Chapter 98
“I was starting to think the Johnson family might actually prosper once their heiress takes over the company,” Liam said, letting Izzy rest her head on his arm. They were seated in the back of a car he had rented for their little escapade. “Turns out the woman’s got something in her head after all.”
“Hey, don’t say that,” Izzy replied, her tone light. Today had been one of the most enjoyable days she’d had in a long time. “Pamella’s always been the mean girl type. How can she manage her family’s company when she hates working overtime? I heard she only shows up at the office and leaves before five in the afternoon. Moreover, she always bullies her employees, letting them work overtime while she parties all night. Her father” Izzy continued chatting about the Johnson family’s affairs before pausing and turning her head toward him.
“I didn’t realize my wife likes to gossip, too.”
“Hey! I don’t,” Izzy pouted. “Anna told me that, and I couldn’t just tell her to shut up, right? So I listened.”
“Right… of course…”
“Of course,” Izzy echoed with a playful huff. “How could I disrespect my secretary like that?”
Liam chuckled softly. To her surprise, he suddenly leaned in and kissed her forehead. “Then my wife should keep doing exactly what she’s doing.”
Izzy gave him a tight–lipped smile before resting her head on his arm again. She resumed chatting, her words flowing effortlessly as the car carried them to their next destination.
$
The car slowed to a stop near the bustling ports of Victoria Harbour. Izzy looked out at the glittering water, her curiosity piqued. She turned to Liam, raising an eyebrow. “What are we doing here?” She had seen this place from her hotel view in the past, but she had never been interested in exploring the area.
Liam smirked, but didn’t answer right away. Instead, he stepped out of the car, holding the door open for her. “Just wait and enjoy,” he said simply, extending his hand to help her out.
They strolled along the edge of the harbor, the salty breeze brushing against their skin. The lights of Hong Kong’s skyline shimmered on the surface of the water, creating a picture–perfect backdrop. Izzy’s eyes darted around, trying to piece together whatever Liam had planned, but he offered no hints.
After a short walk, they stopped in front of a modest–sized yacht moored at the dock. Izzy froze, her eyes widening. The path leading to the yacht was lined with fresh roses in delicate glass vases, their soft petals illuminated by twinkling string lights.
“Liam…” she started, turning toward him. She swallowed. These are scenes that she’d seen in the movies, things that she never thought would happen in real life.
Before she could ask anything, he took her hand and gently pulled her forward. “Come on,” he said, guiding her toward the yacht.
The yacht itself wasn’t enormous, but it was sleek and elegant. Its white exterior gleamed under the glow of the dock lights, and the decorations made it feel almost magical. Soft, warm lights adorned the railings, casting a romantic ambiance across the deck. The faint hum of the harbor blended with the occasional sound of waves lapping against the sides of the boat.
Once onboard, Liam led her up a small staircase to the second level. The upper deck was even more impressive. A cozy seating area with plush cushions and a small table sat in the center. A bottle of wine and two glasses rested on the table, along with a plate of assorted fruits and chocolates.
11:17 Sun, Jan 26 GO
Chapter 98
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Izzy’s gaze drifted to the view. From the second level, the entirety of Victoria Harbour stretched out before them. The iconic skyline of Hong Kong glittered in the distance, its towering buildings reflected in the dark waters below.
She turned to Liam, still stunned. “What… is all this?” She hated to compare things, but she’d never experienced something like this when she was still with Calen.
Liam didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he reached over to press a button on a small control panel. A soft, sweet melody filled the air, perfectly complementing the serene atmosphere.
Izzy took a step closer to the edge of the deck, her hands gripping the railing as she looked out at the view. The harbor lights shimmered like stars, and the soft music added a layer of intimacy, that made everything feel surreal.
“It was supposed to be for your birthday celebration. Although… your birthday was yesterday so this was a little late,” Liam said, stepping behind her, his hand brushing lightly against her back. “Do you like it?” he asked.
“Of course I do,” Izzy exhaled slowly, still taking it all–in. “It’s beautiful,” she said, her voice almost a whisper.
Liam moved to the table, uncorking the wine and pouring two glasses. He ice!
us,” he said simply.
one to her and raised his own slightly. “To
Izzy clinked her glass against his, a small smile tugging at her lips. As she sipped the wine, her gaze drifted back to the view, the lights of Hong Kong reflecting in her eyes.
They settled into the seating area, the soft cushions making it feel cozy despite the open air. The music played on, and the gentle sway of the yacht added to the calm, dreamlike quality of the moment.
For a while, they didn’t talk much. Izzy leaned against Liam’s shoulder, savoring the peace and the effort he had clearly put into planning this. It was simple yet thoughtful, and that made it all the more special.
The harbor breeze carried the faint scent of the sea, mingling with the sweetness of the roses that lined the deck. Izzy closed her eyes for a moment, committing everything to memory–the view, the music, the warmth of Liam beside her.
“Thank you,” she said softly, turning to meet his gaze. Her smile was gentle, her expression unguarded. Since her parents‘ passing, she couldn’t remember the last time she felt this lighthearted on her birthday.
When she agreed to spend the day with Liam, she hadn’t expected much beyond his usual teasing and antics. But this? This was different. The thoughtfulness behind it caught her completely off guard.
A part of her wanted to tell him how much it all meant–how grateful she truly was for the effort he’d made. But she stopped herself. Those two simple words felt like enough, carrying everything she wanted to say without overcomplicating the
moment.
Liam didn’t say anything, but his hand found hers, his fingers lacing through hers as they sat there, surrounded by the beauty of the harbor and the quiet magic of the night.
