Chapter 301
Vivian Bennett woke to find the morning sun already bright.
She rubbed her sleepy eyes.
The first image that surfaced in her mind was Liam Sullivan.
Memories of last night's intimate moments flooded back.
Her cheeks warmed with a faint blush.
A subtle sense of guilt stirred within her.
His first time had been so intensely consumed by her.
She quickly freshened up and changed into a simple, elegant dress.
She approached Liam's door and knocked softly.
There was no response after a long wait.
Was he still asleep?
She pressed her ear to the door crack.
Silence.
Frowning, she returned to her room for her phone.
The call rang endlessly without an answer.
She paced anxiously, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her dress.
Just as she was about to hang up and redial, the call connected.
"Vivian?" Liam's voice came through, slightly hoarse.
"Where are you? I knocked for ages with no answer." Her tone held an unintentional note of complaint.
"An emergency meeting came up. I might be back late. If you're bored, I can have the driver take you out." His voice remained gentle, betraying no emotion.
"When will you be back?" The words escaped before she could stop them.
"I'll return once the meeting ends. Miss me already?" He chuckled softly.
"Not at all!" She denied stubbornly, though her ears turned pink.
"Be good and wait for me. Another call is coming in. I'll contact you later." He hung up abruptly.
The dial tone left her feeling hollow as she lay back on the bed.
An emptiness settled in her chest, as if a piece was missing.
Soon, the doorbell rang.
The driver stood respectfully outside. "Miss Bennett, Boss Liam asked me to take you out for a change of scenery."
She nodded silently and followed him out.
The car passed through bustling shopping streets.
The dazzling shop windows held no appeal for her.
The driver then took her to the Smoky Mountains.
The vibrant fall foliage blazed across the slopes.
Yet she had no heart to appreciate it.
Her mind was filled with thoughts of Liam.
She stood on the viewing platform, gazing absently at the distant city skyline.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called from behind. "Vivian."
Her heart leaped.
Turning, she saw Liam's tall figure.
His suit jacket was draped over his arm.
His dress shirt emphasized his broad, straight shoulders.
He walked toward her slowly.
Each step resonated deep within her.
Vivian quickly turned away, her fingers clenching nervously.
Liam moved behind her, about to speak.
She moved away petulantly, her lips slightly pouted.
Liam paused, confused.
He had clearly seen delight in her eyes when she turned.
Why the sudden change?
He smiled wryly to himself.
A woman's heart was truly unpredictable.
The mountain breeze rustled through the colorful leaves.
He approached her again.
A subtle tension hung in the air between them.