Love Novel 18

Posted by Adminh, ? Views, Released on December 14, 2024

Chapter 18

“What?” It took her a second to process, like a huge rock being thrown into calm water, creating a big splash. Lia’s heart was racing and couldn’t settle.

Coby gently cupped her face, resting his forehead against hers, his eyes fixed on hers.

Tsaid. Lia, let’s get married. The last three words came out slow, drawn out, with a deep pull

“Mamed” Lia instinctively pulled away, but he held her face in place.

Coby knew she couldn’t take it all in right away, so he picked her up and carried her to the other side of the sofa, sitting her on his lap

He explained. “My family wants me to get married”

Lia was forced to face him, and his expression was serious, not joking at all.

She asked, “But… but why me? I’m not good enough for you.”

Coby rubbed his nose against hers, his hot breath brushing her face, and the air felt charged with tension.

Lia do you still love Issac? His voice was calm, but there was a hint of anger in it.

“No, no Lia quickly denied it.

This had nothing to do with Issac; the fact that he was proposing was already hard to believe.

Coby’s lips curled slightly as he played with a strand of hair near her ear.

what do you think my mom would say when she sees us living together? Will she believe it?”

“Lia, if I marry someone else, w asked Coby.

‘She wouldn’t believe it, Lia thought with regret. If she’d known this would happen, she never would’ve moved in with him- it would’ve saved him from this situation.

“But… I’m not worthy of your His eyes darkened for a moment, and his soft lips trailed down to her pale neck.

“Hiss!” The pain shot through her neck, but Lia didn’t pull away–she silently let him do whatever he wanted

Coby looked at the bite mark on her delicate neck, his heart aching. “Then who is worthy?”

Lia paused for a second before answering. “It should be someone from a family of your status, a proper lady”

Marrying her would be a disservice to him.

“Oh, and what about you? Do you want to stay my mistress?” asked Coby.

It seemed the punishment hadn’t been enough; she was actually trying to push him away.

“I can leave. I won’t bother your peaceful life…” said Lia

“Hiss Before she could finish, pain shot through her chest. She knew he did it on purpose because of her words.

Her face turned bright red with embarrassment. He felt tender toward her obedience, but also frustrated by her coldness.

Coby lifted his eyes, a slight smile at the corners of his lips, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Lia, what should I do if you’ve already disturbed me?”

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Chapter 18

She lowered her gare, her hands clenched tightly, her heart racing

Tcould only say sorry”

He didn’t want her apology.

Coby lifted her chin, his expression unchanged.

“Lia, marry me. That way, you can avoid the blind dates your family’s been setting up. I’ll make sure someone takes care of your grandmother, and won’t interfere with your personal life You can do whatever you want, just like before. I won’t get in your way” Coby’s offer was tempting–he really knew how to push her buttons.

Lia asked. “Why do this? It’s not fair to you

She believed that if he wanted to get married, women would be lining up for him. There was no need for him to waste his time, energy, and money on someone like her.

“It’s fair. You deserve it.” His words kept surprising her, and sometimes Lia even wondered if he might actually like her.

She didn’t really have a good reason to say no, and she couldn’t bring herself to refuse.

If you get tired of this, just let me know. I’ll leave.” Lia wasn’t the type to cling to someone, and she knew that even if they got married, it’d just be because he didn’t want to deal with his family. It’d be temporary.

Once he found someone he truly liked, he’d want to give them a real family, and then she’d be out of the picture.

Tired of it? He gave her a light smile and said, “Good.”

Coby gently cupped her chin. T’ll start planning the wedding soon,”

“No, that’s not necessary? She shook her head. It was enough for their families to know.

“You want me to keep it a secret?” He frowned, clearly not happy about that idea,

Lia felt a little awkward. If they married and later divorced, it would hurt his reputation.

She said, “Coby. I’m starting at Ford Group next week. If we go public now, it could affect my job.”

“Are you worried about me, or about yourself?” He asked, noticing the difference.

She looked him straight in the eye. “Both.”

“Lia, I’ll keep it a secret for two years. After that, we’ll go public. Coby didn’t want her career at Ford Group to be affected because of him. People could be harsh with their gossip.

In the end, he agreed to her terms.

“Okay, but only if you’re still willing after two years.” She thought that by then, he’d probably be tired of her.

“Why are you so sure I won’t be willing? Why don’t you trust me He lighty brushed her small nose with his finger.

Lia just smiled and didn’t answer. Two years wasn’t long, but it wasn’t short either. Maybe it wouldn’t even take that long Whatever happened, she’d accept it.

She was grateful for meeting him when she was at hef lowest, and thankful for his help.

Coby said, “Let’s go get the marriage license.”

So soon? She thought they’d wait a little longer.

