Chapter 31
Sarah dragged Lia to play various games, while Coby followed, apping photos like a personal cameraman.
When they reached the toy castle, Sarah was enchanted by all the new toys, so Lia let her go inside to play.
The toy castle was filled with children, and adults had to wait in the designated area.
Although Sarah was playing inside, she kept coming back to check in with thein.
“Isn’t this crown pretty?” She ran over excitedly to show it off.
“It’s lovely.” Seeing her so happy made Lia smile too.
I want all kinds of toys!” Sarah lashed off to find more fun things.
“Lia, have some water, Coby said.
He pulled out a thermos,
“You brought a thermos?” Lia was surprised.
On the way here, she had noticed the bodyguards carrying things, but she had assumed it was their stuff.
“Molly reminded me to have water ready,” said Coby.
Though, honestly, he would’ve done it even without her reminder.
Lia’s cheeks turned red. Molly really cared about her, and the Fond family was so kind to her.
“Wow, thanks Molly. And, of course, thank you as well” Lia smiled.
He was far more thoughtful than she had imagined. Still, Lia tried not to say thank you too often, knowing it would annoy
him
He then pulled out some snacks. Even though this was an impromptu outing, he had come fully prepared. “Have a snack. That little brat will be playing in there for a while.”
Lia glanced at the castle, where Sarah had found a friend. The two were holding hands and chatting happily.
She turned back with a smile. “Alright, you should eat too.”
Lia picked up
a biscuit. When she noticed he hadn’t taken any, she felt a bit awkward.
“Go ahead and eat. My hands are a bit dirty,” he said with a warm smile.
Lia had just gone can feed you.”
to the restroom earlier and had washed her hands. “Um, I washed my hands earlier. If you don’t mind, I
“I don’t mind at all. Coby responded without hesitation and even scooted his chair closer to hers,
Lia glanced arouhio make sure no one was paying attention to them.
She held the biscuit out to him. He ate it slowly and then commented. “It’s good. I should give the pastry chef a bonus.”
Lia chuckled softly. “Why don’t you try another one!”
“Anything you feed me tastes good,” he said, his voice soft and full of warmth.
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His gaze locked on her bushing cheeks, his tone teasing and actionate.
Lla looked back at him, unable to resist the depth of his eyes
Thankfully, he had prepared her for moments like this, or she would’ve been caught off guard again.
“What are you talking about!” Sarah popped her head over, curicies. “Your face is red again!”
“Go play Coby frowned at Saral for interrupting them.
“But I want a snack,” Sarals said, stretching out her dirty linle hails..
“I will feed you. Your hands are too dirty. It’s not healthy to eat like that.”
“Thank you! Coby, do you see? You don’t get any Surali proudly showed off.
“You little brat, just eat already: Coby made a funny face
“Okay, okay. Mean Coby Although Sarah grumbled, she ran off to play again after eating her filt
“She’s such a cute little girl Lia remarked.
‘Cute, and handful. Coby thought.
“Let’s visit her often in the future, he said.
Their eyes met, and she smiled, nodding. “Alright.”
Happy moments always feel fleeting. Lia and Coby returned her to her parents.
“Sarah, where were you? We were looking everywhere for you!” Her mother hugged her tightly, crying.
“Wahhh, Mom!” Seeing her mother, Sarah burst into tears too,
Sarah’s father expressed his gratitude. Thank you for taking care of her. We’re so grateful. If not for you, we wouldn’t know what to do.
“It’s no trouble. We like Sarah a lot,” Lia said with a smile.
“Though she’s young, she’s sensitive. You’d better not neglect her because of the second child. You don’t want her to run off again.” Coby’s words were blunt but truthful.
Many families overlook their first child after the second is born. The exhaustion of daily life wears away their patience, making it crucial to care for the child’s emotions.
“Thank you. We’ll be mindful. Really, thank you,” Sarah’s mother said repeatedly.
“Please accept this small gift as a token of our gratitude.” Her father insisted, holding out a gift bag.
“That’s very kind, but it’s not necessary. Just take good care of Sarah. Lia politely declined
“Thank you, we will,” he replied.
Sarah’s eyes were red from crying. She let go of her mother and ran to Lia and Coby. “I’m going to miss you so much!”
“Be good. I exchanged contacts with your mom, so we’ll keep in touch. Lia reassured her.
“Can I still come to your house to play?” asked Sarah.
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Chapter 31
“Well Lia looked overat him
Coby squatted down and said to Sarah, “Next time, I’ll teach you how to catch Pikachu
“Yay! I’ve decideil. I like you notel Sarah wrinkled her nose.
But Coby wasn’t having it. “Sorry, I have a wife already”
Lia poked his waist secretly, knowing everyone was watching.
Sarah pouted. “Huph, I like Lia too!”
“She’s quite the handful her mother said apologetically. “Sorry for the trouble.”
“Not at all. She’s adorable,” Lia replied sincerely.
Lia truly liked Sarah.
They declined the parents‘ offer to have dinner together and were about to leave.
Sarah made a heart with her hands. “I love you!”
“I love you too.” Lia responded with a smile.
“What about Coby?” she asked, pouting again.
Under the gaze of the little girl, Coby promised. “Be good, and take you out to play next time.”
“Yay! Coby and you have to come find me!”
We will,” said Lia.
After dropping her off, they returned home. Seeing the item on the sofa, Lia groaned. “Coby, we forgot to give Sarah her
Pikachu!”
They’d taken it along for the outing but completely forgot about it.
“We’ll bring it to her next time,” he said, pulling her into his arms
“Alright.” Lia nodded.
His forehead rested against hers, his breath warm.
“Lia,” he murmured.
“Hmm” Lia responded softly, feeling her cheeks grow hot.
“Did you sleep well last night?” asked Coby.
“Yes,” she replied, her voice light. I fell asleep quickly.”
“I was not okay without you by my side,” he said, his deep, soulful eyes filled with longing as he looked at her.
“Then… um… Lia stammered, “Coby, maybe you should get some more rest? I’ll wake you up for dinner.”
His gaze was intense and captivating. T’d rather we sleep together
“But it’s still early, Lia said, glancing outside at the bright daylight.
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Chapter 31
“It’s fine,” he replied warmly. We can get up later. It makes no difference”
Lia was speechless. Really? No difference?
Coby went to take a shower by himself, offering to help her, but la declined.
When she came out of the shower, he was already lying on the l, his smile as warm and refreshing as a spring breeze.
Lia climbed into the inner side of the bed, only to find herself immediately pulled into his arins..
“It’s always better sleeping while holding my wife,” he murmured his nose brushing lightly against the sensitive spot on her
neck.
Lia giggled melodiously. “Coby, that tickles!”
He finally stopped teasing her, letting his nose trail slowly up her fair neck. His w
finally landing on her rosy lips.
“Lia” he whispered.
His deep, gravelly voice was tantalizing, making her heart flutter
“Coby… mmm…” Lia moaned.
Coby knew she wanted him too, so he continued pleasuring her
He caressed every inch of her body and more.
They slept so long that by the time they woke up, it was already dark outside.
When Lia got out of bed, the servants had already brought dinner to their room.
lips brushed against her skin before
Everyone had a curious expression on their faces. Coming back during the day, immediately heading to their room, and having dinner delivered. It was obvious what they were doing. La felt a bit awkward, but Coby acted like nothing had happened.
“Lia, let’s eat first,” he said.
“Alright.” Lia sat beside him, and as always, he would feed her food. She usually returned the gesture.
Coby never seemed picky. He ate everything she served him.
Their relationship was polite and respectful, yet not entirely formal.
Tilting his head toward her, he asked, “Remember when we talked about watching a movie? Lia, should we go?”
“Now?” she asked.
“Yeah. Do you want to watch it at home or go to the theater? Coby asked for her opinion
“Either is fine,” she replied.
“Then let’s go to the theater.” He decided.
“Okay Lia agreed without objection.
Then he added. “Back in high school, I always wanted to hold your hand and do what couples do.”
Going on dates, shopping, and watching movies, and things like that.
Chapter 1
“Cough, cough.” Lia blushed furiously, caught off guard by his candidness.
But back then, he always had a cold expression. She never wouldve guessed he had such thoughts.
“Here, have some water, Coby said, gently patting her slender lack
Lia took the glass and drank deeply, finally soothing her discomfort.
She wanted to ask why he liked her. They barely spoke and did even always greet each other when they passed by, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask.
Some things just happen haturally–like how her feelings for him had developed, almost without her realizing
“Let’s go after dinner,” said Coby.
“Okay” Lia nodded.
In high school, Lia often went to the movies–not to watch them herself, but to help Issac and his girlfriend. She’d buy the snacks his girlfriend liked, wait for them to go in, and then linger outside.
