Chapter 337 A Blatant Threat
Diana and Liam made it back to River North on Christmas Eve.
While spending two days with Liam, Diana observed a significant change in his behavior. Their interactions weren't as distant, and their relationship wasn't just about work anymore. It felt more caring and thoughtful.During the two days she spent with Liam, Diana noticed a noticeable change in his demeanor. Their interactions were no longer cold, and the employer-employee dynamic was no longer restricted to work; there was something more tender and considerate.
Still, despite his changed attitude, Liam hadn't made any inappropriate advances. The incident that took place in the car remained unspoken, as if it had never happened.
However, the change in how Liam treated her always made Diana's thoughts drift back to that encounter.
If Faith hadn't drugged her and if she hadn't been waiting for him downstairs, nothing would have occurred between them, and he might have always seen her as just a boss who sees a secretary.Had it not been for the drug Faith slipped her, had she not been waiting for him downstairs, nothing would have happened between them, and he might have forever seen her just as a boss views a secretary.
But he told her that if she wanted, he would go public with their relationship, even marry her if she got pregnant.
Did his change of heart stem from his developing feelings for her? Or did his experiences with Lauren change his perspective, leading him to be cautious about pursuing love and now desiring a peaceful life with someone agreeable?Was his change of heart due to his newfound feelings for her? Or did his experiences with Lauren alter his outlook, making him weary of the chase for love and now just seeking a quiet life with someone compliant?
She was just the kind of compliant person he needed by his side.
Diana hadn't slept a wink during the ten hours or so on the plane. Her thoughts were a tangled mess, and she had no peace.
It wasn't until the plane touched down smoothly at River North International Airport that she managed to shove aside the tumultuous thoughts and tried to calm herself.
"Couldn't sleep?" Liam, who sat next to her, noticed that though she pretended to rest, her eyes were tightly shut. He could tell she was only feigning sleep.
So, when she finally opened her eyes, preparing to disembark, Liam looked at her gently and asked.
She couldn't bear his soft gaze. After a brief moment of eye contact, she quickly looked away and offered a strained smile. "Uh, I guess I probably had too much coffee."
His lips curled into an amused smile as he saw the clear embarrassment and panic flicker across her face. Reaching out, he took her hand in his.
His warm, dry grip enveloped her hand, making her heart skip a beat. She hesitated briefly, then lifted her head suddenly to meet his gaze.Her hand was enveloped by his warm, dry grip, causing her heart to skip a beat. She hesitated for a fraction of a second, then suddenly lifted her head to meet his gaze.
"Diana, I meant every word I said, but you shouldn't feel any pressure. Whatever decision you make, I'll respect it," Liam said, his voice serious and clearstraightforward.
"I understand, Liam." Diana nodded with a light smile. "No more overthinking."
Liam gave a soft chuckle, his lips curving slightly as he released her hand, whispering, "Let's go. I'll drive you home after we get off the plane."
She nodded in agreement, not resisting.
"Babe," came an unexpected voice.
Diana hadn't expected Douglas to arrive to pick her up without any warning.What Diana had yet to anticipate was Douglas showing up to pick her up without giving her any prior notice.
As she and Liam walked side by side out of the airport, Douglas enthusiastically waved at her. But she was so engrossed in conversation with Liam that she didn't see or hear him.
"Diana!" He called out again, this time changing the address form.
This time, she turned towards the sound. Liam looked, too.
Liam had clearly heard the previous "babe" and was surprised it was Douglas's way of addressing Diana.
Douglas' face lit up with childlike glee as Diana finally noticed him. He dashed over, and before she could react, he cupped her face in his hands and planted a kiss on her lips.
"Babe, do you have any idea how much I've missed you these past two days?" he cooed after the kiss, still cradling her face.
Diana watched Douglas with a delayed reaction, then looked at Liam, noticing his calm expression. She smiled slightly, gently removed Douglas's hands from her face, and turned to Liam.Watching Douglas with a delayed reaction, Diana glanced over at Liam, finding his expression unflustered. She gave a slight, coy smile, gently pried Douglas's hands from her face, and then turned to Liam. "Liam, my boyfriend's here to pick me up. I've got to go."
"Sure," Liam replied, glancing at Douglas before his gaze softened as he looked at Diana. "We're on break now. Make sure you get some good rest."
"Let's hit the road, sweetheart!" Douglas didn't wait for Diana's response. He whisked away her suitcase and took her hand, leading her toward the parked black Land Rover not far away.
Diana nodded and smiled at Liam, "Mhm," she murmured. Then, led by Douglas, she walked to the Land Rover.
"Liam, where's our car?" The driver stood by Liam's side, gesturing respectfully to where their car was parked, as Liam kept his eyes on Diana until she got into the Land Rover.
Liam nodded, and only after Diana had gotten into the Land Rover did he turn on his heel and head for his car.
"Douglas, I've told you, I don't like being called 'sweetheart,'" Diana sighed deeply, trying to quell her rising emotions. Her annoyance was evident as soon as the car started moving, and she took her seat beside him.
"Are you worried Liam might not like hearing that?" Douglas asked earnestly while driving, stealing a glance at Diana and grinning. "I promise, I'll only call you 'sweetheart' when it's just the two of us."
"Right, I don't like it when others hear it, but I also truly don't like being called 'sweetheart.' Please, stop, okay?" Diana's tone was heavier with displeasure now.
As Douglas drove onto the freeway, he shot another glance at Diana, sensing something off with her.
He had called her "sweetheart" many times before, but she had never seemed as irritated or put off by it as she did now.It wasn't the first time he had called her 'sweetheart'; he had done it countless times before, but she had never seemed quite so irritated or put off.
"Sweetheart, is something bothering you these past few days?"
