Chapter 2
“Ms. Phillips, were you just stopping a car?” His gaze was calm, and his voice didn’t show any emotion.
“Yeah, Lia lowered her head, hiding what she was holding behind her back, and softly answered.
Running into an old classmate, maybe she should’ve been friendly and said hi, but she just said, “I’ll go first…”
Tll see you off,” Coby spoke at the same time, and Lia froze mid–step.
Lia nervously grabbed the edge of her clothes. They barely talked in school, and while they knew each other, they were more like strangers. Even when they crossed paths, it was just a quick nod. But now, he was offering to see her off.
Lia thought Coby was getting her confused with someone else.
Lynn blinked in surprise. Didn’t he just say not to show sympathy? Now he is offering to see her off?”
“No, but thanks.” Lia couldn’t figure out what he was thinking and didn’t want him to see her off.
Coby’s gaze darkened, and his tone was firm. “Ms. Phillips, you’ve sent me such a nice gift. It’s the least I can do for you. Let’s
go,”
He gestured to Lynn, who immediately got the hint and walked over. “Ms. Phillips, please,” said Lynn, turning around to the
La hesitated when she saw him leave first. With this heavy rain, it’d be hard to catch a taxi.
She thought, ‘Maybe it’s not such a bad idea. I could use a ride anyway.
Coby opened the car door for her like a gentleman and waited. Lia walked over, feeling a little guilty. “Sorry, Mr. Ford, for getting your car dirty,”
Coby smiled faintly. “Don’t worry. I won’t make you pay for the car wash.”
Lia thought he was joking-
Everyone knew she was Issac’s ‘caretaker.”
Apart from studying, Lia had to run errands for Issac, assist himin getting closer to his girlfriend, and even do things for his friends
Issac’d insult her whenever he felt like it. Those three years were the hardest of her life, but also the hardest she’d ever worked.
Lia knew that as long as she got into college, she could get a part–time job, and after graduation, she’d pay off the debts she owed the Allen family.
Coby was the golden boy–top grades, a rich family, cold and handsome, and so different from everyone else. He had tons of girls chasing after him.
He was always number one in his grade.
He was the one everyone admired, while she was just one of the people admiring him.
They barely interacted, except for that one misunderstanding.
At one class reunion, someone said Coby liked her, but she later found out it was a rumor. Since Coby didn’t get along with
the up story to stir up jealousy between them Issac, someone made
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Chapter 21
The whole school eisted up knowing about it..
During that time, Lia got the most insults, and even worse, people left creepy things in her hag and under her desk.
The whole mess ended when they found out it was a mistake.
She didn’t mean anything to Issac, and there was no way Coby 1ked her.
In Lia’s memory, Coby was always cold and distant, especially with her. She’d always thought he disliked her because of her relationship with Issac,
But now, the guy she thought disliked her is offering to see her off and even making jokes ‘Maybe after all these years, whatever dislike he had just disappeared, she thought.
Inside the car, Lia huddled by the door, not wanting to dirty Coby’s car with all the mess on her.
Coby’s eyes landed on her trembling body, and after a moment, he took off his coat and draped it over her.
“Mr. Ford.” Lia looked at Coby, surprised. She tried to take it off, but he stopped her hand.
His cool fingers brushed over her hand. She quickly pulled it back and whispered. “It’ll dirty your clothes”
“Don’t ever wear a white shirt outside on rainy days again, alright Coby looked away, staring off into the distance.
Lia got his message and hurriedly covered her chest, murmuring a quiet thanks.
She looked like a madwoman in that suit, but no one even noticed. In her rush, she totally forgot she was wearing work clothes
Coby seemed a bit restless. He tugged at his ties “Ms. Phillips, where are we going?”
Lia replied, “Royalite Hotel, thank you.” Chapter 1
The language of the bellflower is to seize happiness, When you are into my life, I knew I do anything to keep you, because my happiness is you, Lia, confessed Coby Ford.
“Be good…” the man ordered.
“Mmm… The woman’s face flushed deep red, tiny beads of swea formning on her forehead like sparkling dewdrops.
The man’s soft lips curved into a mesmerizing smirk as he got even closer to her.