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Chapter 18

“What’s wrong?” He noticed her hesitation and took her hand. “La, it’s too late to change your mind now.”

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“No, I just think it’s happening too fast. How could she change her mind? She was getting everything she wanted.

Hearing that, Coby quietly let out a sigh of relief. “Too fast? I think it’s actually slow”

He’d been waiting for this day for a long time.

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Lia didn’t know what Coby had said to Quinn, but she saw Quin happily grab her hand and say, “Lia, when can we introduce our families? We can’t skip the proper formalities.

Quinn was beyond excited that everything was coming together so smoothly.

“Lia looked at Coby, not sure how to respond.

“Mom, Lia and I are stepping out for a bit. Coby quickly interjected.

Quinn said, “Coby, I agreed to keep it quiet, but you can’t make things difficult for your future wife

While Quith wasn’t thrilled about keeping it a secret, she was still relieved that they were actually getting married.

“Mom. I know. You go home, we’ll be back soon. Coby took Lia’s hand.

“That’s bener. Go ahead” Quinn excitedly waved them off, eager to get home and tell her husband that their son had finally agreed to get married.

“Goodbye” Lia was holding Coby’s hand. feeling inexplicably nervous.

It might sound unbelievable to anyone else, but she and Coby were about to get their marriage license.

From meeting each other to this point, it had only been a little over ten days. They were getting married, and it was happening so fast, even she could hardly believe it.

In the car, Lia looked out the window at the passing scenery. The breeze tousled her hair and helped calm the restless feeling inside her.

She was gradually coming to terms with the fact that she was about to marry Coby.

“Lia,” Coby called her name so

softly.

“Hmm?” Lis turned to look at him

He pulled out a velvet box from his bag and opened it slowly, revealing a ring

He actually had a ring ready. They had walked out together just now, and he didn’t have time to buy one. She thought, When did he get this?

“Theard you’re supposed to wear a ring when you get your marriage license.” Coby was as calm as ever, like he was just commenting on the weather.

“Really?” Lia wasn’t too familiar with these things.

He cleared his throat. “This ring. um, a male friend dinine gave it to me,”

“Oh Lia didn’t want to ask more, but she was curious–why would a male friend give him a woman’s ring?

Seeing she wasn’t rejecting it, Coby continued. I didn’t have time to buy one, so this one’s for you.”

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Chapter 18

“But it’s too much “Lia often went with Issac’s girlfriends to pick out jewelry, so she had a bit of knowledge.

The red diamond daisy ring he was holding was custom–made and worth a lot. Anyone in the circle could tell.

He must be really close with this friend if he gave him such an expensive gift. How could she accept it?

Coby furrowed his brow slightly. “Lia, why does this feel so awkward? We’re getting married, not strangers.”

“Right Coby,” Lia realized she was being too formal

He gently took her hand. Mom said I didn’t prepare anything. The future daughter–in–law of the Ford family shouldn’t go. without, especially not a ring. You’re really going to refuse it?”

Lia said, “But this is from your friend.”

They both got something out of this, so how could she feel wronged? She had already received so much

“What I mean is, this ring is the one my friend gave me for my wedding. Coby explained.

“Oh your Inend is really thoughtful.” That made it feel like refusing the ring wouldn’t be right.

He raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly. “Let me put it on you

“Thank you” Lia couldn’t help but thank Coby.

Her fingers were long and delicate, and as he slid the ring onto her middle finger, Lia realized it fit perfectly–like it was made for her.

The warmth of his fingers as he adjusted the ring made her feel something stir in her. He asked softly. “Do you like it?”

Do like it! Lia remembered he had asked her the same question in her dream, back when they were…

Lia Coby called her again.

“Hmm?” At that moment, she couldn’t help but think about that dream. Lia felt awkward and unsure of how to react

“Do you like it?” Coby asked again.

She gave him a sweet smile. “Thank you, Coby. I really like it.”

His heart skipped a beat. He gently cupped her head and kissed her softly.

The kiss was a little more intense, and she naturally leaned into him.

Time seemed to stretch on.

Their foreheads rested together as they both caught their breath

“We’re in the car, Lia said softly, reminding him.

“You are lucky since you are in the car, Coby teased, rubbing the tip of her nose. “Or else I might have bolder ideas.

Lia was made speechless.

Lia was the only one on her household registration. When Olive didn’t want to add a daughter to the Phillips family, fearing she’d take everything from her biological daughter, they fought Eventually, Layla gave up the idea.

They went back to her apartment to grab her household registration book and headed straight to the marriage office.

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Chapter 18

The whole thing took just two hours, and they were officially married.

They got two copies of the marriage license, and Coby put them in his briefcase.

“Coby, shouldn’t I have one too?” Lia asked, barely glancing at the certificates.

