Chereads / Contract Marriage: Bound To Him / Chapter 18 - Chapter 18: Don't be late

Chapter 18 - Chapter 18: Don't be late

Liam's resolve began to crumble, his eyes betraying a flicker of emotion.

hi's hands grasped Sofia's shoulders, attempting to pry her away. But Sofia's grip only tightened, her arms wrapping around him like a vice.

"Let go, Sofia," Liam warned, his voice firm but laced with a hint of strain.

Sofia's response was to burrow her head deeper into his chest as she break the kiss, her face hidden in the crook of his neck. Her tears soaked into his skin, scorching him with their intensity.

Liam's resolve wavered, his fingers relaxing their grip on her shoulders. For a moment, he hesitated, torn between pushing her away and pulling her closer.

Sofia sensed his hesitation and took advantage. She pressed her lips to his neck, her kisses feverish and desperate.

Liam's eyes closed, his breath catching in his throat. The warmth of Sofia's body, the urgency of her kisses, threatened to unravel his control.

"small devil, stop it," he said seriously,

But Sofia wouldn't relent. She clung to him, her body trembling with emotion.

He tried to walk away, but Sofia pushed him down onto the bed, her hands firm on his shoulders.

Liam's eyes widened, surprised by her sudden boldness.

Sofia stared at his black eyes, her own shining with desperation. She sat on top of him, her legs straddling his hips.

Liam remained expressionless, lost in thought.

Sofia's face transformed, her expression innocent and cute. "Please, I want to stay with you tonight," she pleaded.

Liam's gaze turned, his eyes locking onto hers.

"I'll try to be like Emilia," Sofia promised, her voice trembling. "But don't abandon me."

She grabbed Liam's lips with her hand, her fingers tracing the outline of his mouth.

Liam's eyes flashed with warning, but Sofia's touch ignited a spark within him.

Her hand slid into his open bathrobe, her fingers brushing against his chest.

Liam's breath caught, his eyes never leaving Sofia's.

"Stay with me," Sofia whispered, her lips inches from his.

Liam's resolve weakened, his body responding to Sofia's touch.

"Sofia..." he warned, his voice barely audible.

But Sofia's lips silenced him, her kiss gentle yet insistent.

Sofia's lips moved against his, her kiss deepening. But Liam remained still, his eyes open and staring at her.

Sofia's eyes fluttered open, meeting Liam's gaze. His expression was unreadable, his eyes cold and detached.

She pulled back, her lips swollen from the kiss. "Liam?" she whispered.

Liam's stare didn't waver, his face impassive.

Sofia's heart sank, her eyes welling up with tears. She felt rejected, vulnerable.

"Why won't you kiss me back?" Sofia asked, her voice trembling.

Liam's gaze never left hers, but his eyes seemed to bore into her soul.

Sofia's hands slid off his shoulders, falling to her sides.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, tears streaming down her face.

Liam's expression flickered, a hint of emotion crossing his face. But it vanished, replaced by his usual detachment.

little devil, stop," Liam said finally, his voice firm.

Sofia's eyes widened, hurt and rejection washing over her.

"Stop what?" Sofia asked, her voice barely audible.

Liam's gaze dropped, his eyes avoiding hers. "Stop trying to change me."

Sofia's face contorted in anguish. "I'm not trying to change you," she protested.

Liam's eyes snapped back to hers, his gaze piercing. "Then what are you trying to do, Sofia?"

"To be with you," Sofia replied, her voice filled with conviction.

Liam stood up, his gaze intense. "Do you really want to be with me?" he asked seriously.

Sofia nodded, her heart pounding.

"Come to my company tomorrow," Liam said, his tone abrupt.

He walked out of the room, still wearing his bathrobe, leaving Sofia stunned.

Why should I go to his company tomorrow? Sofia wondered, and left Liam's room, returning to hers.

She couldn't shake off the feeling that Liam's invitation was laced with hidden motives.

