Chapter317My Sister Has a Beautiful Way of Making Pasta
The news of Lauren's fall from the Evans Group skyscraper blew up across various media outlets, rocketing to the top of the trending search within a few hours.
But the Evans Group PR team couldn't just stand by as the situation worsened. Diana, the boss's executive secretary, was right there in the thick of it, scrambling until late into the night. By 11 p.m., they had managed to handle the immediate crisis.
Finally, Diana was able to go home.
Exhausted and anxious, she went back to her apartment. The gruesome image of Lauren's shattered body, bloodied and unrecognizable, haunted her along the way
It was horrific, the stuff of nightmares.
She couldn’t understand why Lauren would end up like this—driven to murder Teresa, only to then leap to her death.
Wasn't it enough to just receive some money, study diligently, get a good job after graduation, eventually marry a decent guy, have kids, and lead a contented, ordinary life?
She recognized it - Lauren was dead, and it was because of Liam.
But for Liam, there was not even a trace of sorrow for Lauren’s death.
Instead, Liam was more concerned about Teresa's injury.
Yes, Teresa—the woman he could never have, the most treasured image in his heart, unrivaled by anyone.
Before she knew it, she was back at her apartment. As she exited the elevator, she glanced up and saw Douglas waiting outside her door.
After just two days without seeing Douglas, he had grown a beard, making him look unexpectedly mature.
Yet, considering the harsh words she'd said to him the other day, she never expected Douglas to seek her out.
"What are you doing here..." She started, but before she could finish her question, "Huh!"
Douglas was right in front of her, and as their eyes met, Diana moved closer to speak. But before she could utter another word, Douglas leaned in and kissed her.
As she gazed at the handsome face, which appeared to have matured significantly over the past few days, Diana found herself utterly unable to resist. Instead, she slowly closed her eyes, yielding to his kiss.
Feeling her response, Douglas kissed her more eagerly, more wildly.
There, in the hallway, Douglas pinned Diana between the door and his chest. It felt like an eternity before their breaths became ragged, and Douglas finally released her.
"Are you okay?" His words were husky as he pressed his forehead against hers, breathing heavily.
Diana, feeling the intense changes in his body, didn't say a word. She turned, entered the passcode, and opened the door.
With a smile, Douglas waited for the door to click open. Then, he wrapped his arms around Diana, and they entered the apartment together. He quickly kicked the door shut with a thud.
"I'm sorry, I got carried away the other day. I shouldn't have tried to control you or meddle in your work affairs. From now on, whatever you do, I'll trust you," he apologized, his voice deep and soft as he pinned her against the door once again.
Diana looked at him and shook her head, then suddenly asked, "Douglas, do you really like me? Do you really want to be with me?"
"What else?" Douglas frowned, countering her question with his own. "Why would I spend time and effort on you if I didn't like you if I didn't want to be with you?"
He thought it was clear to Diana just how genuine his feelings were for her.
Ever since his sister brought Diana home six or seven years ago, he took to her the moment he laid eyes on her.
Back then, he was just a young, self-conscious kid with some extra pounds—feelings he had no choice but to hide deep within his heart.
Through the years, he'd committed himself to losing weight and getting in shape. Despite not knowing whether Diana was still single, he'd never honestly forgotten her.
"Maybe you're looking for a thrill," Diana blurted out, echoing the rationale she'd convinced herself of these past few days.
Now, Douglas wasn't just from a well-off family with good looks. He was ambitious, career-driven, kind, and considerate—pretty much every girl's dream.
Yet, for some reason, he was single-minded about pursuing her, his sister's friend.
If it wasn't genuine affection, it had to be for the thrill of it.
Douglas chuckled as he gazed at her, "You're only a little over four years older than me, and you're single. If I was seeking a thrill, wouldn't I go for a married woman with more...experience? Wouldn't that be more exciting?"
Diana just looked at him, speechless.
"Are you hungry? I've been waiting outside for you for a while now, and I'm starving." Their eyes met, and Douglas pouted pitifully.
Silent, she continued to stare at him.
She hadn't eaten since noon. It wasn't that she hadn't had the time. She just couldn't stomach it.
Whenever she sat down to eat, the gruesome image of Lauren would flash before her eyes.
"Are you hungry too?" Douglas inquired, seeing her silence and cracking a smile, "I've just learned a new dish, chili oil noodles—super simple. I'll make it for you. Go take a shower while I prep."
With these words, he gently tousled her hair and left her to head toward the kitchen.
Diana watched his tall, lean figure walk away, thinking about the gentle way he'd just caressed her hair. A ripple of emotion surged uncontrollably within her.
To find a man who'd dote on her, be gentle with her, just like her father—other than him, there was only Douglas.
Even though he was over four years her junior, they were both unattached. What's wrong with a romance between consenting adults?
"Douglas." She called out to him promptly.
"Yeah?" He stopped and turned back toward her.
Their eyes locked, and under Douglas's warm, hopeful gaze, Diana smiled, "Nothing, I'm going to shower."