He gave her a sly look. “Lia. Ill keep it for you.”

“Okay. Lia replied absently, as if it didn’t matter who held onto i

Coby said, “Let’s go see your grandmother in the hospital.”

“See my grandmother? Lia was shocked..

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Today, she had already been caught off guard, and now she had to take him to meet Layla. ‘Is this rushing things too much? she thought.

We’ve already gotten the marriage license, and I still haven’t even met your grandmother. He was really in a tough spot.

Lia thought about it too) Even though they were not making it public, their families still needed to know.

Lia finally said, “Okay, let’s go together?

She held his hand, and a soft smile spread across her face.

He held her hand tightly. “Let’s go.”

Inside the ward at Vital Care Medical, Frances was dutifully tucking Layla in. She was here as a go–between, but if her mom hadn’t sent her, she wouldn’t have come anywhere near this place.

was frustrating–Layla was like an old fossil, always favoring that Lia who was not even related by blood.

Frances said, “Grandma, my mom is doing this for the good of everyone. Lia’s marrying into a good family, and we’re all happy for her.”

Yeah, right Frances didn’t actually want Lia to marry into a good family.

Ever since they were kids, Lia had always outshone her, and Frances had been jealous of her for as long as she could

remember.

Lia had great grades and got into a prestigious school, while Frances had to settle for a regular one. If Lia hadn’t taken those opportunities, Frances would have found a rich boyfriend. It was all Lia’s fault.

“Frances, don’t we know who the other family is? Even if they’re rich, I will never let Lia marry into that family,” said Layla.

She just wanted Lia to have a good life, find a husband who would treat her well, and stop suffering.

Frances said, “Grandma, are you saying my mom would hurt Li granddaughter? We’re the real family here–why are you always

Who’s your daughter–in–law, and who’s your real

concerned about Lia

If Lia married into that family, they’d get a huge amount as an engagement gifi. Grandina wasn’t even thinking about herself Without money, how could I find a rich guy? thought Frances.

Frances. I’m not ignoring you.” Layla believed she loved both equally.

Over the years, she had been keeping an eye on everything. She knew who treated her well, and she was at peace with the fact that her real granddaughter Frances wasn’t as close. She never played favorites.

But Frances always made it about Lia’s favoritism. No matter how Layla explained, Frances wouldn’t believe her.

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“Grandma, you’re totally biased. I’m your real granddaughter. If you don’t agree with me, I won’t recognize you as my grandma anymore.” Frances was furious and didn’t hold back.

Layla said. “Frances, how can you say that? I–hawk, hawk

If Olive was petty, that was one thing, but she never expected Lia to act this way.

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Frances said. “Why can’t I say that? After all these years, you know exactly what’s going on with our family Grandma, you owe us. Why shouldn’t she marry into that family?”

She hated how Layla always favored Lia. ‘Couldn’t she think about me for once? I am the real granddaughter, after all,‘ she thought.

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“I need money–does our family have any? No? Then how am I supposed to dress well? How am I supposed to find a rich guy to help you all live better?” She wanted to buy luxury items. She was tired of wearing cheap clothes.

Just because her dad worked as a servant, she was bullied and locked down on by her classmates. She was determined to find a rich man to make those people shut up.

Frances, Lia cares about character, not money.” Layla tried to explain, but Frances still thought everything could be bought with money.

“Character: Amph.” Frances crossed her arms and mocked her.

She said, “Grandma, without money, nothing matters. In the end, it’s because of you–sick all the time, always in poor health. How much have we spent on your treatment?”

She blamed everything on Layla, never thinking that the money for Layla’s treatment had come from Lia.

Layla’s heart sank when she heard those cold words, and her face turned pale. “You ungrateful granddaughter…

“It’s right here. Lia opened the door and saw Layla clutching her chest, shaking all over.

“Grandma, what’s wrong?” She rushed over to check on her.

Coby saw what was happening and immediately called Remy.

“Frances, what did you do to Grandma?” Lia shot a cold glare at her stepsister.

Frances, realizing things were escalating, felt a moment of panic

She said, “What did I do? Isn’t it because of you? You didn’t want to marry that man next door, and now you’re making things hard for mom. Grandma’s almost dying because of you.”

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If Lia hadn’t disagreed, and if she hadn’t been hugging and kissing another man in public, Noel wouldn’t have turned on her.

“That’s my business. It has nothing to do with you. Lia didn’t expect them to keep pushing

Frances said, “It’s all your fault. You couldn’t even find a decent guy, one who could take care of you.”

Furious, she turned around and saw a distinguished–looking man at the door. With her experience, Frances immediately knew this man was no ordinary person. Judging by the way he was dressed, he was obviously someone important.