Chapter 16
Lia tilted her head back, unconsciously clutching his shirt.
It wasn’t painful, just itchy and tingly
She slightly parted her lips, her breathing becoming rapid.
Until the red on her face grew even brighter, he finally pulled back, satisfied.
Coby picked her up, and as Lia snapped out of her daze, she saw him carrying her toward the bed and quickly said, “Coby, your hair’s still wet. You shouldn’t sleep yet, you’ll get a headache
He smiled faintly. Tim not sleeping”
Coby gently laid her on the bed, then climbed in after her, wrapping his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.
“Do you read? I’ll go get something. Lia said, then thought, “Sitting there like this, he must be bored.
“Don’t move. He held her waist tightly, I’m just grabbing something.”
“Okay” Lia obediently responded,
He opened the bedside drawer, pulling out a pink velvet box. Lin knew what was inside, they had bought it together.
Is he going to give it to me? thought Lia.
Your standards are so low, just settling for something cheap. He opened the box and took out a necklace.
Seeing him about to put it on her, Lia flinched in panic. “Coby, wasn’t this for a friend?”
“Would you have helped me pick it if I didn’t make an excuse?” He said it matter–of–factly, but also hit the mark with Lia’s thoughts.
She stammered, “Why give this to me?”
Coby replied. “My woman can’t be without a necklace.”
Coby was generous, a well–known fact in the circle, but she had already accepted so much. “We’re just…”
She thought it was too expensive for her.
Her upbringing had made her a passive person, and she worried that if she accepted too much, he wouldn’t get the same in
return
She was just involved in a body–for–money transaction, so there was no need to spend extra on her.
Coby said, “Lia, I want you to understand that in my dictionary, there’s no such thing as a mistress, and I wouldn’t be bored enough to just try to please a woman who means nothing to me.
He was waiting for her heart to open to him.
Lia was shocked. He knew exactly what she was thinking
She wasn’t his mistress, and she wasn’t someone unimportant.
So what did lie see her as Lia didn’t dare to think, and she did want to be presumptuous,
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Chapter 16
They had only met a few days ago. How could it be anything moret
Lia said, “Thank you. I’ll accept it.”
Coby said. Tll put it on for you!
Lia nodded. “Okay”
Coby lifted her long hair and put on the butterfly necklace.
Lia’s skin was naturally pale, and when he lightly touched it, it turned a soft pink.
Under the light, it looked even more stunning.
Unable to resist, he leaned down and kissed the “butterfly” on her skin, his lips trailing down to her flushed ear. “You’re so beautiful
Lia instinctively turned her head, showing more of her skin. His gaze deepened, and he swallowed hard
Lia said, “Thanks”
Coby said. “It’s time to sleep.”
“Yeah She softly replied.
Coby gently pinched her cheek, making her look at him. “Come on, leave a mark here! He pointed to his chest.
His request was simple, but it was the first time he’d asked for something like this.
“You don’t want to? That’s okay” Coby was being very gentlemanly; if she didn’t want to, he wouldn’t push her.
Tll do it. Lia shook her head.
She nervously licked her lips. “I’ll be gentle.”
After saying that, she leaned in, copying what he had done earlier.
He smiled, even though she couldn’t see it
He was getting even more excited.
The next morning, Lia opened her eyes and saw the red mark. He’d said it wasn’t deep enough, so last night…
“You’re awake.” He rubbed his chin against her hair and let his hand roam across her soft body.
“Mm.” Lia, feeling guilty, turned away. “Tll go get some clothes.”
As she started to get up, he pulled the blanket back, and she quickly covered herself, startled.
“Coby She looked at him shyly.
Coby said, “Let me check if you’re hurt.”
She suddenly realized what her
- meant. Tm fine”
The little “butterfly” on her neck looked so lifelike, and he felt his heart skip as he pulled her into his artus.
။
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Chapter 16
“Coby, what’s wrong? Lis asked softly.
