Chapter 167
I exhaled heavily, smoothing my hair.
“It was just some small actress throwing a tantrum. She tried to act like a big shot and dictate terms for a project I’m funding.” I shrugged, attempting to downplay the irritation that lingered. “She’s upset because I decided to invest elsewhere.”
Anthony’s brow furrowed, his demeanor instantly shifting to one of quiet indignation.
“Someone dared to act that arrogantly with you?” he asked, his voice low but taut with anger. “Who’s the fool trying to pull that stunt?”
I hesitated for a moment, considering whether I should even bother mentioning names, but the way Anthony’s sharp eyes narrowed made it clear he wasn’t going to let it drop.
“It’s Alina,” I admitted finally, gauging his reaction.
Anthony froze mid–step, his face suddenly unreadable.
It was as if my words had triggered a memory or realization he wasn’t ready for.
“Alina?” he repeated, almost sheepishly. “I see…”
His sudden quietness puzzled me.
“Do you know her?” I asked, watching his expression shift uncomfortably.
“I… I’ll need to make a quick call,” he said hurriedly, offering an apologetic smile as he stepped
toward the door. “Excuse me for a moment.”
I nodded, not pressing further.
Something in his tone told me that this wasn’t just a passing coincidence.
Anthony opened the door to step out but was greeted by the imposing figure of Lirian, standing coolly in the doorway.
Lirian’s expression was neutral, but there was an intensity in his eyes that immediately drew
attention.
Brother,” Anthony greeted cautiously. “What brings you here?”
Lirian didn’t answer immediately, his eyes scanning Anthony briefly before flickering toward the Aria
interior of the room.
“Is Sophia here?” he asked.
Anthony’s lips twitched into a small, knowing smile.
“My sister–in–law is inside. She’s eating,” he said lightly, though there was a slight edge to his voice as
if testing the waters.
Without another word, Lirian brushed past him, walking straight into the room with the kind of confidence that only he could exude.
Anthony watched his brother’s back disappear inside, then turned to his Beta, Eric, who had been
waiting discreetly nearby.
“What’s going on with my brother?” Anthony asked, his brows furrowing. “He looks… off.”
Eric sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly as he leaned in. “He’s worried your sister–in–law is going to
leave him.”
Anthony froze, his mind racing.
Wait,” he muttered under his breath. “Does this mean the little mess I created has been discovered? No, it can’t be that bad… could it?”
Eric said nothing, but his grim expression was enough of a confirmation.
Anthony groaned inwardly, suddenly regretting every moment of meddling he’d done to try and push Lirian into making up his mind.
Inside the room, I had just set my cup down when Lirian appeared beside me, his towering presence impossible to ignore..
He stood there silently for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts, before finally speaking.
“I need to talk to you,” he said, his voice low but firm.
I blinked, taken aback by his sudden appearance. “Why
surprise.
are you here?” I asked, tilting my head in
Lirian didn’t answer my question directly. Instead, his gaze bore into mine, and his next words came out in a rush. I don’t want to break up with you.”
Chapter 167
His declaration left me stunned.
stared at him, trying to process what he’d just said.
Wasn’t he the one who had grown distant?
The one who had suddenly gone cold after sex? How had it become me who was trying to leave?
“Lirian,” I began, but he didn’t let me finish.
“There’s no way I can accept not having you in my life,” he said, his voice trembling slightly as he
continued.
Even if the person you like isn’t me… even if you have someone else in your heart. But, Sophia, I don’t want to be separated from you. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”
The intensity in his words took me aback.
This wasn’t like him. Lirian had always been composed, a man of few words who rarely laid his
emotions bare.
I stared at him, my breath hitching as I tried to form a coherent response.
The vulnerability in his voice, the sheer desperation in his gaze–it was almost too much to handle.
For him to speak this much, to say these things–it was completely out of character.
“Lirian…” I murmured, unsure of how to respond.
My heart was a chaotic mess of emotions, torn between frustration, confusion, and the faint stirrings
of something deeper.
But before I could say anything more, he closed the distance between us, his hands cupping my face as he pressed his lips to mine.
Chapter 16s
