Chapter 4

The soft yellow lamplight outlined Liam's sharp profile.

His lowered eyelashes cast shadows beneath his eyes. His gaze was fixed on his phone screen, a faint, unconscious smile playing on his lips.

It wasn't until I cried out in pain from scalding myself with boiling water that he frantically looked up.

"Did you burn yourself?" His face was etched with worry as he grabbed my hand, examining the injury closely. "Wait here, I'll get some ointment."

Normally, I might have let him fuss over me.

But I gently pulled my hand away. "I'm fine. No need to look for anything."

Perhaps sensing my uncharacteristic coldness, Liam looked at me cautiously.

"I'm sorry, Eleanor. The company has been so busy lately, I haven't been able to spend much time with you, I—"

I forced a casual smile.

"Liam, I don't blame you."

He seemed to sigh in relief, then carelessly changed the subject.

"Eleanor, didn't you say this afternoon that you had a surprise for me?"

Liam's eyes sparkled, my reflection visible in their dark brown depths.

A surprise?

There was supposed to be one.

Perhaps I should have been more oblivious, ignored the faint scent of women's perfume on him, ignored his frequent absent-mindedness, perhaps I shouldn't have opened that folder named "beloved."

Perhaps time should rewind to three years ago, to the moment he shielded me from the burning wooden beam. I would have chosen to leave the mission world without hesitation.

"A surprise? Are you sure you're not mistaken?" I turned my head, giving him a faint smile.