“Do you like it?” His deep voice was smooth, and his strong hands held her sexy waist gently but firmly.
“Who is he thought Lia Phillips, as she slowly opened her eyes, till a little dazed.
The man was looking down at her, the light above him creating a halo, which made it hard to make out his face.
After a long while, Lia snapped out of her confusion, and the man’s face became clearer.
He had strong features, sharp eyebrows, piercing eyes, a straight nose, and slightly upturned lips.
Undoubtedly, he was that man
Lia suddenly woke up to the noise from the TV. Looking around at the familiar ward, she thought, ‘How could I be dreaming about him‘ Is it because he’s back?
The TV was broadcasting breaking news that was making waves in both politics and business. Coby, heir to Ford Group, had returned and officially taken the role of general manager of Ford Group.
It concerned her as Ford Group was a rival of Allen Group, and Coby and Issac Allen were bitter enemies. Working at Allen Group, Lia closely monitored their competitors
Still, she couldn’t understand why she dreamed of being with Coby.
“Lia, your phone’s ringing,” Layla Phillips noticed her granddaughter zoning out and couldn’t help but remind her.
Thanks, Grandma. I didn’t even notice,” Lia said, frowning as she glanced down at the caller ID. She walked a bit farther before picking it up.
“Bring three boxes of condoms to Room 606 at Royalite Hotel, Issac instructed over the phone, his voice firm, with a woman’s flirtatious giggle echoing in the background.
Lia paused for a moment, then replied softly, “Mr. Allen, can it wait? I’m taking care of my grandma.”
The flirtatious woman’s delicate hand slid over Issac’s chest, and she cooed, “Mr. Allen, looks like she doesn’t want to deliver them at all.”
Issac’s face darkened, and he grabbed the woman’s hand, stopping her.
Then, he threatened Lia. “A little maid you are, yet you think you’re important? I want those boxes in half an hour, or you’re out of here.”
“Mr. Allen, you’re so impressive, so manly…” the flirtatious woman purred.
Then came some uncomfortably loud sounds, and shortly after, the call ended abruptly.
Layla’s ward was at the end of the hall. Lia glanced out the window–heavy rain was pouring down, and the tree branches
were rustling.
1/4
Chapter 1
Sat, Dec
She wasn’t surprised by Issacs domineering demand–he was alys like that.
She put her phone in her bag and walked over to Layla’s bedside
출시 77억을
“Lia, is the hospital pressuring us to pay the medical bills again? Maybe I should just stop the treatment and go home.” Layla looked at Lia’s tired face, feeling bad for her.
She blamed herself for being sick, forcing Lia to juggle work and hospital visits.
“No, Grandma. It’s not about the hospital. It’s Mr. Allen. He want me to bring something over
Lia tucked the blanket around Layla and gave her a gentle smile
Not only was Lia the secretary to the general manager at Allen Choup, but she was also a maid to the Allen family. She grew up with Issac, helping him with everything.
Lia. stop thinking about Mr. Allen. If you meet someone right for you, try dating. Don’t let your own happiness slip away. Layla knew exactly who Issac was, and all she wanted was for Lia to be happy.
“Got it, Grandma. Rest now, please. I’ll be back soon. Lia comforted Layla.
“Lia, it’s really raining hard outside. Should I call Mr. Allen and ask if he can wait?” Layla looked out at the storm, worried Lia might get into trouble.
“It’s okay, Grandma, replied Lia.
-Layla squeezed Lia’s hand, her wrinkled face filled with worry. “Lia, my body knows what it’s doing. Don’t waste your money,
and stop begging the Allen family. I just want you to be happy, so I can die in peace.”
If it weren’t for her, Lia could’ve gotten away from the Allen family and wouldn’t have to suffer so much…
Lia knew what Layla hoped for and smiled sweetly “Grandma, don’t say such depressing things. You still need to see me ger married and become a mother!”
Layla smiled back. “You’ll be the most beautiful bride, Lia. I just wish I could see it,”
Lia lowered her eyes, nodding with a smile. “Yes, Grandma, you’ll see it. I promise.”
Even though marriage felt far off, if it made Layla happy, Lia would find a way.
Outside, it was still raining cats and dogs, and the wind was howling. Even with an umbrella, Lia could barely see ahead.
