Chapter 36
Lia’s hand trembled, but she maintained her composure and calin
I hope you’ll stop bothering me from now on. Coby is my husband, and I won’t let anyone insult him,” she said.
“Husband? Issac’s grip tightened, fury flashing in his eyes. Ignoring her struggles, he dragged her toward a private room. “Do you think I’d believe that?”
Pain shot through Lia’s wrist. “Issac, are you crazy? Let go of me
“Let go? Lia, you know me. When I want something, no one can op me unless I lose interest,” said Issar.
The thought of her with another man made Issac feel like he was about to explode.
Everything about Lia should belong to him.
Who is Coby, anyway? How dare he take things from me?
“Mr. Allen…” Nate was shocked by his boss’s behavior and quickly ordered the bodyguards to clear the area. This incident couldn’t get out.
“Mr. Ford, this way.”
As Owen entered, he noticed the commotion in the cafe. The staff were ushering out customers.
“Mr. Ford, it seems there’s something going on over there.
Coby glanced over and, to his surprise, saw her
“Let me go!” Lia grabbed a cup from the table and threw it at Issac
Issac tilted his head, and the cup shattered on the floor.
“Why can’t we go back to the way we were, Lia? Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you. There won’t be
just you. Issac said.
anyone else in my life
This was the funniest joke Lia had ever heard. Why would she want to go back to the past? Back to the days when Issac could summon her at will and dismiss her just as easily? She owed nothing to the Allen family anymore.
“Issac, I don’t care how many women you have around you. It has nothing to do with me,” she said.
His anger exploded. “Nothing to do with you? How is that possible? Lia, you are mine. You can only be mine.”
Bang!
Issac was sent flying, crashing
ing into a nearby table.
For a moment, everyone was too
stunned to react.
Lia felt a firm grip around her waist, pulling her into a warm embrace. She instinctively looked up and finally breathed a sigh of relief. “Cpby“.
Coby smiled and gently stroked her head. “Lia, are you hurt?”
“No,” she replied.
His voice was unexpectedly soft. “Good girl, wait here for me.”
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In an instant, the warmth diappeared from his expression, replaced by a chilling coldness.
Issac got up in a fury, Coby, I’ve been meaning to settle things th you”
He wanted Lia to see that this man was all appearance and no substance.
Last time, he had taken a couple of punches. This time, he was going to let it slide.
Owen, don’t let Lia come over,” said Coby.
“Yes, Mr. Ford.” Owen immediately stepped in front of Lia to block her.
Lia felt a wave of panic, “Coby
Taking advantage of Coby’s distraction, Issac swung a punch at .
Coby countered with a punch of his own, catching Issac off guard
After a series of exchanges, both men were bloodied.
The bodyguards from both sides stood in a standoff. The cafe had already been cleared, and neither the manager nor the staff dared to intervene.
Seeing Coby injured, Lia tried to rush forward, but Owen quickly stopped her. “Ms. Phillips, it’s best not to go over now. If you get hurt, it’s the last thing Mr. Ford would want.”
But he’s injured.” Lia said anxiously.
Owen understood her concern, but Issac was clearly
eyes rly worse off. It was obvious that Lia only had
for Coby.
“Please wait a little longer, Ms. Phillips,” said Owen.
Lia could only stand by helplessly.
Coby quickly gained the upper hand, and before long, Issac was knocked to the ground. His bodyguards rushed over to shield him.
Both sides‘ bodyguards formed a barrier, separating the two men
“Coby.” Lia hurried to support him. “We need to go to the hospital.”
Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his eye was bruised. She couldn’t tell the extent of his other injuries.
Coby placed his hands on her shoulders, a faint smile appearing on his lips. “Lia, a kiss from you would make it all better.”
She froze for a moment before realizing his intent. Standing on ptoe, she leaned in and kissed him.
He cupped the back of her head, deepening the kiss.
The onlookers were wide–eyed with shock, except for Issac, whose gaze burned with jealous rage.
Lia was supposed to be his.
Coby had taken everything from him.
He wouldn’t let this go.
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Chapter 36
Lia blushed as she helped Gaby back to the office. She knew it wild fuel speculation, but at this point, she didn’t care.
Back to the office, Lia helped him onto the sofa, saying anxious “Ill go get some ice
He stopped her with a smile. “No need”
“If we don’t ice it, the swelling will be worse tomorrow, she replied.
They had an important meeting on Floral Island the next day, al Lia was worried about his condition.
“I’m fine.” he said calmly
His nonchalance made Lia’s chest tighten. “It’s my fault. I caused this.”
Coby gently lifted her face. “What did you do wrong? Stop taking the blame for everything.”
