Chapter 295
Water trickled over artfully arranged rocks in the courtyard.
Lush bonsai trees were positioned with elegant precision.
This place felt far from the city's noise.
It was like stepping into a hidden paradise.
Vivian Bennett squinted as she entered the living room.
The lavish decor was dazzling.
A vintage crystal chandelier glittered with refracted light.
Intricately carved walls showcased exquisite craftsmanship.
The imported wool carpet felt soft and luxurious underfoot.
Liam Sullivan carried her directly into the screening room.
He selected a newly released romance film.
They sat side by side in the dim, flickering light.
The story on screen began to unfold slowly.
Vivian hadn't expected he brought her here just for this.
Simply to watch a movie together.
The most tender part of her heart was deeply touched.
Her eyes grew warm with emotion.
She woke the next morning to soft light.
Only then did she realize she had spent the night at the villa.
This realization made her cheeks flush instantly.
Her heart began to beat faster for no reason.
She remembered her brother Brandon White's sudden appearance last night.
His hurtful words still echoed in her ears.
Feeling dejected, she had finished her meal.
She must have fallen asleep unknowingly during the movie.
Liam watched her drowsy expression.
His voice was deep and gentle.
"Would you like to stay or go home?"
Vivian hurriedly sat up.
Her voice was husky from sleep.
"I should go home."
Liam had business matters to attend to.
He didn't insist she stay.
After they shared breakfast, he personally drove her home.
Vivian paused when she pushed her front door open.
The living room was impeccably clean.
The floors shone with a mirror-like finish.
It was as if yesterday's chaos had never happened.
A question rose in her mind.
Who had come to clean?
Her emotions were no longer as turbulent as yesterday.
After thinking calmly, she made a decision.
She needed to move out as soon as possible.
Since Brandon knew this address.
There was no guarantee he wouldn't show up again.
For safety's sake, she had to find another place.
The weekend arrived in the blink of an eye.
Liam came to pick her up right on time.
Vivian went downstairs after dressing up.
A black limousine had been waiting for some time.
She pressed her lips together in a smile as she approached.
Liam retrieved pink roses from the back seat.
He offered them to her with a slightly stiff gesture.
"These are for you."
Vivian couldn't help but laugh softly.
"Why are you giving me flowers?"
She looked up and met his deep, intense gaze.
In the dim light, his eyes seemed especially bright.
They held a profound tenderness that was hard to decipher.
The light inside the car was ambiguous.
The air grew thick as their eyes locked.
Liam suddenly leaned closer.
Vivian held her breath instantly.
Her long eyelashes fluttered nervously.
His clean, masculine scent filled her senses.
It mingled with a faint hint of tobacco.
She watched his handsome face draw near.
Her lips trembled as she tried to speak.
But he gently silenced all her words.