He smiled slightly. “Lia, I don’t want to get up
Right now, he looked like a child asking for candy. Lia knew it was odd to describe Coby this way, but at this moment, he really did seem like one.
Even someone as composed as him could have such a childish side.
Lia hired a nurse to take care of Layla throughout her time at VitalCare Medical. Despite Lia’s several attempts to convince het. Layla didn’t want her to spend the money.
“Grandma, don’t worry. I have the money Lia took Layla’s hand to reassure her.
“Lia, where did you get the money? Layla knew Lia had paid for both her hospitalization and upcoming surgery.
All the money Laa had earned working these past two years had gone to support Layla, so how could she possibly have extra
money?
“Grandma, switched jobs. My boss gave me an advance, and my boyfriend knows about your situation and pitched in some money” Lia had already prepared this excuse
Although it was a lie, telling the truth would have made Layla even sadder.
“How could you take money from them? Lia, that will make them look down on us” Layla was happy Lia found a boyfriend, but she worried his family might look down on them.
Lia paused for a moment before saying, “It’s fine. His family is really nice. Grandma, just focus on getting better.”
“When I’m out of the hospital, we’ll go thank them properly,” Layla said.
Lia said, “Alright, Grandma, so please don’t worry.”
Layla said, “That boy must be a good person. When dealing with families like ours, most people would run at the first sign of trouble, but he actually gave you money.”
Layla patted Lia’s hand. Lia, you need to really appreciate him.”
Lia nodded slightly. This lie was getting harder and harder to cover up.
She decided to wait until after Layla’s surgery to deal with it.
It was noon when Lia got back to her rental place to cook.
She’d given Olive some money before, asking her to cook, but a few days ago, Olive refused to deliver meals anymore, lately, the caregiver had been buying food outside.
figured Layla couldn’t keep eating takeout, so she decided to cook today and bring the food over.
Ding The doorbell rang
“Coming“” Lia, busy in the kitchen, heard the doorbell and quickly wiped her hands.
When she opened the door, she was surprised to see Coby standing there. “Coby, what are you doing here?”
Actually, he knew she wasn’t at the hospital, so he came over.
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He said. Tried calling, but you didn’t answer. I figured you were home”
“Oh, come in Lia stepped aside to let him in
You haven’t checked out yet? He walked in without waiting for an answer
“No” She was planning to bring Layla over soon
She was also my the middle of buying a house. She had some extra money now and was thinking about getting a small one.
But buying a house wasn’t something she could decide in a day or two, so just to be safe, she hadn’t checked out yet.
He didn’t ask any more questions. Noticing her cute apron with a doll design, he asked, “Are you cooking
Yeah. Have you eaten‘ I’m making Braised Ribs Broth. Want to join us?” asked Lia
Did you make a lot? He hadn’t had her cooking before.
Yeah, there’s plenty It’s ready, so go ahead and sit down. I’ll bring it out.” She quickly walked to the kitchen, and he followed her.
On the counter, there was a big bowl of Braised Ribs Broth, with ribs, corn, and lotus root in it.
“Let me do it.” Before she could even touch the bowl, he took it from her hands.
“Coby, it’s hot?” Lia was worried, since she had planned to use a cloth to handle the heat.
He set the Braised Ribs Broth on the table and rubbed his hands together.
“Did you burn yourself? It’s really hot. I just finished cooking it. She quickly grabbed his hand, noticing his fingertips were a little red, and gently blew on them.
Her worried gesture warmed his heart, and he couldn’t resist pulling her closer, wrapping his arm around her waist.
“Coby.” She looked up and saw him smiling at her.
“Were you concerned about me?” asked Coby.
She awkwardly pulled her hand away and changed the subject.
“Won’t coming over mess with your work schedule?” she asked.
Coby said, “I came for business”
She said “Okay I’ll go get the dishes”
Coby didn’t let her leave and gently asked, “Lia, were you really worried about me?”
“Mm–hmen” She accidentally locked eyes with him and couldn’t bring herself to say anything else.
His heart warmed, and he pulled her in even closer.