She got soaked right out of the hospital. The street was nearly deserted, with only a few cars passing by, splashing mud at her, as if mocking her situation.
She was drenched, looking completely a mess.
Many shops were closed due to the rain. She visited several pharmacies, but all of them were locked
Fortunately, she finally found what Issac needed at one pharmacy.
The clerk looked at the soaked Lia and asked, “Miss, do you need anything else?”
“Who buys this kind of stuff in weather like this, let alone three hoxes? Young people these days can’t seem to control themselves when it comes to sex,” sighed the clerk.
“Thanks, that’s all,” replied Lin. She paid and walked out onto the street, the clerk’s pitying gaze lingering on her.
Lia huddled in her wet coat, the cold wind biting at her face. She felt numb, aware of how ridiculous she must look, but life
Chap
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for a second
“Stop the car,” ordered Coby,
The car slammed to a sudden stop
te
Lynn was confused as he watched Coby opening the door. He ackly grabbed an umbrella and mashed to follow Cobry Me Ford be careful”
Laa had given up hope, but when she saw the car stop, she hurried toward it. Unfortunately, she slipped and Sanded into the
mud
As she struggled to get up, her bag tore open, and three boxes of condoms spilled out.
She scrambled to pick them up, managing to grab two boxes before reaching for the third.
That was when a pair of shiny leather shoes appeared right in front of her Looking up, she saw Coby staring down at her.
It felt like the rain stopped at that very moment
Lia’s pale face was loaded with mud. Her eyes were wide with panic, her whole body wakes, and her white shart changing to her, showing off her curves.
Coby remained expressionless
Water dripped from his hair and splashed onto lia’s hands, making her flinch as if it burned. His commanding presence lent her feeling small and intimidated
It’s actually him–Coby, Lia thought, as she quickly stood and cook a step
back
Coby casually played with the condoms in his hand, a smurting at the corner of his mouth.
“M. Philies, is this yours?” asked Coby
-Lis was surprised be still remembered her. She said. “Thanks for picking it up for me, Mr. Ford
After a moment of panic, she calmed down and reached out to take it back
But Coby pulled it back, smiling slightly “How about you give me this box?
He wants the condoms? He’s the young master of the Ford family. He doesn’t need something so trivial, does he thought
18:21 Sat, Dec 14
Chapter 1
Lia.
Brighton was home to two major families: the Ford family and the Allen family. Coby was the heir to the Ford Group–cold, quiet, and decisive, feared for his
ruthless ways. He was the Allen family’s biggest rival.
Thanks to Issac’s mother, Luna Allen, Lia had the privilege of attending an elite school and looking after Issac’s business.
The three of them had been high school classmates. Because of the rivalry between Coby and Issac, Lia had only spoken to Coby a handful of times, despite being in the same class.
After high school, Coby went abroad to study. It was said that he joined the Ford Group’s overseas division and only just came back recently. There’d been so many news reports about him.
Coby coming back definitely made things harder for Allen Group.
Coby and Issac were both heirs, but people saw them completely differently–Coby’s reputation was impeccable, while Issac’s was awful.
Lia never expected to dream about Coby, let alone run into him in such an awkward situation–and then have him ask her for condoms.
“Mr. Ford, if you want them, just take them,” she said, her cheeks turning slightly pink.
Coby gave a tiny smile and slipped the condoms into his bag, while Lynn, who had been watching, looked totally stunned. ‘OMG, my boss is actually asking a girl for something, and not just anything–he’s asking for condoms!‘ thought Lynn He’d been with Coby for years, and he’d never even seen Coby with any women, let alone helped buy a condom.
He thought, ‘Does that condom have something special about it? Maybe I should look into what brands are good and keep
around in case the boss needs it.
Based on all this, Lynn concluded. The boss must be craving a woman after so many years of celibacy.
SEND GIFT
His eyes narrowed, and his hand tightened. “To meet Issac?”
“Mm–hmm,” Lia didn’t think much about it, and just answered honestly.
Coby clenched his fist, his voice trembling slightly. “In this rain, bringing condoms to meet him… Ms. Phillips, you two really seem to get along well.”
As Lynn was driving, a sudden chill ran down his spine, and he got a sinking feeling.
