The Sunset Community where Emma Johnson's family lived was also considered an upscale neighborhood in City A. Over the past few years, she hadn't just enriched her life experience—she'd also managed to buy a cozy three-bedroom, two-living-room apartment spanning 110 square meters in one of the best areas of the city.
With a helpless sigh, she stepped into the elevator. Just as she pressed the button for the sixth floor, Liam Williams walked in with a smirk plastered across his face.
Emma refused to look at him. Instead, she pulled her phone out of her bag and checked the time.
It was 6:20 in the evening. Her parents should be out grocery shopping by now, which meant they wouldn't be home.
She figured that since her parents weren't around, Liam would have no reason to stay.
When she unlocked the door and stepped inside, the apartment was empty. Emma turned around with a forced smile. "My parents aren't home... Why don't you come back another day? I don't think they'll be back anytime soon."
Liam saw right through her little scheme. He took a step closer, reached out, and grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "What's the matter? Can't wait to kick me out?"
"No, no, that's not it..." Emma stammered, guilt written all over her face now that he'd caught her.
"So you want me to stay?"
"I..."
"Since you're being so sincere, I'll stay." Before she could finish, Liam strode past her into the living room, then slipped off his suit jacket and hung it on the coat rack by the door.
Emma stood there, speechless.
He really knows how to save face.
This was the first time she'd ever seen someone so shameless.
This man had no shame whatsoever. He kept taking advantage of her, eating her tofu, and now he was treating her home like it was his own.
Liam wandered around the room, taking in the warm layout of the living room. Though the apartment wasn't huge, it was decorated with great care. The beige sofa, the light green wallpaper, the sky-blue curtains—everything felt cozy and inviting. It was clear that Emma's family truly knew how to live.
Jerk. Liam is a total jerk and a brute. He's stronger than me in every way, and it's just infuriating.
Emma shot a fierce glare at his back before heading straight to her room.
Little did she know, Liam found her arrogant expression utterly adorable.
Is it because I haven't been around women for too long?
He shook his head, trying to push the thought away.
Seeing her disappear into her room, he followed her in without hesitation.
The room was a sea of pink—pink walls, pink curtains, pink bedspread, and a pile of twisted plush toys scattered everywhere.
Liam's face twisted in disgust. "Emma, are you even a woman? How can your room be such a mess? And how are we supposed to sleep tonight with all those creepy dolls taking up half the bed?"
His first reaction was how are we supposed to sleep tonight?
Emma was at a loss for words. He's thinking way too far ahead.
"I never asked you to stay in my room. If it's too messy for you, feel free to leave. Honestly, I don't know what you're complaining about."
"What are you going to do about it? I'm hungry. Go make me something to eat. Otherwise... believe me, I'll eat you instead."
Liam said this as he stepped closer to her again.
Again? Why does he always use the same threat? And it keeps working.
Emma sighed in defeat.
Fine. If I fill his stomach, maybe he'll leave.
Reluctantly, she put down her bag and headed toward the kitchen.
Even though Liam had complained about her little bed, the moment Emma left, he flopped onto it, burying his face in the pillow among all the plush toys. He took a deep breath. A faint scent of jasmine filled his senses—it was Emma's fragrance. Not overpowering, but incredibly soothing.
Back when Liam was in the military, he was known for hating anything related to flowers or plants. He even looked down on men who gave roses to women.
In his mind, any man associated with flowers was automatically labeled as weak.
But strangely enough, he now found himself falling for this light jasmine scent.
After a while, he got up, planning to check on Emma's progress in the kitchen. But as he turned, his eyes landed on a picture frame on her bedside table.
He couldn't help but pick it up and examine it closely.
The photo featured Emma at her graduation ceremony. She was wearing a lake-green evening gown paired with ten-centimeter pink-and-green heels. Behind her stretched the deep blue sea. Her long hair was blown by the ocean breeze, and her hands were clasped in front of her chest as she smiled brightly.
Liam was mesmerized. He had seen that face years ago. Who else could leave such a deep impression?
He slowly placed the photo frame back in its original spot. His right fist clenched unconsciously, then slowly relaxed.
His dark, deep eyes revealed nothing of what he was thinking.
Then, Liam walked to the kitchen door. He crossed his arms and leaned lazily against the doorframe, watching Emma as she busied herself with cooking.
A thought flashed through his mind: Emma, what secrets are you hiding?
Or... what's your connection to Fox Hunt?
Lovers? Relatives?
A complex expression crossed Liam's face, and his deep eyes turned icy cold.
A moment later, he reverted to his usual carefree demeanor. He walked up to Emma as if nothing had happened, about to say something.
Just then, Emma finally finished cooking. She turned around, holding a bowl full of noodles in her hand. Liam hadn't expected her to turn so suddenly, and she was still holding the freshly made noodles...
"Ah!" Liam felt a searing heat on his chest and couldn't help but roar in pain.
"Ahhh!" Emma's even louder scream echoed through the room. As she screamed, the bowl slipped from her hands and crashed to the floor.
Her mouth hung open in shock. She looked like she was about to cry. "Liam, why are you behind me? Did I hurt you?"
She had just spilled an entire bowl of noodle soup all over him.
"What do you think? Are you trying to get revenge on me on purpose?" Liam immediately unbuttoned his shirt, growling in frustration.
"No, I didn't! I didn't mean to! I really didn't know you were behind me. It's hot—go wash it off quickly! If it's serious, we'll have to go to the hospital." Emma's face was full of worry. Judging by his expression, the burn must have been pretty bad.