“You’re so cute” Her cuteness made him want to kiss her.
And that was exactly what he did
kis left her lacathles
It only ended a long time later.
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They ate quietly at the table. Laa wasnt sure if she had cooked something he’d like, but she didn’t want to ask too much.
To her surprise, he ate two servings, while Lia barely ate anything
After they were done. La quickly cleaned up, getting ready to take some food to Layla
Who are you taking food to” asked Coby, Lia paused, forgetting he didn’t know Layla was in the hospital.
Lia replied. “My grandma’s nearby. I’ll just take it to her.”
“I’ll go with you” said Coby
Lia refused. “No need, you’ve got your own things to do
He knew she was trying to hide something, so he changed the subject. “A friend of mine’s around here. I need to talk to him about something. I’ll pick you up later tonight
“Okay, take care” Lia sighed quietly, relieved. She didn’t want him to know about Layla. He’d already helped her so much.
He kept watching, taking it all in silently.
Renry was surprised when Coby walked into his office. “What are you doing here? Came to visit me at the hospital?”
Remy thought, What’s going on today? He actually came all the way here?
Coby had found out that Layla was in the hospital, and since she was one of his friend’s patients, he came to check in.
“How’s the patient in Room 9?” asked Coby.
“Surgery’s scheduled for Saturday. Wait, Room 9 Do you know someone there?” Remy asked.
Coby didn’t answer. He just said, I’ll cover the costs; just make sure they’re extra careful.”
Remy closed the medical file and asked, curious, “So who is she to you? You seem really invested in her care.”
It was strange–he had never seen Coby show this much concern for an elderly person before.
“She’s going to be my family” Coby said it plainly, without hesitation.
“Your future family? Remy stood up, shocked “Coby, you’re not messing with me, right?”
Coby gave him a look that said, “Do I look like I’m joking?”
“What’s going on here? A future family? As far as Remy knew, Layla had two granddaughters, and he often saw Lia. Could it really be her?
Just as he was about to ask more, there was a knock at the door.
“You go ahead” Coby gestured for him to keep going.
Remy, holding back his curiosity, called out, “Come in
“Dr. Walker, my grandma Lia walked in without noticing anything strange, but when Coby turned around, she froze. shocked and unable to speak
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Their eyes met, and quickly looked away. She was not sure why Coby was there.
Coby hadn’t expected it to be her.
Lia said, “Dr. Walker, sorry, I didn’t know you were busy. I’ll leave now.”
Remy wasn’t oblivious–he could tell something was up. Coly hadn’t stopped looking at her.
“Wait a second. Ms. Phillips. Do you know my friend?” asked Remy.
Lia looked at Coby again. “Uh, we
Coby calmly replied. She’s my girlfriend”
Your girlfriend Remy’s eyes thicked between them.
So the last time he went to Robbie’s golden anniversary banquet, Coly brought Lix.
B
Coby walked over to Lia, put his arm around her waist, and, with her surprised look, casually said. “Let me introduce you This is my girlfriend Lia, and this is my college buddy Remy.”
Remy a college buddy Lia knew Coby had studied medicine and then switched to the family business, but she didn’t realize he and Remy were classmates.
Remy said. “Ahem. Lia. I didn’t expect you to be Coby’s girlfriend.”
When Remy first met Lia, he thought she was different from other women, and after getting to know her, he liked her even more. Now he found out she was Coby’s girlfriend.
“Sorry. Dr. Walker” Lia didn’t know they were classmates.
“No need to apologize. Coby’s girlfriend is my…” He shot a quick glance at Coby and changed his wording, “My friend.”
“He’s still got work to do, let’s go outside.” Coby didn’t want his girl to give Remy that smile, even if they were just friends..
“See you later, Dr. Walker” Lia knew it was time to go.
They’re leaving already? Remy was still trying to figure things out.
At the end of the hall, Coby stopped and looked at her, his gaze serious.
“Why didn’t you tell me about your grandma’s surgery earlier? If I hadn’t bumped into you, were you planning on keeping it a secret?” asked Coby.
u with it.”
