Chapter 69
She wrapped her arms around his neck while his hands rested on her impossibly small waist.
“Lia.” Hearing his sweet words, her heart felt as if it were filled with honey.
An hour later, Coby carried her into the bathroom, and in her daze, she saw him washing her before taking her back to bed.
Coby gently stroked Lia’s back, unable to let go of her smooth skin. A surge of heat flared up within him, but he didn’t want to disturb her anymore.
“Lia, go to sleep,” he said.
Lia let out a small murmur in his arms and fell into a deep sleep
The next day at Ford Group, a visitor who wasn’t a client arrived at the secretary department. Phoebe and Millie were both busy, so Lia took charge of the reception.
“Ms. Ashwood, Mr. Ford is busy. Please wait a moment,” she said.
“Okay, thank you.” Gabby Ashwood looked at the sweet–smiling woman in front of her, always maintaining the smile.
‘So, this is Lia,‘ she thought.
After Lia delivered the coffee, she saw Owen come out of the office. The general manager’s office should be empty now.
She called him, and the phone was answered quickly. “Mr. Ford
“Lia, are you still feeling unwell?” Coby asked with concern.
Lia didn’t expect him to mention it, and her face immediately turned red.
She had been walking strangely this morning, and he had asked her several times.
“I’m fine,” she said.
“Let me check on you again when we get back,” said Coby.
‘Check what? Where would he check?‘ Lia paused for a while before saying, “Mr. Ford, your college friend, Ms. Ashwood, is here to see you. Should I let her in?”
He raised his thick eyebrows. “Do you think I should meet her?”
Since she had come to see him, there must be something important. It was perfectly normal to meet. “Mr. Ford, if you want to meet her, go ahead.”
Lia was completely unconcerned. “Let her in,” said Coby.
“Yes, Mr. Ford,” she replied.
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“Have someone else bring the coffee. You should take a break,” he said.
She smiled slightly.
Phoebe and Millie returned, and Lia asked Phoebe to take Gabby to the office while she went back to handle things in her office.
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In the General Manager’s Office, Coby said, “How come you decided to come here? Please, sit down.”
“Coby, I saw you announced you have a girlfriend. I was surprise.” Gabby felt a pang of bitterness in her heart. If she hadn’t seen the news about him having a girlfriend, she might have still naively thought he wouldn’t like any other woman.
“I’ve waited a long time to announce it,” he said.
‘So it’s true?‘ Her bright eyes dimmed.
Gabby had always liked him but had never said anything. She didn’t want to regret it, so she tightly gripped her bag and looked at him. “Coby, do you know that 1…”
Coby’s expression remained unchanged, and his voice didn’t rise or fall. “I only think of you as a classmate.”
Just a classmate, not even a friend?‘ Gabby felt a lump in her throat. It was clear now that her feelings were one–sided. “I thought you’d choose someone better.”
“Who says she’s not good enough?” asked Coby.
Phoebe and Millie were anxiously glancing toward the general manager’s office.
“Millie, why isn’t Lia worried? Shouldn’t she be jealous when facing her rival?” asked Phoebe.
“I don’t know. Lia seems to trust Mr. Ford too much. If it were me, I’d be worried,” said Millie.
“Let’s go find Lia,” said Phoebe.
“Should we? It feels a bit awkward.” Millie commented.
“Let’s go see.” Phoebe dragged Millie to Lia’s office door. They weren’t sure how to approach her, so they just stood there, hesitant.
Lia noticed their strange behavior and guessed they had something to say. “Come in, what’s the matter?”
Millie nudged Phoebe. “You ask her.”
They entered the office, and Phoebe scratched her head, awkwardly saying, “Lia, aren’t you jealous?”
“Jealous of what?” No wonder they had been hesitant to speak.
“Did you
know, Lia? That woman who just went into Mr. Ford’s office–Ms. Ashwood–is his university classmate and a brilliant medical student,” Millie said.
“I know. But it’s just two classmates catching up. Why would I be jealous?” Lia asked, thinking their concerns were exaggerated.
“But Lia, that Ms. Ashwood has feelings for Mr. Ford,” Millie whispered, leaning in.
Although Ms. Ashwood wasn’t as obvious as Nancy, a woman’s intuition was rarely wrong.
“How do you know?” asked Lia.
“Lia, how could you not notice?” Phoebe exclaimed in disbelief.
“I really didn’t notice,” Lia replied, a little embarrassed. She hadn’t spoken much with Ms. Ashwood, who had been polite and friendly, so she hadn’t given it much thought.
