaled deeply, patted her still flushed cheeks, quietly opened the door, and stepped out.
Standing at the door of the break room, Diana looked up to see the vastness of the office illuminated solely by the lamp beside the work desk, just enough light for Liam to work with. At that moment, he stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, phone in hand, deeply engaged in conversation. Reflected in the pristine glass, his tall and striking silhouette was clearly visible.
Even from just his silhouette, Diana's heartbeat and breathing were thrown into disarray.
Since he was on the call, she didn't dare move or speak; she just stood there silently, waiting for him.
Liam seemed utterly oblivious to her presence, continuing his phone call with seriousness, never glancing back, until, after six minutes, he ended the conversation and turned around nonchalantly, his gaze meeting Diana's indifferently.
"Liam, it's getting late. Aren't you going to call it a day?" Eyes locked with his, Diana’s heart skipped faster, her thoughts beginning to muddle.
Yet she forced a composed exterior as if nothing had happened between them.
"How are you feeling? Still unwell?" Liam asked, his face expressionless, his calm so profound it was as if not a ripple stirred in his soul.
Watching Liam, Diana had no clue what he was referring to but quickly shook her head and insisted, “No, not at all! I'm completely good.”
After she spoke, Diana realized her response might have been inappropriate, and her face flushed with embarrassment.
Liam remained expressionless, his tone indifferent as he said, “About this afternoon...
“It was just me getting drunk; it’s not on you,” Diana interjected anxiously, cutting him off, fearful that he might fire her or draw a line between them.
“Yes, you were a bit tipsy, but admittedly, I was the one who lost control,” Liam acknowledged, his striking brow slightly furrowing. He then moved to his desk, set down his phone, and continued, “However, Diana, I expect us to maintain our professional relationship, nothing more.”
Maintain a professional relationship? Diana wondered if that meant he'd fire her for their indiscretion but also wouldn't move further, especially not in the form of a romantic relationship.
Almost relieved, Diana nodded and said, “Of course, we are nothing but professional colleagues.”
