Chapter 4
Olivia’s muscles tensed as she followed Frank’s gaze. There, not far off, stood a tall figure in a charcoal–gray trench coat. The coat couldn’t hide his perfect build, especially those long, straight legs–it was Liam.
Five years had changed Liam. He now carried himself with a quiet, effortless charm that drew eyes wherever he went. Just standing there, he seemed to command attention.
Olivia stared blankly at Liam, and it was then that their eyes locked. Startled, she was taken aback by the intensity of his gaze. Hidden behind gold- rimmed glasses, his eyes seemed to hold a predatory gleam, as if he were a hunter sizing up his prey.
She quickly looked away, her heart skipping a beat. The memory of that rainy night five years ago surfaced unbidden–the feel of Liam’s lips against hers, urgent and undeniable.
Olivia sucked in a breath and instinctively took a step back, but her legs gave way beneath her, and she started to topple backward.
She cried out, bracing herself for the fall.
But instead of hitting the ground, she found herself caught in a pair of strong arms. The scent of sandalwood filled her nose–clean and sharp, nothing like Neil’s overly strong cologne.
It was the same fragrance that had surrounded her five years ago, the same one that had been on Liam when he’d pinned her against the wall and kissed her. The memory came rushing back, and Olivia couldn’t even bring herself to look at him.
“Still so clumsy?” Liam’s deep voice rumbled above her.
Olivia quickly steadied herself, pulling her hands away from his shirt. She stepped out of his embrace and forced a stiff smile. “L–Liam…” she stammered, the word feeling strange and distant.
Liam’s hand slipped away smoothly. For a moment, his fingertips seemed to remember the softness they had just touched, his eyes flickering with an emotion that was hard to read.
But then his face was as composed as ever. “Come in,” he said, his voice flat. “Everyone’s waiting.” He turned and walked back toward the house without
another word.
Olivia watched his back, took a deep breath, and followed, keeping the same careful distance she’d always maintained since she’d first arrived at Kline
Manor ten years ago.
They filed into the living room, one after the other. The room was vast and opulent, with three people already seated: Maribel, Victor Kline, Liam’s father, and a girl Olivia had never seen before.
The girl looked to be around Olivia’s age, with short, neat hair and a naturally pretty face, no makeup needed. She wore a plain beige dress that somehow looked stunning on her, the kind of effortless chic that made people turn their heads.
Maribel stood up, her smile bright. “Olivia, this is Felicity–Liam’s fiancée. Come meet her.”
‘Liam’s fiancée?‘ Olivia thought with shock.
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10:40 Sun, 22 Jun G
Chapter 5
