His Hidden Family My Ruined Marriage (Liana) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32 A Sudden Kiss

Liana snapped out of her thoughts about baby names. “Just zoning out.”

Z70)

+5 Pearls

Elian said nothing more, but as he sipped his honey lemon water, his gaze kept drifting back to her.

The swelling on her face hadn’t fully subsided, and the harsh finger marks didn’t look like they’d fade anytime soon.

When his eyes caught the faint bruising on her neck, he looked away, finishing his drink in silence.

“Liana.”

He spoke again after a moment.

The previously quiet air suddenly grew thick and tangled.

Liana looked at him, puzzled. She didn’t want him calling her that so intimately anymore. It made her dizzy, made her think they were still together.

“About last night-I’m sorry,” Elian said it with deep sincerity.

Heat surged in Liana’s chest. He finally mentioned it.

But the disappointment was so sharp it felt like her heart was being twisted into knots. She let out a soft, bitter laugh. “You don’t need to apologize. I’m the one who should be thanking you. If you hadn’t gotten there in time, I might be dead right now.”

“Theo’s been weak since he was little. Anya got hurt too. I didn’t have a choice,” Elian explained patiently.

Looking into his shadowed eyes, Liana had the absurd illusion that he felt guilty, that he hadn’t wanted to save those two first.

“I get it. And I’m truly grateful. Let’s just not talk about it anymore,” she said, turning to look out the window.

• The rain outside was torrential, as if trying to wash away the entire glittering city.

Elian didn’t bring it up again. But he knew she blamed him.

Liana quickly looked back, sensing his gaze on her. When their eyes met, she was instantly trapped by his dark stare. Her mind scrambled, feeling exposed and vulnerable.

1/3

11:59 Thu, Feb 12

…

(70 )

Chapter 32 A Sudden Kiss

+5 Pearls

His phone, lying on the coffee table, buzzed again. Worried it might wake Theo, he grabbed it immediately, hesitating for a few seconds before answering.

It was Anya.

“I’ll

go get some water,” Liana said, instinctively moving to give him privacy.

But as she stood, her wrist was caught in a firm grip.

She looked down in surprise at his hand wrapped around hers. His body heat seeped through his skin into her wrist, traveling up her arm and spreading through her entire body.

He answered the call. “It’s late. Why aren’t you sleeping? The doctor said you need

proper rest.”

“Elian, I’m scared. Can you come stay with me?” Anya’s pleading, fragile voice carried through the phone.

“Hang on a second.”

Elian ended the call and immediately dialed another number. “Make sure someone is with Anya at all times. She’s not to be left alone in that room. Take good care of her.”

Liana couldn’t help but find it bitterly amusing. The difference between being loved and not was staggering.

Anya got stabbed and suddenly couldn’t be left alone, while Liana had just survived a near- death experience last night and was expected to babysit for free.

“Anya grew up sheltered. This whole thing has really shaken her. She keeps having nightmares,” he offered, as if explaining.

“No need to explain anything to me. I know the bond between you two runs deep,” Liana said coolly.

But when she tried to pull her wrist from his overly warm grasp, she couldn’t.

Elian tightened his hold and slowly pulled her closer.

Her knee brushed against his. She struggled, trying to pull back.

A flash of something cold passed through Elian’s eyes. He suddenly yanked her wrist hard.

Liana lost her balance, spinning half a circle from the force. Before her scattered senses could catch up, she found herself locked firmly in his embrace, unable to move.

“I’m a married man. How would I have a bond that ‘runs deep’ with another woman?” Elian asked, his gaze pinning her.

2/3

11:59 Thu, Feb 12

Chapter 32 A Sudden Kiss

Z70)

+5 Pearls

“A sharp guy like you always has a way,” Liana retorted, meeting his eyes, mustering a shred of

composure.

As if an ordinary person like me could ever fathom the schemes of the head of the Locke Group.

“A sharp guy like you always has a way.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify