Chapter 247

"It's alright, I can wait. One day you'll say yes." Liam Sullivan gazed at her, his eyes shimmering with unwavering determination.

Vivian Bennett looked at his earnest expression and couldn't help but lower her head with a soft laugh. "You haven't even heard my answer yet. How do you know what it is?"

"You agree?" Liam's eyes instantly brightened.

But soon, his expression turned hesitant again.

"Is your answer truly what I want to hear?"

Before Vivian, his usual pride and confidence vanished completely. The formidable CEO who commanded respect in the business world now seemed like an anxious young boy.

"How would I know what you want to hear? I can't read minds." Vivian pressed her lips together, a flicker of mischief in her eyes.

Liam stood at the kitchen doorway, his brow slightly furrowed, looking both troubled and uncertain.

Vivian gestured for him to come closer. "Don't just stand there. Come help me serve the dishes. They'll get cold if we wait any longer."

"Alright." Liam responded immediately, quickly stepping into the kitchen to help arrange the plates.

The atmosphere at the dining table was subtle and quiet.

Vivian never resumed their previous conversation. Liam's emotions rose and fell with her silence.

He finished his last bite of food, put down his bowl and chopsticks, and fixed his gaze on Vivian, who was still eating slowly.

Liam's eyes flickered slightly. He secretly decided to find another opportunity to get a clear answer.

Vivian felt the heat of his stare and looked up uncomfortably, glaring at him. "Stop staring at me. It's weird."

"Am I?" The corner of Liam's mouth lifted, but his gaze didn't waver.

Vivian had no choice but to lower her head and quicken her pace.

Dinner ended in this strange atmosphere. Liam volunteered to do the dishes. The result—a pile of shattered plates and bowls in the sink.

Vivian stared at him, both angry and helpless.

Liam shrugged nonchalantly. "I'll go buy new ones with you."

He started walking towards the door.

Watching his tall, straight back, Vivian bit her lip and suddenly spoke. "How about this? Let's set a one-month limit. We'll use this time to truly get to know each other. If we feel it's not right, we part ways. If it feels right, we stay together."

Liam narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean by 'get to know each other'?"

Vivian's cheeks burned under his gaze.

He was clearly thinking of something else.

Her idea of 'getting to know' wasn't what he assumed.

She glared at him irritably. "Do you agree or not?"

"Are you sure?" Liam walked back to her in a few strides, looking down at her from his height.

Vivian lifted her chin. "As long as you promise..."

Liam's handsome face suddenly moved closer. "Fine, I agree! But..."

Before he could finish his sentence, he leaned in as if to kiss her lips.

Vivian quickly pressed a hand against his chest. "But what?"

Liam's eyes turned dangerous, his voice low and husky. "But getting to know each other as adults shouldn't just be spiritual. It should include physical intimacy too."

Vivian's face instantly flushed crimson. She hadn't expected him to still be angling for benefits at a time like this. She was momentarily speechless.

Watching her flustered expression, Liam sighed helplessly.

He gently stroked her burning cheek with his thumb. "Vivian, I'm a nearly thirty-year-old man with normal desires."

In that aspect, it was impossible for him not to have cravings.

Especially when facing the woman he loved.

He could barely control his urge to have her.

Vivian bit her lower lip, her expression conflicted.

She had unpleasant experiences in that area.

To be honest, she had deep psychological shadows.

But Liam's gaze was intense, as if he wouldn't give up until she agreed.

Vivian had no choice but to brace herself. "Alright, I agree..."