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Plenty of people liked Mr. Ford. Lia couldn’t possibly be jealous of every single one. Still, since she had been the one to confirm the meeting and let Ms. Ashwood into his office, she suddenly felt nervous.
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She recalled how Nancy’s situation had escalated because she hadn’t minded it, which had upset him. He’d even made her wear the clothes Molly had sent.
This time, he might get angry again.
“If you notice any guests who seem interested in Mr. Ford, let me know next time,” Lia said.
“Got it, Lia,” Millie and Phoebe replied in unison.
Seeing Lia’s sudden tension, they felt relieved. They had been worried she didn’t care.
“Don’t worry, Lia.” Phoebe assured her, patting her chest. “Millie and I will keep an eye on Mr. Ford. If any woman tries to cling to him, we’ll report back to you immediately.”
“We’re on your side, Lia.” Millie added earnestly.
Their righteous determination made Lia feel they’d misunderstood her. That wasn’t what she’d meant, “Phoebe, Millie, thank you. I just want to know who likes him because…”
“Lia, we get it.” Phoebe interrupted. “No one wants their boyfriend being pursued by others–especially someone as exceptional as Mr. Ford.”
When a man is too outstanding, it’s hard not to feel insecure.
“Even though Mr. Ford is very disciplined, that doesn’t mean other women won’t try underhanded tactics. Lia, you stay vigilant,” Millie said with a kind reminder.
have to
“A lot of people doubt you and Mr. Ford will make it, but I believe you will. You’ll definitely walk down the aisle together.” Phoebe declared.
“I believe it too. Mr. Ford has never been so gentle and attentive with anyone else.” Millie agreed.
“And since you two started dating, even we’ve had fewer late nights. Mr. Ford’s attitude toward us has softened too. Lia, you and Mr. Ford need to stay happy and sweet together,” said Phoebe.
Their happiness benefited everyone, including the employees.
“Phoebe, your motive is way too obvious.” Millie teased, nudging her.
“Do you want Mr. Ford to get angry again?” she asked.
“Of course not. Phoebe has a point,” Millie agreed.
Lia pressed her hand to her forehead in embarrassment. What they didn’t know was that he might already be angry. Just then, Gabby emerged from Mr. Ford’s office and approached Lia.
“Ms. Phillips, could we talk for a moment?” Gabby asked with a composed smile, exuding an air of academic refinement.
“Of course, Ms. Ashwood. Please, this way,” Lia said, leading her to the reception area of the secretary’s office and pouring her a cup of coffee
Gabby had liked Coby since their university days. After he changed career paths, she continued her studies, earning higher degrees. She thought that if she became accomplished enough, she’d be a match for him.
But when she heard he had a girlfriend–and he himself confirmed it–she couldn’t sit still. She had to see who this woman
Chapter 69
was.
Now that she’d met Lia, she still couldn’t accept it.
She had worked so hard to make herself worthy of someone as exceptional as him, only to realize the issue wasn’t her qualifications.
The problem was that he had never looked at her that way. But why this woman?
Gabby couldn’t understand. What made Lia special? She had a sweeter smile, perhaps, but in terms of looks and figure, Gabby wasn’t inferior. How did she lose?
“Ms. Phillips, do you think you’re worthy of Mr. Ford?” Gabby asked bluntly.
Without hesitation, Lia replied, “No.”
It was the truth. Whether in terms of status or accomplishments she didn’t match him.
She said she wasn’t worthy, yet he told her she was extraordinary
Suddenly, Gabby understood. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That was the difference.
“Mr. Ford was the man I wanted to pursue but was afraid to.” Gabby admitted, venting her frustration. “In university, many women chased after him, but no matter what, he never responded.”
“Even in high school, it was the same. Many classmates pursued him, but none succeeded.” Lia could attest to that. She had seen several people rejected by him during their school years. So, when a man like that confessed his love to her, it had left her utterly shocked.
Gabby’s eyes widened. “You two were high school classmates?”
“Yes,” Lia said, smiling faintly. “I’m lucky to have met him.”
“What if I had met him earlier? Would the outcome have been different?” she murmured to herself.
Lia couldn’t answer that.
After a few seconds, Gabby smiled. “I guess he’d say he still wouldn’t like me. I’ve got my answer. Ms. Phillips, goodbye.”
“Ms. Ashwood, let me walk demeanor was rare.
you
out.” Lia didn’t know what made her come to terms with it, but Ms. Ashwood’s calm
After sending Gabby off, Lia returned to her office. Not long after, she received a call from him.
“Ms. Phillips, come to my office,” said Coby.
“Okay, Mr. Ford.” Lia guessed what he would want to talk about.