He thought. “My boss just got the condoms, and now she’s going to a hotel with someone else–Does she think my boss doesn’t matter?”
Lia realized her words had been misunderstood. She wanted to explain but figured it wasn’t worth it.
“Who knows?” she replied curtly.
Coby said calmly, “Lynn, take us to Royalite Hotel
At that moment, Coby’s eyes held a storm.
“Yes, sir,” replied Lyun.
The car moved slowly, and the silence grew. Suddenly, Coby asked. “Three boxes–will he use all of them?”
Lia didn’t know if Issac would, but it was clear Issac was just messing with her.
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18:22 Sat, Dec 14
hapter 2
Every one of his ex–girlfriends thought something was going on between them, but the truth was, Issac hated her, thought she had an agenda, and found new ways to torture her.
Lia owed the Allen family a lot of money, which was why she wanted to find a job as soon as possible. Once the debt was paid, she could leave the Allen family.
“What are
yout
thinking about?” Suddenly, he leaned in close, Li looked into his calm eyes, hurriedly shaking her head.
“Nothing,” replied Lia.
The wind howled outside, and the rain showed no signs of letting up. Yet inside the car, it was a lot warmer compared to the
chill outside.
“I heard you are now Issac’s secretary?” Coby shifted in his seat, eyes still on the road,
“Yes,” replied Lia.
Issac didn’t like her or want to use her. It was Luna who pushed her into Allen Group, hoping she’d become a nanny for her
Issac.
Lia had considered leaving, but she owed the Allen family too much. Even though she wasn’t exactly welcomed at Allen Group, at least the pay was good, so she kept working.
“I value talent. If you’re interested, Ms. Phillips, you could come work for Ford Group Coby handed her a business card. Ford Group was a leader in the industry. Even though Allen Group was on the same level, everyone could see that Coby’s abilities surpassed Issac’s.
Lia thought to herself, ‘But what about me? With no achievements, am I even worth recruiting? Maybe it’s only because I’m close to Issac.
“Thank you, Mr. Ford. I’ll take the card for now.” Lia took the card from his hand politely.
Coby raised an eyebrow, “You’ll take it but won’t come, huh?”
Lia didn’t answer; she just looked down.
Not everyone could switch jobs, especially not her, at least not right now.
“Sir, ma’am, we’ve arrived at Royalite Hotel. Lynn’s voice broke Lia’s thoughts. She took off her coat and folded it neatly.
“Mr. Ford, thank you for the ride, and thank you for the coat. Lia gave a small smile, looking a little dreamy under the lights, “Wear the coat. He draped it back over her shoulders.
Lia couldn’t refuse anymore. Thank you. I’ll clean it and return it to you. See you.”
“No problem. I’m stopping here too,” Coby said
She paused with her hand on the car door, turned around, and looked at him. “You’re here too?”
“What? Ms. Phillips, you can book a room.
but I can’t?”
Lia awkwardly responded, “No, that’s not it. After you. Mr. Ford
Coby stepped out, and the hotel staff rushed to greet him. Lia quietly followed behind.
In the lobby, she bowed to him again, thanking him. “Thanks, Mr. Ford. I’ll head upstairs now.”
18:22 Sat. Dec 14
Chapter 2
“Looks like you are in ahurry. His cold voice made the air tense and everyone nearby could feel the tension.
Lia’s face turned pale, but she remained calm. “Mr. Ford, don’t keep your girl waiting. Goodbye.”
She turned and walked toward the elevator.
She thought Coby was just being kind, seeing her off, but it seemed like he had serious issues with her.
“Good evening, Mr. Ford. The hotel manager arrived, smiling nervously.
“Find out which room Issac is in,” he said, his eyes moving away from Lia’s retreating figure.
“Uh… The manager hesitated, unsure. He couldn’t afford to offend either Issac or Coby. After thinking it over, he said, “Okay, I’ll check right away!”
Outside room 606, Lia took a deep breath, gathered herself, and lightly knocked on the door.
The door was opened by Issar’s close friend, Frostina Andrews. La had dealt with her a few times before.
Frostina clearly didn’t like her, and Lia knew it was because of Issac. But actually, Lia was just Issac’s caretaker.
