Chapter 48

Chapter 48: Secret Kiss The despise behind her tone is so obvious that I clench my fist immediately.

The look on mom’s face couldn’t be uglier. She glares at Caroline and grits out, “I have other plans for my daughter “Everything else seems perfect, except for my room,” that vicious old crone smiles. “Shawn and I just finished a long discussion about our upcoming business plan. I’m quite exhausted. I’d really appreciate it if your daughter can help the cleaning lady get the room ready.”

She is so evil and manipulative! Just like her son in some ways.

I feel sad for my mom. I know she hates the woman, but she also can’t defy her because of her power and status. I have a gut feeling that Caroline will destroy anniversary party that mom has been planning for so long.

I take in a long breath and make up my mind. Mom has done everything she could to protect me, and now it’s my turn to do the same for her.

“Fine,” I say, looking at Caroline. “Where is your room? I’ll see what I can-”

Right at this moment, someone interrupts me by placing a hand on my shoulder from behind. I jerk back and find it’s Eason.

“I’ll help you with the cleaning,” he gives me a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry.”

Caroline frowns, “Eason you don’t need to do that.”

“Why not?” Eason shrugs. “I’ve got nothing else to do. If you want to boss someone around, why not count me in.”

| almost laugh out loud. Only Eason can stand up to her like this. And it makes my heart swell. I love that he becomes super protective when someone else gives me a hard time.

“Come.” Eason says to me, gently holding my shoulder and leading me away.

We march out of the hall without looking back. When we turn the corner eventually, we look at each other and burst into laughter simultaneously.

“Oh my god I’m literally shaking!” I laugh, gasping for breath. “You should’ve seen the look on your mom’s face…I mean, aren’t you afraid of her?”

“She is terrifying. But I’ve managed to survive my childhood with her, so I know how to handle her,” he pats my arm. “You don’t need to be afraid.”

“I’m not afraid. It’s just…” I sigh, raking fingers through my hairs. “How do you think she’ll react when we finally tell her about-you know-about us?”

I’m trembling already thinking about the day she finds out about us. She’ll never approve it for sure. I can only pray that she won’t hire assassins to have me killed in my sleep.

“At first, it’ll be hard. But she’ll learn to accept it gradually. It’s my life after all, not hers. Plus…” he looks at me, a playful gleam in his eyes. “…Does it mean that we are back together already?”

I’m stunned, my cheek starting to flush.

I keep telling myself that we are still on a break, and I still need time to think everything through. But it is so damn hard to think straight when he is around.

He is just so…toxic and irresistible.

My mind is always clouded when he is by my side.

“-” | gulp before whispering. “-sorry but I need more time.”

.

“OK. I understand. But…” his fingers intertwine with mine. The place he touches me feels burning with fire. “… Can you give me an answer before the anniversary? I miss you so much. It’s killing me every single second just looking at you but can’t kiss you.”

God this is torture. How can I say no to him with his emerald, green eyes fixing on me like this? His face is so beautifully youthful, and it makes my heart flutter every time our eyes meet.

“I can’t give you an answer now. But-” I pause, biting my lip.

“But?” he moves closer, his breath quickening and his voice hoarse.

“But maybe…one kiss?” Before I can even finish the last word, he lowers his head and catches my lips hungrily. I feel myself drowning in his passion immediately. His hands come up and holds my waist, as his tongue rummages my mouth.

Soft moans escape his lips as we kiss. The touching lips has the same effect on him as it does on me.

We are both deep into the kiss, when suddenly footsteps and talking approach us from behind. We quickly jerk apart and try to act normal, as a group of staffs walk by us. Luckily, nobody notices anything.

| quietly let out a breath that I’ve been holding. That was close.

“I miss you,” he says in a low voice, staring at my plump lips. “Natalia I fucking miss you so much.”

“I know…” I murmur. “I wish we don’t have to hide like this anymore.”

I really look forward to the day when we finally come clean to our family. I’ll take all the blame and accusation, and all bitter sarcasms from Caroline if needed. Just to be with him in public.

I think I’m willing to take that…as long as he’s willing to do the same for me.

“Hey, let’s get to your mom’s room. She must be freaking out right now,” I say.

We go to the guest room and work with the cleaning lady to get everything ready. Seriously, the room seems spotless before we got there. I should have known that old crone was just being picky.

And the rest of the time, mom has me occupied with all kinds of works, double-checking the wine list, tasting deserts, going through the playlist with the band…I’m so busy that I didn’t even notice that Eason was gone.

Eventually, mom notices how exhausted I am and send me back to my room.

As soon as I get into the room, I throw myself onto the bed. God, this is crazy. I hope this party can be over asap. I’m so drained.

I don’t have the energy to wash up and just slowly drift into sleep, when suddenly I hear a gentle knock on my window.