Liam shut the door behind him, his smile a bit forced. "Yeah, just stepped out for a bit. Had too much to eat and couldn't sleep, so I took a stroll."
He approached Celena and crouched down, gently enveloping her refreshing, soft hand in his warm grasp. Celena blushed, her eyes darting away as she toyed with a lock of hair. "Alright then, since you're back, let's call it a night."
Celena got up, put on her slippers, and walked over to the bedroom. Her hand was on the doorknob, about to close the door, when she paused. Her grip whitened as she fought with her decision, but finally, she said, "From now on, stay out of my business, please. I'm asking you for a favor. I don't want us to be too involved. Go to bed early, good night."
After her words, Celena gently shut the door. As she turned away, tears broke free and streamed down her face. She missed the look of concern in Liam's eyes that lingered behind the door.
Liam sat on the couch, staring at the closed bedroom door, his heart heavy. His eyes rested on a photo on the coffee table, a joyful snapshot of Celena and Jovie hugging and smiling at the camera.
He picked up the frame, his fingers tenderly tracing Celena's image, his face filled with emotion, eyes glistening with tears. He made a silent promise, "Celena, don't worry, I won't let anyone hurt you again. I'll protect you from anyone who tries."
The next morning.
The Yafe family arrived at the company bright and early.
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