Chapter 93
“What do you think? Liam asked the moment they got out of the car.
Izzy said nothing in response as she stared at the structure before her. The bright, colorful arches of the theme park’s entrance loomed ahead. The massive gates, adorned with vibrat marine motifs and cheerful characters, framed the bustling crowds flowing in and out. The salty breeze from the nearby harbor carried the faint sounds of children laughing and distant music. The park’s name wasn’t necessary to identify its reputation for world–class aquariums and thrilling attractions preceded it.
She turned to Liam, frowning. “I thought you said we were going to breakfast, Why are we here?” He had actually convinced her to wake up early on a Saturday morning so they could get some Cheung Fun or rice noodle rolls in Hong Kong.
Since Hong Kong was just an hour away from where they were staying, Izzy had agreed. Besides, she’d only visited Hong Kong once, and that was for another project. This time, she thought they would be walking around Mong Kok, shopping, and doing many other things. In fact, he even convinced her to wear some comfortable sneakers.
Who would have thought he was going to bring her to an amusement park with… aquariums?
Liam’s face lit up with an impish grin as he extended a hand toward her. “Surprise?”
Izzy folded her arms. “The last time you took me to a theme park wasn’t exactly… pleasant.”
At this, Liam’s grin softened. A flicker of guilt crossed his features. “I know. But that’s exactly why we’re here now.” He gestured toward the park gates. “I thought it was time we rewrote that memory.”
Izzy hesitated, his words tugging at a bittersweet memory she hadn’t revisited in years. Their last theme park visit had been to Florida, shortly after her parents‘ tragic deaths. Her grandfather had hoped a cheerful outing would lift her spirits, and he had insisted on bringing Liam along for support.
But she’d made the mistake of inviting Monica too. In fact, she had insisted they bring Monica or she wouldn’t even take a step inside the park.
That day had been a disaster. Monica, terrified of thrill rides, had insisted they skip them entirely, whining anytime Izzy even suggested going on one. As a result, Izzy hadn’t enjoyed a single ride or exhibit. The memory still stung, laced with her grief and the resentment she hadn’t realized she’d harbored until today.
“I don’t know…” she started, glancing at Liam, whose expression was uncharacteristically earnest. Did this man eat something different today? Izzy thought inwardly. Since their dinner last night, Liam seemed to have been acting differently from his usual smug self. She didn’t like to think about it, but she found all this very strange.
But was that really the case? Or was she merely overthinking everything?
“You’re thinking about Florida, aren’t you?” Liam asked softly, reaching out to take her hand. This time, she didn’t pull away, meeting his steady gaze. “That was a tough time–for you, for all of us. But this isn’t Florida, and Monica’s not here.” His lips curved into a faint smile. “Unless, of course, she shows up out of nowhere with a clipboard full of complaints.”
Izzy laughed, her defenses weakening. “That does sound like something she’d do.”
“Exactly.” Liam stepped closer, lowering his voice. “This time, no interruptions, no baggage. Just you, me, and… a lot of fish.”
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the smile creeping onto her lips. “Alright, fine. But if I hate it, you’re buying me dinner. A good one.”
09:28 Fri, Jan 24
Chapter 93
C
“Deal,” he said, his grin returning in full force. “But I think you’ll like it.”
As they entered the park, the vibrant energy of the surroundings began to seep into Izzy’s mood. Children ran past them, clutching oversized stuffed animals, while couples posed for photos in front of the sprawling marine–themed fountains. The distinct chatter of multiple languages filled the air, blending with the hum of excitement that seemed to radiate from every
corner.
When they reached the aquarium section, Izzy was momentarily speechless. Massive tanks stretched from floor to ceiling, their glass walls shimmering under soft blue lights. Schools of brightly colored fish darted between coral reefs, while larger creatures–stingrays, sharks, and even sea turtles–glided gracefully through the water. The sight was mesmerizing.
Liam leaned closer, his voice low. “What do you think?”
Izzy shook her head, unable to tear her eyes away from the underwater world before her. “It’s… incredible.”
“See?” he teased. “I told you this would be better than breakfast.
She turned to him, smirking. “Don’t get cocky. We’ve only been here five minutes.”
“Hey, look, that’s a butterflyfish,” Liam said, pointing at a striking yellow fish with bold black stripes swimming near the coral. He leaned slightly toward her, his hand brushing hers. “Did you know they-”
“-form monogamous pairs and are often seen swimming together?” Izzy cut him off, her lips curving into a small, triumphant smile as she turned to face him. “Yeah, I know.”
Liam blinked, clearly caught off guard. He raised a brow, his grin returning. “Impressive. Didn’t realize you were a marine biology expert.”
Izzy shrugged, her gaze returning to the tank. “I’m not. I just remember random facts. Besides, it’s hot that hard to figure out. They’re always in pairs. Look at them.” She nodded toward another set of butterflyfish darting together through the coral. “Like they’re inseparable.”
Then Izzy pointed at a strange–looking fish with a long snout that hovered near a piece of coral. “That’s a pipefish,” she said. “They’re related to seahorses, and the males are the ones that carry the eggs.”
Liam raised an eyebrow. “You’re full of surprises today. I didn’t peg you as the type to know so much about fish.”
She shrugged but couldn’t hide the slight smile tugging at her lips. Her hand lifted again, pointing toward a bright blue fish with a yellow tail. “That’s a blue tang. They’re territorial, especially in the wild. You know, contrary to how they’re portrayed in movies,”
He watched her as she moved to another part of the tank. She stopped in front of a group of small, luminescent jellyfish floating gracefully in the water. “Moon jellies,” she said, her voice soft. “They don’t really have brains. They just sort of… exist.”
Liam’s eyes never left her, but she didn’t notice. She was too engrossed, pointing at a large ray gliding effortlessly above them. “Manta rays,” she said with a grin. “They can be as wide as twenty–nine feet across. Can you imagine that? I mean… imagine swimming next to them!”
He chuckled quietly. “You’re smiling.”
Izzy turned her head toward him, confused. “What?”
“You’re smiling,” he repeated, taking a small step closer. His gaze held hers, and for a moment, the sounds of the aquarium seemed to fade into the background. “It looks good on you.”
09:28 Fri, Jan 24 TGO
Chapter 93
Her breath hitched as her mind registered his words. She froze, realizing too late that he had moved closer, the space between them now almost nonexistent. His hand brushed hers, subtle but intentional, sendifig a jolt of awareness through her.
Liam leaned in slightly, his face close enough that she could see the faint specks of gold in his brown eyes. Her heart thudded as she caught the faintest scent of his cologne, crisp and clean. He didn’t say anything else, but his eyes searched hers as if waiting for something.
Izzy’s grip on her purse tightened, her mind scrambling for a reponse, anything to diffuse the sudden tension between them. But she didn’t move away, and neither did he.
B
