Chapter 25 Has the Period Ended?
The dishes arrived quickly, and everyone chatted cheerfully.
After dinner, Liam went to the garage to get the car, and the group waited in the dining area downstairs.
“Thanks a bunch!” Mia said, waving a gift bag in front of Emma.
“Huh?” Emma was puzzled.
Eleanor giggled beside her.
“You didn’t know?” Mia leaned in curiously.
“No way?” Even the usually reserved Kennedy joined in. “We heard Mrs. Hayes sent it. We all got one!”
“Anna sent it,” Claire said, exchanging a knowing glance with Emma. “She said it was an apology for being late.”
The group giggled and covered their mouths while Emma’s heart raced.
He really thought of everything.
“You married the right guy! Emma.” Claire teased.
⸻
Emma sat on the bed, staring blankly into space while hugging a pillow.
“What are you thinking about?” Liam emerged from the bathroom wearing silk pyjamas, his hair still dripping.
“Don’t you have anything to ask?” she asked.
“Yes.” He tossed a towel onto the nearby chair, where it landed neatly draped over the back.
“What?”
“Two million dollars—will it be enough?”
“Huh?”
He sat beside her, resting his arm on the headboard behind her.
“I left a card with Mom today. I’m afraid it won’t be enough,” he explained.
“Wait…” She cut him off. “Don’t you have any other questions?”
His lips pressed together as his deep eyes fixed on her.
“Yes,” he added.
Emma felt his breathing grow heavy and his intense, masculine scent overpower the fresh smell of her shower gel.
“Has the period ended?” His voice was low and hoarse, like a beast held back for far too long.
Ignoring him, she slowly retreated beneath the covers and clutched her pillow tightly.
She lay still, feeling his warmth behind her.
He seemed to be asleep, his breath lightly brushing the back of her neck.
Suddenly, a hand rested on her waist.
“Still awake?” His voice was slightly hoarse.
She shook her head, her hair rustling softly against the pillow.
The movement drew him closer, pressing his chest fully against her back.
“Turn around,” he murmured.
As she turned, their eyes met.
He reached up to caress her face, finally resting his fingers on her lips.
“May I?” His breath brushed her skin.
Without words, she kissed him—tender and soft.
But when his tongue tentatively brushed her lips, the kiss suddenly became intense.
He framed her face with his hands.
The kiss deepened, and she trembled, her fingers tightening on the fabric of his shirt.
The kiss moved from her lips to her chin and finally settled on her neck.
He lingered there for a long time, sometimes kissing her lightly and sometimes rubbing his lips against her skin.
Emma tilted her head back instinctively, her breathing becoming ragged.
His hand slid from her face to her shoulder, gently pulling down the strap of her nightgown.
When his lips touched the exposed skin, they both paused. The skin grew hot beneath his touch.
“Wait…” Just as he was about to kiss her lower, Emma gently pushed against his chest. “My period isn’t over yet.”
The words instantly cooled the heated atmosphere.
He froze and took a deep breath, burying his face beside her neck.
His body trembled slightly.
“It’s okay.” Finally, he kissed her forehead gently and adjusted her straps.
He held her again, his movements exceptionally tender. “Let’s just sleep like this.”
The moonlight remained as bright as before, but the earlier heat had vanished, leaving only their breaths softly mingling in the darkness.
Emma put on the coat. It was Claire who had sent it over the night before. The custom-made piece featured distinctive detailing at the neckline and sleeves, along with a layered colour-blocked design.
“Muse… again.”
“Muse designs it.” Liam said from the doorway, his gaze fixed on her.
Emma paused, then chuckled in denial. “You’re mistaken.”
His gaze shifted from her dress to her clear eyes.
She knew he was reading her mind.
“No. She wore this exact piece in her latest video.” His tone was mild, but his eyes were razor-sharp.
“Claire sent it. I don’t know the details.” She feigned calm and adjusted her collar. “I’ll ask her later.”
⸻
As soon as they stepped outside, Anna was waiting for them at the door.
“Mr. Hayes, Emma.”
Liam acknowledged with a brief nod.
They headed upstairs to the hotel restaurant for breakfast.
It was still early. Ryan and Liam reviewed documents and discussed matters while Anna fetched milk.
Seated across from Emma, Ethan divided his portion of scrambled eggs onto her plate.
“Here, have these. You’ll need them for Fashion Week later,” he explained.
Emma felt flustered and stole a glance at Liam.
“I don’t really like scrambled eggs,” she said with an awkward smile, considering returning them.
“Thank you. I love them.” Liam approached, picked up the fork, and ate the eggs in one bite.
Then, his hand reached under the table and grasped Emma’s, gently stroking it.
Emma dared not move, quietly continuing her meal.
“You’re truly easygoing, Mr. Hayes.” Ethan chuckled awkwardly.
Emma chuckled inwardly. Not necessarily. Push it too far and you might find out the hard way.
“Anna, send out our seating arrangements,” Ryan said. He closed his documents and began eating.
“Already distributed,” Anna said with a smile.
⸻
After breakfast, the group arrived at the registration desk by 8:00.
Fashion Week began at 9:00 a.m. The entrance was already crowded with celebrities, major media outlets, and photographers snapping pictures busily.
After presenting their invitations, they entered the venue.
“May we explore on our own, Mr. Hayes?” Emma pursed her lips, her expression earnest.
Meeting their expectant gazes, Liam nodded.
The group dispersed—only Anna remained by Liam’s side.
“Go ahead,” he said.
After dismissing Anna, he followed Emma at a distance, cutting through the nearby restroom corridor and then slipping into an adjacent passage. From there, he watched her vanish into the innermost rear section of the venue.
“Sir, may I see your pass?” Two security guards stopped Liam not far from Emma.