Sofia's smile widened.
"No games, Mr Liam. Just fairness. A kiss for a kiss."
Liam's grip on the steering wheel tightened.
He couldn't believe her audacity.
Was she serious?
Did she really think he'd fall for this?
Liam's gaze drilled into Sofia's.
"What's your real motive?" he demanded.
Sofia's eyes sparkled.
"No motive. Just justice."
The tension between them crackled.
Liam's expression hardened.
"Not a chance," he spat, his voice low and even.
Sofia's grin faltered, but she recovered quickly.
"Suit yourself," she said, shrugging.
The car's silence grew thicker.
Liam's eyes returned to the road.
He restarted the engine.
The car moved forward.
Sofia's gaze lingered on Liam. What lay beneath his refusal? Was it disgust? She couldn't tell.
The uncertainty gnawed at her.
They arrived at the estate, its grandeur unfolding before them. Sofia stepped out of the car, her eyes scanning the sprawling grounds.
"Your punishment is you will not sleep tonight," Liam said, his voice firm. "You'll be awake and guard the estate with the security team."
Sofia's gaze snapped back to Liam, surprise etched on her face.
Liam's expression remained unyielding.
"Understand?" he asked.
Sofia nodded, her throat dry.
With a final glance, Liam drove away, leaving Sofia alone in the fading light.
The estate's silence enveloped her.
Sofia's heart sank.
She turns and enters the estate with a bitter heart.
The butler, Mr. Jenkins, greets her with a stiff bow.
"Madam, shall I prepare dinner for you?"
Sofia nods curtly.
"No need, MrJenkins. I'm not hungry."
She walks past him, her heels clicking on the marble floor.
Jenkins' expression remains impassive, but his eyes flicker with concern.
"Very well, madam. Shall I have your tea ready in the library?"
Sofia pauses, her hand on the banister.
"No, Jenkins. I'll retire to my room. I need some rest."
Jenkins bows again.
"Of course, madam. I'll have your tea sent up."
Sofia ascends the stairs, her thoughts swirling.
Liam's words still echo in her mind.
"You should guard the gate with the security men."
What did he mean?
She reaches her room and slams the door shut.
The silence envelops her, but Sofia's mind races.
---
In the company, Liam sat with an emotionless face as he listened to his father's voice over the phone.
His office, sleek and modern, seemed to fade into the background as his mind focused on the conversation.
"I expect nothing but perfection, Liam," his father continued.
Liam's gaze drifted to the city skyline outside his window, his thoughts momentarily escaping the tension.
"Yes, sir," he replied, his voice firm and controlled.
His assistant, Timothy entered with a discreet knock.
"Young master, the Smith account files are ready for review," he whispered.
Liam nodded curtly, his eyes still fixed on the view.
"Thank you, Leave them on my desk."
Timothy departed silently, closing the door behind her.
Liam's attention refocused on the call.
"I understand, Father. I'll handle it."
His father's voice turned icy.
"See that you do it, I can't wait. Liam, your mum is also disturbing me.
The call ended abruptly.
Liam's expression remained impassive, but his eyes flashed with frustration.
As night fell, Sofia dressed up in a thick sweater and jeans, and walked out of the estate to the security team.
"Hi guys," she greeted them with a smile.
All of them were puzzled, their eyes locked onto her.
"Young madam, it's already late. Where are you headed tonight? I can accompany you," one of the guards said.
Sofia waved her hand.
"No, I came to guard the gate with you guys tonight."
The security men looked confused, their faces etched with bewilderment.
"Madam, are you joking or what?" one of them asked.
Did I look like I'm joking? Sofia asked, sitting down beside them.
They nodded, "No, miss. But if Young Master Liam finds out you're outside guarding the gate with us, he'll be angry and we'll be punished."
"He's the one who asked me to guard the gate with you guys tonight," Sofia replied.
The security men remained shocked, their mouths agape as they stared at her with unease.
"Impossible!" one of them whispered.
Sofia's eyes sparkled.
"Believe me, it's true."
The team exchanged nervous glances.
"Okay, Madam. If you're sure..." one of them trailed off.
Sofia stood up.
"Let's get started. Show me the patrol route."
---
As night deepened, Sofia stood guarding the gate, her eyes scanning the darkness.
The security team looked at her with pity, feeling sorry for their madam.
"Poor thing," one of them whispered. "Young master is really putting her through the wringer."
Another guard nodded.
"I've never seen him like this before. He's usually so... controlled with her."
Sofia's ears picked up the hushed conversation.
She smiled to herself.
They had no idea what was really going on.
As the hours ticked by, Sofia's focus remained sharp.
She checked the gate's locks, her eyes scanning the perimeter.
---
Sofia's eyes blurred as tears threatened to spill.
She bit her lip, fighting the sting.
3:00 AM, and Liam was still gone. he was not back home maybe his With Emilia, perhaps?
The thought seared her heart.
She recalled his words: "I'll be with whoever I want, whenever I want."
Sofia's grip on her phone tightened.
She wanted to call him, demand answers.
But Liam's rule echoed in her mind: "Don't ask about my whereabouts."
Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.
She blinked rapidly, forcing them back.
The security guards mustn't see her cry.
One of them approached, concern etched on his face.
"Madam, are you okay? You look pale."
Sofia forced a smile.
"I'm fine. Just tired."
The guard nodded sympathetically.
"Why don't you take a break, Madam? We've got this."
Sofia shook her head.
"I'll stay. Liam will be back soon."
As if summoned by her words, headlights illuminated the gate.
Liam's car pulled up, sleek and silent.
Sofia's heart skipped a beat.
The door opened, and Liam stepped out.
Alone.
No Emilia in sight.
Sofia's relief was short-lived.
Liam's expression was dark, his eyes stormy.
"Sofia," he said, his voice low and rough.
"What are you doing still awake?"
---
Liam's eyes narrowed as he approached Sofia.
"What are you doing out here?" he demanded, his voice cold.
Sofia stood tall, despite the chill.
"You instructed me to guard the gate," she replied, her voice steady.
Liam's expression turned incredulous.
"I didn't mean it literally," he snapped.
He turns around to face his security team.
"What were you thinking, letting her stand out here in the cold?"
The guards shifted uncomfortably.
"We thought you meant it, sir," one of them stammered.
Liam's anger was palpable.
"Get back to your posts," he growled.
The guards scattered, leaving Liam alone with Sofia.
He turned to her, his eyes still flashing with anger.
"Inside. Now."
Sofia stood firm, her eyes locked on Liam's.
"I refuse to go inside," she said, her voice steady.
"You said I would guard the gate, and I've already started. I'll see it through till morning."
Liam's expression darkened.
"You're being obstinate," he growled.
Sofia's jaw set.
"I'm doing my job. You can't contradict yourself now."
Liam's eyes flashed with annoyance.
"Fine. Suit yourself."
He turned to leave, but Sofia's words stopped him.
"Correct yourself, Liam. You said I'd guard the gate. You can't take it back now."
Liam's gaze snapped back to hers.
"You're pushing your luck, Sofia."
Sofia's eyes didn't waver.
"I'm keeping my word and receiving my punishment."
The air was thick with tension.
Liam's face twisted in a mixture of frustration and admiration but he felt a little guilty in his heart.
"Very well. Guard the gate. But don't say I didn't warn you."
With that, he disappeared into the estate.
Sofia watched him go, her heart pounding.
She knew she'd just challenged Liam's authority and is also one of his rules.
But she refused to back down.
The night wore on, Sofia standing vigilant.
The security team kept a safe distance.
They knew better than to intervene.