“Coming this late, all wet. Who are you trying to make feel sorry for you?” Frostina purposely showed off her skin covered in bite marks, proudly staking her claim over Issac.
What Frostina didn’t know was that Lia had seen all of this before and felt nothing. Right now, all Lia cared about was making money
Luna blamed Lia entirely for Issac’s failure, thinking it was Lia’s fault he was in such a mess.
Even though Lia had tried to resign. Luna wouldn’t let her, insisting she had to pay back all the training costs and Layla’s medical bills before leaving.
So, she had to earn 1.5 million to clear all those expenses.
“Oh, now you’re wearing a man’s clothes. Trying to make Mr. Allen jealous?”
Frostina hated that Lia was always hanging around Issac. She thought Lia was probably trying to get close to him, hoping for an advantage.
Lia ignored the comment and walked inside. “Tm just here to deliver something to Mr. Allen.”
“Heh, darling.” Frostina shot Lia a quick glare and ran inside.
If it weren’t for Lia, maybe Frostina would’ve been the one to take the top spot. Frostina pretended to be indifferent, but everyone knew she was just Issac’s sex toy, Still, Frostina knew she had a higher place in Issac’s heart than Lia
She called Issac, “Darling, I’m so cold.”
Issac propped himself up on his elbow, smiling wickedly at the approaching Frostina. “Cold? Ill warm you up.” Frostina climbed into bed, running her hand over Issac’s chest as she pouted. “Ugh, Mr. Allen, you’re so annoying.” Lia watched them fit, then said, “Mr. Allen, I’ve brought the things. I’ll leave them here and won’t disturb you”
With that, she turned to leave.
Issac couldn’t stand how indifferent Lia was, like nothing mattered to her.
He noticed the man’s clothes she was wearing, and anger started to boil inside him.
18:22 Sat, Dec 14
Chapter 2
Is she trying to show this off to me? Did she think this would make me jealous? Fat chance, he thought
“Mr. Allen, look how arrogant she is!” Frostina noticed Issac was getting upset and couldn’t help but feel pleased.
“Stop. Why not stay here to watch us?” said Issac.
“Mr. Allen, I have things to do. You enjoy yourself,” Lia paused and said honestly, I’m leaving now”
The calmer Lia got, the angrier Issac became.
76%
Issac thinks to himself. This woman was sent by my mother. She’s always following me around, handling everything, and being more controlling titan anyone else. That emotionless face of hers never changes. I’m tired of it. She doesn’t understand what it means to be kind or considerate–she’s just pretty, and that’s about it
At the thought of it, he shouted, “Get out!”
“Such an eyesore. Mr. Allen, don’t be mad. I’m here to comfort you,” said Frostina.
This was the first time Frostina had seen Issac this mad at Lia. This meant he probably didn’t like Lia, and that just made Frostina’s chance to take her place even bigger.
Lia walked out, heavy–hearted. She’d always known Issac hated her, always making her feel uncomfortable. If she could, she’d leave too.
But her debt to the Allen family kept her from doing so. Given her current situation, she knew she couldn’t repay it
She used to have a naive crush on Issac, but that was all it ever was–naive.
Since Layla got sick, all Lia focused on was working hard to make money. Love and relationships weren’t important to her
anymore.
“Ms. Phillips” Lia was walking toward the elevator when a familiar male voice called out to her.
“Mr. Ford, you’re here?” Lia was surprised, thinking. Right next to Issac’s room, and he’s alone?
Coby had his hands in his pockets, looking at her lazily, with a slight smirk on his lips–as if he was mocking her fate.
“Came out so soon? He wasn’t enough for you? teased Coby, his words dripping with sarcasm.
Lia froze slightly, then quickly changed the subject and kept walking. “Mr. Ford, I know you’re busy, so I won’t keep you.”
ddenly grabbed Lia’s slender wrist. Just as they passed each other, Coby
Lia felt the pain and twisted her wrist slightly. “Mr. Ford, is there something else?”
Coby’s expression was strange, and Lia couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in her chest.
He looked at her intensely, smiled, and said. “I just got back to the country. I don’t have a girlfriend, but tonight… I want
one.”
He said the last five words slowly, dragging them out.
C
