Chapter 30: Keeping Her Hooked 

The restaurant where they’d often eaten five years ago was still open, though renovated and expanded. Gone were the days when the owner himself served. Liam chose a window seat, glancing at the menu.“Any allergies?” 

Riley shook her head. He ordered several dishes and handed the menu to the waiter. 

He pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a drag, exhaling a plume of smoke. Riley watched him, then spoke hesitantly, “Weren’t you going to quit smoking?” 

“Not ready yet.” 

“Quitting requires preparation?” 

Liam’s 

met gaze 

hers. He smirked.“Of course. 

Quitting needs a 

crutch,” 

A crutch?” 

Liam’s gaze drifted down to her lips. They were small, plump, and kissable. A mischievous. thought struck him. He wanted to kiss her, hard. He wanted to see what color they’d be after he’d 

ravished them. 

Liam said, “Can’t tell you yet.” 

*He’s stringing me along,* Riley thought resentfully. 

“Riley,” Liam raised an eyebrow, “Curious?” 

Riley, despite herself, was curious. She nodded. “Yes.” “Kissing,” he said. 

Riley:“…” 

Silence descended. Liam, seeing her stunned expression, smiled.“Kids shouldn’t ask too many questions. You might get scared.” 

Riley muttered under her breath, “I’ve told you so many times, I’m not a kid. 

Liam chuckled lazily.“Prove it.” 

Riley pulled out her ID and slapped it on the table.“See? Twenty–two. I’m not a kid.” She emphasized the word “kid.” 

Liam laughed.“Kid, why so serious?” 

Riley’s cheeks puffed up.“Stop calling me a kid.” 

“Okay,” Liam leaned back, lazily watching her, “Call me ‘Gege‘(older brother), and I’ll stop. Riley turned away, ignoring him. Liam laughed.“The little kid has a temper.” Riley:“…“*You’re the kid.* 

She decided to give up on the conversation. Liam, seeing her silence, ruffled her hair roughly.“Gege apologizes. Don’t be angry.” 

‘Riley huffed, still silent. 

When the food arrived, Riley saw Liam had ordered grilled fish with side dishes she disliked: cilantro, cauliflower, potatoes, onions… She winced, but quickly recovered. Ham subtly noted her expression. He picked up a piece of cauliflower and placed it in her bowl. 

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Chapter 30 Keeping Her Hooked 

Riley hesitated. 

“Eat it. Why aren’t you eating?” 

She picked up her chopsticks, but just held the cauliflower. 

Liam said calmly, “If you don’t like it, don’t eat it.” 

Riley stared. He pulled out a napkin.“Spit it out.” 

Menu 

‘She hesitated, then whispered, “It’s okay. It’s just one piece.” She chewed and swallowed it quickly. 

“Riley, you weren’t like this before. Have you forgotten?” 

Riley paused. Before… that was years ago. She’d mostly forgotten. After her father’s accident and her mother’s change in attitude, she’d learned to please everyone. And years of tiptoeing around Jake’s preferences had erased her old self. She didn’t want to discuss it.“People change.” 

Liam replied pointedly, “Yes, people change.” 

Riley looked down at her empty bowl. 

Liam suddenly said, “Riley, do you remember that time we ate here and ended up at the police station?” 

Riley nodded. She wouldn’t forget. Liam and Peter had been here for late–night snacks, and she’d joined them. They’d kept going to the restroom; a heavily made–up woman had asked for Liam’s number. Riley had refused, declaring that Liam was her future boyfriend. The woman had called some thugs to intimidate her. Liam had returned to find her surrounded and had used a chair to defend her. Peter joined the fight. It became chaotic. Riley, seeing Liam get hit, grabbed a chair and joined the fray. They all ended up in the police station, only bailed out by Liam’s grandmother. 

Liam said, “You were so fierce back then.” 

He brought her back to the present. They talked about the past like old friends. 

a donburi for Riley. She looked at it questioningly The waiter brought another dish Liam said, “I know you’re picky. I ordered something you like.” 

Riley’s eyes welled up. 

4 

Liam said quickly, “Hey, Riley, you’re getting weaker. Stop crying.” 

Riley sniffed. “You keep calling me a kid. Can’t kids cry?” 

Liam smirked.“Cry. Gege’s here.” 

She managed to compose herself, eating her donburi. It was a large portion; she ate half and stopped. 

Liam glanced at her bowl.“That’s all you ate?” 

“I’m full.” 

“I haven’t even finished, and you’re done?” He took her remaining food and put it in front of himself. 

Riley felt awkward.“Liam, let’s order another one.” The food was already partially eaten and didn’t look appetizing. Their relationship wasn’t at the point where he could eat her leftovers. 

am took a bite, unconcerned.“Didn’t you always steal my leftovers back in school?” 

Lam