Issac thought she’d be upset, but she wasn’t. Lia actually enjoyed those quiet moments; at least while he was watching the movie, he wouldn’t boss her around, and she could do what she wanted.
She vividly remembered one Valentine’s Day when Issac took his girlfriend to the movies. Lia made his girlfriend unhappy with her presence, prompting harsh words
After that, Issac never brought Lia along for Valentine’s Day outings. It probably wasn’t worth upsetting his girlfriend.
But that particular Valentine’s Day left a deep impression on Lia Outside the theater, she watched couples walk in, their faces glowing with happiness.
Meanwhile, she stood there alone, holding the flowers Issac had bought for his girlfriend, waiting for them to come out.
It was then that Lia realized that even she could feel lonely. It wasn’t that she didn’t want companionship. She just didn’t have it
By the time Lia and Coby arrived at the theater, it was already past eight. The only movies showing were comedies and spy, thrillers.
Coby could request the theatre to show another movie, but he didn’t
“Lia, what do you want to watch?” He always asked for her opinion.
“Anything’s fine,” she answered.
“You always say that.” He gently pinched her small hand.
“It’s all the same to me, really,” she said.
“Let’s watch a comedy, and we can come back next week for something else. Coby said.
Next week? Are we coming back again?‘ Lia wondered.
While they were picking up their tickets, a couple stood behind them. The woman in white said to the man. “Honey, that romance movie is out. Let’s watch it next time.”
“Sure, whatever you say, the man replied.
After just a few words, the couple started flirting with each other.
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Once they got their tickets they moved to the waiting area.
That’s when Lia noticed a large poster. The romance film would be out on Valentine’s Day
Next Wednesday was Valentine’s Day. Could Coby be talking abat Wednesday?
“Lia, are you busy next Wednesday evening?” asked Coby,
Hearing this, Lis tilted her head to look at him. He had a faint sicile on his lips.
“Are you?” he asked again.
“If there’s nothing at work, I don’t think so,” she replied softly.
“Alright. He patted her head gently and didn’t say anything more. “What do you feel like eating?”
“I’ll go buy something” Lia offered, getting ready to leave.
But Coby grabbed her slender wrist and handed her the tickets. Tll go. You sit here and wait
She sat in the waiting area while he went off.
He returned with a large tub of popcorn and some snacks.
Coby was dressed casually today, far from his usual suit–and–tie look. The relaxed attire, along with his neatly styled bangs. made him seem unexpectedly gentle. She wondered if she was seeing things
“You shouldn’t drink soda for now. We’ll get some next time. He explained.
Lia smiled and nodded. “Okay, let me carry something.”
“It’s fine. I’ve got it. The movie’s about to start. Let’s go get our tickets checked. He urged her along, carrying the snacks toward the ticket booth..
“Oh Lia withdrew her hand awkwardly and watched his back. He was holding the big tub of popcorn and carrying the snacks, things she usually took care of herself. But now, he was the one doing it.
Is this what it feels like to be cared for?‘ Lia thought.
“Lia, what’s wrong? Seeing that she hadn’t moved, Coby stopped and walked back to her.
“Nothing.” Lia snapped out of her thoughts and smiled at him. “Let’s go.”
Coby could sense something was on her mind, but he didn’t press further.
After checking their tickets, they entered the theater and quickly found their seats
He had chosen seats in the back row, right in the middle. It was the weekend, but with no major releases, the crowd was smaller than expected.
Apart from a few people in the front rows, the back row was completely empty
“I thought it would be crowded, so I picked the back row to avoid the rush.” He explained.
“It’s fine.” Lia nodded.
Shortly after they sat down, the movie began.
It was a comedy, packed with jokes that had the audience bursting into laughter every few minutes.
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But in their quiet corner at the back, they stayed unusually silent
a
At another punchline, Lia leh the silence was getting too awkward. She sneaked a glance at the man beside her, wondering if
felt the
he found it boring.
He was focused on the screen, the corners of his lips faintly curved. He was enjoying it, in his own way
“Lia, what’s up?” asked Coby.
Maybe she had been staring too olwiously, because Coby turned to look at her, their eyes meeting
“I was just wondering if you wanted some popcorn,” she said awkwardly, using the snack as an excuse. She picked up a piere and held it up.
“Is it good!” he asked, looking at the popcorn in her hand.
Yeah Lia moved the popcorn closer to his mouth.
Warm lips brushed past delicate fingers, sending a tingling sensation through her. In an instant, her face flushed with heat
The man curved his lips into a smile. “It does taste good.
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