Chapter:6/6
After the rooftop incident, Liam's demeanor towards Eliza had shifted. He became incredibly attentive, his care for her impossible to miss. It was clear that she had found a space in his heart.
"Clark...?" he asked, a hint of worry in his voice. "Where are all the people?"
"Yes, Mr. Liam. You need me?" Clark replied, his voice slightly breathless.
"Where have you been?" Liam chided gently. "Do you have any news about Ms. Elie? I haven't seen her all day."
Clark scratched his head. "Oh, I forgot to tell you, Ms. Elie won't be coming in. She's on sick leave for a week."
Liam's brow furrowed. "Sick leave? She's sick? Why didn't you tell me right away?"
"Yes, sir... I only found out myself a little while ago," Clark said meekly.
Liam glared at him, his eyes filled with annoyance. "You can leave now."
Liam's concern for Eliza was evident. He sat back down, his gaze fixed on the mountain of paperwork on his desk, but he couldn't settle. He immediately texted Eliza, but his messages went unanswered.
"How are you?" he typed. "I heard you're not feeling well?" "Get well soon."
His worry for her grew, and he couldn't resist going to check on her.
The doorbell rang. "Who are you looking for?" a voice asked, tinged with curiosity and a welcoming smile.
"Hello," Liam said, returning the smile. "Are you Eliza's mother? I'm her boss. I just wanted to check on her. I heard she's not feeling well." He peered inside, hoping to catch a glimpse of Eliza.
"Yes, I am. Come in, have a seat. Would you like something to drink?"
"No, thank you. Where is Eliza?" Liam asked, his voice slightly hesitant.
"Wait, I'll go check on her upstairs," the woman said kindly.
"Sure," Liam nodded, a smile playing on his lips.
"Mom, who is that? Do we have a visitor?" a weak voice called out from upstairs.
"Oh, why are you getting up? You're not feeling well enough yet," the woman scolded gently.
Eliza was surprised to see Liam standing in their living room. She quickly descended the stairs, her mother supporting her.
"I'll leave you two alone," the woman said with a smile, retreating back upstairs.
"What are you doing here, sir?" Eliza asked, her voice laced with surprise.
Liam stood up and helped her sit down. "I was worried when I heard you weren't feeling well. How are you?"
"Ahm... I'm not feeling great," she admitted, her voice weak. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, sir."
"No, it's okay. Take your time to get better before you come back to work. But for now, just focus on resting," Liam said, his voice soft and caring.
Eliza nodded, her gaze fixed on Liam.
Days later, Eliza returned to work. Her cheeks were pale, but her eyes held a newfound brightness. She saw Liam waiting for her at his desk.
"Elie," he began, his voice a soft murmur. "Are you feeling better now?"
Eliza managed a weak smile. "Much better, Sir Liam. Thank you for your concern."
Liam's worry eased. "Good to hear. But don't push yourself, just rest, okay?" He paused, then added, "Are you free tonight?"
Eliza's voice was hesitant. "Yes, sir... Is there an important meeting?"
"Come with me later. I have something to tell you," he said, his voice low and serious, a slight smile playing on his lips.
Eliza nodded slowly, a hint of doubt in her eyes.
After a long day at work, Liam spotted Eliza in the hallway, chatting with her brother, Brent. They were laughing and standing close together. Liam's brow furrowed, and a wave of jealousy washed over him. He quickly approached them, interrupting their conversation.
"Looks like you two are having a lot of fun," he said, his voice laced with a hint of annoyance.
Brent's laughter died down. "Sir, you startled me! It's just Brent, he's been making me laugh." He offered a sheepish smile.
"I can see that. You were practically about to laugh your head off," Liam said, his tone sarcastic and pointed.
Their laughter faded quickly, replaced by hesitant smiles.
"Let's go. Don't we have somewhere to be?" Liam said, his voice laced with sarcasm.
"Oh, right. Let's go, Sir Brent. We'll talk later, see you," Eliza said, offering a bright smile.
Brent, with a genuine smile, waved goodbye to Eliza and walked away.
Liam, simmering with jealousy, walked away, his steps firm and purposeful.
"What right does he have to make her laugh while I'm not around?" he muttered under his breath, his voice filled with resentment.
Eliza was confused by Liam's silence. He hadn't spoken a word since they left the office.
"Is something wrong, sir? You seem quiet," she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Liam ignored her, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.
"Where are we going?" she asked, her voice a little stronger this time.
Liam still didn't answer. Eliza fell silent, her curiosity piqued. When they arrived at their destination, Liam opened her door for her. She was surprised to see that they were at a luxurious restaurant.
"What... are we doing here, sir?" she asked, her voice filled with confusion.
"Just follow me," Liam said, his expression serious.
Eliza followed him, her heart pounding with a mix of apprehension and anticipation. Liam guided her to a table, treating her as if she were a princess. She looked at him, a questioning smile on her lips. She was startled when she heard romantic music playing in the background and a waiter approached her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
"Elie, there's something I need to tell you," Liam said, his voice sincere. "I've... I've been falling for you. Since the accident on the rooftop, it made me realize how much you mean to me. I know this might be sudden, but I can't keep it to myself anymore. I really like you, Elie. A lot." He reached out to gently take her hand, but she pulled away slightly.
"Sir Liam..." she whispered, her voice barely audible. A single tear traced a path down her cheek. It was a tear not of sadness, but of overwhelming emotion. She knew, deep down, that her feelings for him mirrored his own. But she was afraid to give him a chance to feel her feelings because of the trauma she experienced with her ex.
"Liam, I... I appreciate you. Truly. You're a wonderful person. But I can't... I can't reciprocate those feelings right now. I'm sorry."
Liam's brow furrowed. "Is there something wrong? You don't like me?"
Eliza whispered, "No, it's not you. It's... me. My past. My ex... he... he hurt me badly. He made me feel worthless, unlovable. And even though I know you're different, it's hard to... to trust again. To let someone get this close."
Eliza looked away, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. A nervous silence settled between them. Liam understood. He didn't push. He simply nodded, his expression a mixture of sadness and understanding.
"I understand if you need time to think about it," he said softly. "But I wanted you to know how I feel. I wouldn't pressure you, but... I hope you feel something similar."