Lia’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I didn’t think it was necessary to bother you
He had already done enough for her, so she couldn’t keep asking for more.
Is it unnecessary, or do you just think I shouldn’t know?” asked Coby.
She was either at the hospital or at his place every day–taking care of her grandmother during the day and spending the nights with him
She was so thoughtful, it really made Coby forl for her
Laa kept her head down. Their relationship probably didn’t need to delve into personal matters, but he still cared a lot
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He pulled her into lids arms and gently stroked the slender curve of her back
Coby sand, Lia, even if we’re only together because of money, if something happens to your grandma, I won’t just stand by and do nothing”
She was touched and mumbled a soft thank you
She knew he was a good person, but she felt people should be indful of their place. If she could avoid troubling him, she would
“Mi Carter, you really have great taste! My adopted daughter is beautiful, has a great figure, and works at a big company. If ahe married into your family, she’d definitely improve your family’s genes, Olive introduced.
Olive had stormed out last time, but after thinking about it at home, she realized Lia just wasn’t getting it.
This time, she brought the big shot along, hoping to show her the wealth and influence and maybe get her to agree right
was about to
Noel Carter wore a gold cham as thick as his little finger. Even though he was in the meat business, his family was al be relocated, and just the relocation compensation alone was more than most people would earn in their entire lives.
Noel said, “Olive, as long as Lia agrees, money’s no issue. After all, my son likes your daughter.”
Nocy son was a total failure–he was a well–known troublemaker in their area. He’d liked Lia even before his divorce, and
mer has divorce, he’d done everything he could to try to marry her.
“See, your son has good taste. Our Lia is obedient and respectful. You should see how she treats her grandma–she’s perfect If she marries into your family, she’ll definitely take care of your whole family.”
Olive was laying it on thick with praise for Lia. If this worked out, they’d be able to walk all over the place in the future
Noel liked that, too; otherwise, he wouldn’t have agreed to shell out such a big amount.
He said. “Of course. All she needs to do is stay at home and take care of us. Why should a woman be out there working in a company If she can keep my son happy and win his heart, she’ll be well taken care of
They kept walking and talking and Olive was thinking to herself that once Lia agreed, she could raise the price, and Noel
would have no choice but to back down.
“In broad daylight, hugging like that–what’s the world coming to?” Noel snorted.
Olive followed his gaze and saw a man and woman hugging each other.
She said, “Don’t worry, Mr. Carter. Lia wouldn’t do something like that. I’ll tell you a secret–she’s never even held a
hand.”
Old–fashioned, huh? Why can’t men and women even hug?‘ Olive thought to herself but didn’t want to say it out loud.
Noel said. “My son’s wife has to be a virgin“.
“Of course Olive rolled her eyes, thinking. His son has been divorced twice and still wants to find a woman who hasn’t even had a boyfriend He is seriously dreaming”
Coby said. Tia, I’m going to check on your grandmother.”
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Chapter 16
“No, it’s okay.” If he went, Layla might misunderstand.
Coby let go of her. “Lia, am I really that embarrassing to you?”
“That’s not what I meant, I just.” Lia said.
“Olive, what’s going on? Didn’t you say Lia was virtuous! And now she’s hugging some man?” said Noel.
They’d been hugging earlier, but Noel didn’t recognize them. When he saw clearly, his eyes nearly popped out of his head.
Olive jumped, startled by the loud voice, and turned to see the couple. The girl was indeed Lia.
“Lia, what do you think you’re doing?” Olive stormed over, furious.
“Mom, who’s this? Lia was caught off guard by Olive’s sudden appearance, then looked over at Noel next to her.
“Who am I? I’m your future father–in–law. Olive, if you don’t explain things clearly today, our families‘ marriage plans are. off. Noel’s face was dark with rage.
“Marriage plan Lia was confused.
Coby squinted his eyes. “What marriage plans? Since when did my girlfriend get engaged to anyone?”
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