Chapter 236
But judging by Liam's current attitude, it seemed she might not even qualify as that anymore.
After all, it wasn't Liam who'd been her first. It was just a few mutual needs met in the night. Why, then, was she now holding such high and harsh expectations for him?
As for the child growing inside her, it was her choice not to take the contraceptive Liam provided and her intention to conceive his child. It was she who had hoped to secure his affection and acknowledgment as his woman with this baby.
Was she wrong for wanting too much?
At this point, she had to play her hand with the baby regardless.
Buzz.
Lost in her thoughts on the sofa, Diana was jolted back to reality by the buzz of her phone. Turning her head, she saw the caller ID flash with "Liam" and, in a frenzy of joy, reached to answer.
But her finger stopped in hesitation. She couldn't seem too eager because that might only turn Liam off more.
Counting a few seconds and mustering her usual composure, she finally answered, "Good evening, Liam. What's up?"
"There's a blue diamond necklace on my desk. Make sure it comes with you to room 6806 at Harmonious Prosperity Hotel."
A surge of excitement filled her. Was this a gift from Liam, a surprise he had planned?
"Okay, Liam, I'll be there soon," she managed to reply, suppressing the ecstatic storm within her. As soon as Diana's voice trailed off, Liam hung up the phone. But she was so elated that she didn't care. She rushed to do her makeup, making sure she looked her absolute best before heading to the towering Evans Group skyscraper, eager to "go with" the blue diamond necklace Liam had mentioned.
Upon reaching Liam's office, Diana turned on the lights and, sure enough, there it was-a black velvet box lying quietly on his desk.
She strode over and opened the box, and there it was: the blue diamond necklace Liam had spoken of.
Under the bright office lights, the teardrop-shaped diamond, easily five carats or more, sparkled dazzlingly.
Diana ran her fingertips gently over the luminescent stone, a cool sensation quickly reaching her heart and sending ripples through her being, much so that it brought tears to her eyes.
Was Liam asking her to wear this necklace to the hotel as a confession of his feelings, or what? Had his recent aloofness been an act, all this time, just to surprise her?
The thought made Diana's eyes brim with tears of joy.
With trembling hands, she took the necklace and wore it around her neck.
After fastening it, she pulled out her compact mirror, checking her reflection repeatedly, absolutely loving the way it looked.
But mindful that Liam might be waiting, she dared not linger. She quickly turned off the lights and left the office, heading for the Harmonious Prosperity Hotel.
Sitting in the backseat of the taxi, Diana leaned back and gazed at the sparkling night scene flashing by the window, constantly touching the necklace resting upon her neck, her emotions in turmoil.
What would Liam say to her once she arrived at the hotel?
Would he reveal that his recent coldness was all a ruse meant to lead up to this evening's surprise?
And would he tell her that he loved her as she did him, that their intimacy wasn't a fleeting affair?
Could it be that after tonight, she'd be his girlfriend, no longer needing to tiptoe around with his moods and preferences?
Her heart raced with excitement and nerves. After what felt like an eternity, the cab pulled up to the grand entrance of the hotel, jolting Diana back to reality when the driver announced her arrival. She paid the fare and stepped out of the car.
Standing before the opulent lobby of the six-star hotel, Diana felt her heart pounding like a drum as if it might burst through her chest.
She pressed a hand to her racing heart, took deep breaths, and tried to calm her nerves.
After a minute or so, she gathered herself and walked toward the elevator.
"Hello, are you Miss Diana?" As she entered the hotel lobby, not yet reaching the elevator, the lobby manager approached her with a respectful smile.
"Yes, I am." Diana nodded.
"Mr. Liam instructed me to take you up to the 68th floor, please," said the lobby manager, gesturing graciously for Diana to follow.
Staying in the presidential suite, Liam had access to a private elevator, which required a keycard for use.
However, as Diana observed the manager's demeanor, she became increasingly convinced that Liam must have prepared a surprise for her.
"All right, thank you." Holding back a surge of joy, she nodded in thanks and walked with him toward the private elevator.
They soon entered the elevator and ascended directly to the 68th floor. As the car rapidly climbed, Diana's heart raced faster and faster, almost leaving her breathless.
"Ding..." The elevator chimed gently upon reaching the 68th floor. As the doors slowly opened, Diana's heart leaped to her throat.
"Diana, Liam is in room 6806. This way, please," the manager said, holding back the doors with one hand and offering another polite gesture.