“If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be hurt. Issac is capable of anything.” Her eyes turned red, misted with tears.
“Lia, do you think I am incapable of protecting my own wife?” asked Coby.
She shook her head in denial. “No.”
Then are you worried about me?” The man’s tone lifted slightly
Knock, knock, knock…
The sound of knocking interrupted their conversation as Owen arrived at the door with the doctor. “Mr. Ford, the doctor is here”
Feeling awkward, Lia stood up and moved aside to make room for the doctor to examine him,
Owen caught an inexplicable glance from his boss, which gave him a bad feeling. Had he interrupted something important between the two?
Fortunately, it was just a surface wound. The doctor treated it briefly and left an ice pack for him to apply.
“Ms. Phillips, could you please take care of Mr. Ford? I’ll see the doctor out, asked Owen,
“Sure, Owen,” said Lia.
As Owen and the medical team left, he thoughtfully closed the door behind them.
“Coby, apply this to your face first.” Lia picked up the ice pack and gently pressed it against the reddened area near his eye.
He gazed at her intently. “Hisss…
“Does it hurt? I’ll be more gentle. She nervously blew softly on the spot..
Coby chuckled while holding her close. “How are you so easy to fool? It doesn’t hurt.”
“How could it not hurt?” Lia pursed her lips, realizing he was trying to put her at ease.
I didn’t expect him to be the new landlord.” Lia thought she should explain.
“You don’t need to explain. I trust you. He knew exactly what kind of person she was.
Lia hadn’t expected him to trust her so unconditionally. Apart from Layla, no one else had shown her such faith. The feeling
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was bittersweet yet heartwarming.
“I’ll arrange for someone to help you move.”
“Okay.” She nodded with a smile. “The ice pack should be enough .. I’ll step out now.”
“Mm. Coby nodded.
Before leaving. Lia turned back uneasily, then ran over and pressed her soft lips to the corner of his mouth.
“Coby, thank you” With that, she dashed out of the room,
He smiled, licking the corner of his lips.
Suddenly, his gaze turned sharp. Issact
Lia returned to the secretary’s office, where Millie and Phoebe immediately crowded around her.
“Lia, what happened? How did Mr. Ford get hurt?” asked Millie.
“Yeah, Lia, did Mr. Ford get into a fight with someone?” asked Phoebe.
“That’s Mr. Ford’s personal business. Let’s all get back to work.” She avoided giving a direct answer.
The fight between the successors of the two family would affect both companies, regardless of the reason. This incident couldn’t be leaked
In the afternoon, Lia received a call from Quirin.
“Lia, I heard Coby got hurt?” Quinn asked casually.
After all, for someone to injure her son, it meant the Allen family’s kid wasn’t weak either.
Lia took the initiative to admit fault. “Mrs. Ford, I’m sorry, It’s my fault.”
“What are you talking about? This has nothing to do with you. If man can’t even protect his own wife, what’s he good for This kid’s been trained since childhood. Don’t worry, Lia, it’s nothing serious.” She sounded very confident in her son.
“Mrs, Ford, you’re not blaming me?” Lia had expected Layla to scold her, but instead, she was being comforted. “Back in the day, his dad could take on ten people at once. He was so impressive that I completely fell for him,” said Quinn. Her son had been practicing combat and self–defense since he was young and had never lost a fight.
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Lia, don’t worry about this small matter. The Allen family and ours have always been at odds, not just your generation, but ours too,” said Quinn.
“Mrs. Ford, you and the Allen family elders had a grudge too?” Lia asked in surprise.
“Luna and I were classmates. But something happened. We no longer speak to each other. Anyway, it’s Valentine’s Day. I have a date to go to. You and Coby should do the same.” She couldn’t wait to go on her date with her beloved husband.
“Alright, Mrs. Ford,” said Lia
After so many years, his parents still have such a loving relationship. Lia was impressed.
Work ended at six in the evening.
“Lia, time to clock out. Happy Valentine’s Day! Have a sweet time with your boyfriend,” Phoebe said with a playful wink
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“Lia, have a nice night.”“Millie chimed in while linking a Moebe. “The two of us single ladies are going shopping
together
“Have fun, you two. Lia smiled.
with
As Owen walked out of the office, he overheard their conversation. “Hey, you’re going shopping? Count me
“Owen, aren’t you spending the evening with your girlfriend?” Phoebe teased.
“If I had a girlfriend, why would I be tagging along with you two Let’s go, my treat today, Owen said generously.
“Owen, you’re so nice!” Millie screamed.
“Owen, let’s go, let’s go! We’ll keep you company. Phoebe was excited.