She arrived at the general manager’s office, knocked on the door, and entered when given permission.
He was sitting on the sofa, his tie slightly loose, looking a little relaxed.
“Mr. Ford, is there something you need?” she asked.
“I thought Lia already knew.” He patted the spot next to him.
Lia walked over to him. His large hand grabbed her slender wrist and pulled her into his arms.
“Coby.” Lia struggled slightly to steady herself.
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“Ungrateful woman, the man said, a mix of grievance and sternness in his voice.
He was definitely upset.
“I just found out Ms. Ashwood likes you. I didn’t know before.” She explained.
Ms. Ashwood was elegant and well–spoken. She must be the type many men like.
The fact that she liked him posed a certain threat to Lia.
“But…” Coby wanted to speak.
She gently touched his lips with her finger and said seriously, “It’s not that I’m not jealous, but I trust you. I know you’re not that kind of person. You should have your own social life.”
His frustration melted away. Her jealousy meant she cared, and her trust made him feel elated.
Coby kissed her hand. “What should I say? I want you to be jealous. I don’t want you to be too understanding. Yet, I also love how reasonable you are, how shy you get when you’re moved.”
“I’ll be more careful next time. Don’t be mad,” she said.
“Alright.” He smiled.
His irritation was gone, and now all he could think about was doing something else with her.
She thought he was so sweet and kissed his soft lips.
After a long while, Lia took a deep breath in his arms, remembering Gabby’s words, and couldn’t help but ask, “If you hadn’t met me in high school, and if you had met Ms. Ashwood first, Coby, would you have liked her?”
He played with her hair. “What do you want me to say, Lia?”
The reason she asked was because she lacked confidence. When an elegant and confident woman like Ms. Ashwood appeared, she saw all her flaws laid bare. Her feelings became a burden, and she began to doubt, ‘Why would he like someone like me?‘
Perhaps it was just the initial attraction, but after that feeling, would he still feel the same?
He said time would prove it, but what if their encounter had been later?
Lia realized this question reflected her lack of self–confidence and also her distrust in him. She kept saying she trusted him, but her actions said otherwise.
“Sorry, Coby, I shouldn’t have asked that,” she said.
He lifted her downcast face. “Why not? Don’t keep everything inside. There shouldn’t be any secrets between us, Lia. There is no what if.
“Even if there were a what if, does that mean I would have liked the girls I met in elementary school, middle school, or before I met you?
“From the moment I met you, my heart has only been with you. Other women are different than men to me. Not interested
at all.”
Lia was speechless. His words were so perfect that she felt like scolding herself for asking such an intrusive question. “It’s my fault. I’m sorry.”
“If you’re wrong, you need to be punished. Lia, do you remember the punishment I mentioned last time?” He had said that
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if she didn’t get jealous, she would have to wear…
Lia twisted in his arms. “Coby, but I really am jealous.”
He smiled and kissed her rosy lips. “Jealous how?”
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“I just feel unhappy.” She worried that one day he might find another woman who’s better and not want her anymore.
But Coby wasn’t having that.
The man whispered in her ear, his voice low and seductive, “Then let me make Lia happy. Be my queen again, Lia.”
She suddenly realized she had fallen into his trap. But he liked the roleplaying game, and it seemed like she liked it too.
On her day off, Lia arranged to meet with Cora.
Cora lived in a high–end apartment with excellent security and privacy. All visitors needed to check in with the security guard before entering..
When Lia arrived, Cora was still out shopping and hadn’t returned yet.
“Lia, the password hasn’t been changed. You can wait inside. It’s very cold outside,” said Cora.
“It’s fine, I’ll wait for you to come back.” Lia didn’t mind standing in the hallway.
“The temperature dropped today, and it’s cold outside. I feel sorry for you. Go inside, the man isn’t home, so you don’t have to worry,” said Cora.
When Cora left, the man seemed to be going somewhere, so he should have left by now.
“And if Mr. Ford finds out I left you standing outside, next time, he won’t let you hang out with me,” said Cora.
“No way, that’s exaggerated.” Lia chuckled quietly, but she did remember how he had been clinging to her earlier this morning before sending her over.
“Ah, just go in, don’t make me worried about you,” said Cora.
“Okay, I’ll go in and wait for you. Don’t make any more calls, be careful on your way.” Lia was worried they’d keep talking and Cora would get too busy.
“Okay, I should be there in about ten minutes,” said Cora.
Lia reached Cora’s door and was about to enter the code when the door suddenly opened.
She looked up in surprise and saw a man in a fuzzy bear onesie, with a gloomy aura, staring at her.