As she changed into comfortable clothes, Sofia's mind continued to race.

What did Liam want from her?

Exhaustion eventually took over, and Sofia fell asleep, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty.

The next morning, Sofia woke up feeling restless.

She checked her phone 10:58 AM, finding a text from Liam's assistant.

"Miss Sofia, Mr. Liam expects you at 12:00 AM sharp."

Sofia's heart skipped a beat.

her eyes widened in panic as she read Liam's message. 12:00? That's just 62 minutes away!

She threw off the covers, her body screaming in protest. Every muscle ached, her head spun, and her skin burned with fever.

Ignoring her weakness, Sofia forced herself out of bed. She stumbled to the bathroom, clinging to the sink for support.

The mirror reflected a pale, sweaty face with sunken eyes. Sofia's heart sank.

How could she face Liam like this?

She hastily brushed her teeth, washed her face, and dragged herself to the shower.

The warm water revived her slightly, but her body still felt like lead.

Sofia dressed quickly, choosing the first outfit she found. Her hands trembled as she applied minimal makeup.

As she grabbed her phone and purse, Sofia's gaze fell on the clock: 11: 25

Panic set in. She was going to be late.

With a deep breath, Sofia rushed out of her room, praying she'd make it to Liam's office on time.

Sofia's phone buzzed with another text from Liam:

"Where are you? You're running late."

Sofia's heart skipped a beat. She typed hastily:

"Almost there. Sorry."

rushing down the stairs, She rushed out, her feverish body protesting every step.

She received another message: "If you miss this last chance, you will never ever be with me."

Her eyes widened at the urgency in Liam's words.

She didn't even know where Liam's company was.

"Can you send me the location of your company, please?" Sofia typed hastily.

Liam, sitting in his office, relaxed in his chair.

his eyes narrowed as he read Sofia's message on his phone.

"Send me the location of your company, please."

His expression darkened.

How could she not even know where his company was?

The assistant's timid voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Master Young, Miss Sofia is asking for the company location."

Liam glared at him, his eyes flashing with annoyance.

The assistant bowed hastily and dropped the phone back on the desk before beating a hasty retreat.

Liam's gaze lingered on the phone, his jaw clenched.

He shouldn't be surprised. Sofia was clueless about his world.

With a curt motion, Liam picked up the phone and typed a brief response.

"PINNACLE GROUP: 43.7232° N, 79.3832° W. Don't be late."

He hit send, his eyes never leaving the screen.

Sofia's response came instantly.

"Thank you. I'm almost there."

Liam's expression softened slightly, his eyes betraying a hint of anticipation.

He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers.

The wait was almost over.

Sofia would soon discover what it meant to be with him.

The assistant walked in, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Master Liam, Miss Emilia has arrived. And the Civil Affairs Burial Lady is outside, she arrived not long ago."

Liam's face turned serious, his expression darkening.

"Send Miss Emilia in," he said curtly, his voice low and commanding.

The assistant bowed hastily and backed out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Liam's thoughts raced as he rose from his chair, his eyes fixed on the door.

Yesterday morning's conversation with his father still lingered in his mind.

"Son, I've met Mr Parker daughter, Emilia. She's perfect for you. Marry her," his father had said.

Liam had dismissed the idea, but his father's persistence was unnerving.

The door opened, and Emilia entered, her elegant smile faltering as she sensed Liam's tension.

her beautiful innocent face smiled at Liam "Good morning, Mr. Liam," she said, her voice melodious.

Liam's gaze lingered on her, his expression calm.

"Emilia. What brings you here today?"

Emilia's eyes sparkled. "Your father asked me to come. He wanted me to have a discussion and spend time with you something like that" she said innocently looking down. he also said you are not feeling well.

Liam's eyes narrowed. " to spend time with me?" he repeated, skepticism etched in his voice.

Emilia nodded."Yes. He said it was urgent."

Liam's thoughts churned. His father was playing matchmaker again.

Just then, the assistant re-entered.