Phoebe and Millie took turns flattering him, making Owen feel a bit smug
After everyone left. Lia arrived at the General Manager’s office.
Just as she was about to knock, the door opened.
Coby took her hand and led her inside. “Has everyone left?”
“Yeah, she replied.
He guided her to sit sideways on his lap. Lia was worried about his wound. “Careful with your wound.”
I’m fine, he said.
She lowered her gaze and met his, her face heating up.
Your mom called earlier, Lia said.
He gently stroked her flushed cheek. “She wasn’t calling to check on me.”
Lia smiled lightly. “She does care about you.”
“Does Lia care about me?” he asked.
Lia nodded without hesitation. “I do.”
He tightened his arms slightly, resting his chin on her shoulder and rubbing his cheek against hers. “Having a wife who cares is wonderful.”
Lia thought to herself, having his care felt equally wonderful.
The two lingered in the office for a while before heading out for dinner. On the streets, couples were everywhere, their faces glowing with happiness,
Lia glanced at their intertwined hands and smiled softly.
They arrived at Starry Sky Restaurant.
Located halfway up Solar Mountain, this high–end restaurant offers stunning views of the night sky.
Unlike Skyview Mountain’s natural vibes, this place caters to the wealthy, providing a luxurious stargazing experience.
The entire space features a starry ceiling: the moment you step in, you’re enveloped in the beauty of the night sky.
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They dined on the top floor surrounded by suspended night lights that mirrored the twinkling stars above.
Despite following Issac for years, Lia had never been here but knew a lot about the Starry Sky Restaurant.
Ordinary people aren’t allowed entry. Even wealthy patrons need reservations, which aren’t always guaranteed.
Coby placed a slice of steak he’d cut onto her plate. “You don’t like it here?”
“No, I do. It’s beautiful. She liked it but felt it was almost unreal,
“Why aren’t you eating?” he asked.
“Honestly, something simpler would’ve been fine,” she said.
Coby smiled faintly. “Next time. I’ll ask opinion.”
for
Next time? Would they spend next year’s Valentine’s Day together too? She wondered.
After dinner, they stuck to their plan and went to the movies.
The theater was filled with couples tonight. The newly released romance film was a big hit, drawing tears from its audience.
-perfect for couples.
Like last time, he carried popcorn and snacks. The only difference was that he had rented out the entire theater this time.
The movie told a story about unspoken love.
The protagonists were classmates who liked each other but never confessed their feelings for various reasons. After graduating high school, they went to different cities for college and later joined the workforce.
One day, the male lead discovered that the little paper stars the female lead had given him secretly contained messages “1 love you.” That’s when he realized she’d liked him all along.
After that, he searched everywhere for her. Finally, they crossed paths in another city, but by then, she already had a fiance. He buried his love for her deep in his heart.
At first, they thought they had missed each other for good.
But in the end, the movie had an open ending. It wasn’t revealed who the heroine ended up with, leaving the audience to decide.
The movie sparked heated debates in real life, dividing people into two camps–those who believed they ended up together. and those who thought they didn’t.
In the theater, it was just the two of them.
Even after the movie ended, Lia was still immersed in its story.
“Who do you think she ended up with, Lia?” Coby asked.
Lia looked at him and shared her thoughts. “Probably her fiance
He lifted her hand and kissed it gently. “Why?”
“Because some things are just gone once you’ve missed them, she answered.
Coby smiled faintly. “But I don’t want to miss you.”
Those few words stirred something deep in Lia’s heart.
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They were very similar to the couple in the movie. If they hadn met, would they have missed each other too?
The movie was thought–provoking and inspiring at the same time
When they left the theater, it was late. The streets were nearly empty, and the chilly night wind was blowing. She wore his jacket, feeling warm inside.
Back at home, Lia and Coby brought out the gifts they had prepared.
“I have something.said Lia
“I have… said Coby
Both were surprised. Coby stepped closer to her. “Lia, is this for ther
Lia nodded shyly. “I didn’t know what color you’d like, so I just…
He wrapped his arms around her waist, his smile growing unconsciously. “Whatever you choose, I’ll like. Help me put it on.”
Her heart felt sweet andgearm. “Okay.”
As Lia finished tying the tie, he suddenly picked her up.
“Coby, what’s wrong?” she asked.
The man set her down on the table, crouched, and brought out a gift from a velvet box.
Lia, you got me a tie, and I got you an anklet. Are we thinking about the same thing?” he asked.
“What do you mean?” she was confused.
He gently fastened the daisy–adorned anklet around her ankle, then stood up, placing his hands on either side of her and gazing at her tenderly.
He said. “Because both are used to tie us together so we can’t leave each other.”
SEND GIFT