The room was packed, and with everyone gathering for the cake cutting, the lights had already been dimmed.
Rose thought she caught a glimpse of pale-yellow fabric slipping behind the curtain.
But when she turned to look, the figure had vanished without a trace, leaving her wondering whether she’d imagined it.
"Rose, what are you doing over here?"
Diana pushed through the crowd, found her, and immediately took her hand, pulling her toward the cake.
"You have to be the first one to get a slice! Come on."
"Oh, nothing."
Rose shook her head and let Diana lead her away, quickly forgetting about what she’d seen.
By the time they reached the cake, Liam was already standing beside it.
The moment he spotted Diana rushing toward him, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. Leaning down, he caught a faint whiff of alcohol on her breath and narrowed his eyes.
"Have you been drinking again?"
Diana’s expression turned guilty. She put a hand against his face and gently pushed him away.
"Just a little."
Liam frowned and pinched her cheek.
"Diana, did you forget you’re still taking medication to get your health back on track?"
"I know, I know. You’re such a nag."
She pouted, looking thoroughly unrepentant.
Over the past few years, Diana had pushed herself far too hard, barely giving herself time to rest. Add her fondness for alcohol to the mix, and her health had taken a serious hit. Her periods had become so irregular that sometimes she went six months without one.
Rose had offered to help her get things under control, but Diana hated taking medicine and had refused.
Liam, on the other hand, had been beside himself with worry.
He’d even consulted the Robinson family’s private physician to find a proper treatment plan and help her recover. Since then, he’d practically appointed himself her personal health supervisor, keeping an eagle eye on her medication and doing everything he could to get her to cut back on drinking.
Liam spoiled Diana in almost every other respect. When it came to her health, however, he refused to give in.
Naturally, she felt a little guilty.
"We’ll talk about this when we get home tonight," Liam warned through clenched teeth.
Diana pretended not to hear him.
Instead, she grabbed the cake knife and shoved it into his hand.
"Hurry up and cut the cake."
Liam gave her a helpless look. There really was no reasoning with this woman.
Watching them, Rose couldn’t help laughing.
Liam was probably the only person who could handle Diana’s free-spirited, mischievous nature while indulging her at the same time. After everything she’d endured with her parents, she deserved to be loved like this.
"Come on, make your wish!" Diana urged.
Liam’s lips finally curved into a small smile.
"I already did."
"What did you wish for?"
"If I tell you, it won’t come true."
"Then whisper it to me."
Diana leaned closer, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Liam pinched her ear and gave her earlobe a gentle tug. Seeing how eagerly she was waiting, he raised an eyebrow and whispered into her ear.
"In this life, the next one, and every life after that, I want you to marry me again. I want us to have a son and a daughter, too. And next time, we’ll have to put a little more effort into making that happen."
Diana’s cheeks turned bright red.
"Okay, shut up!"
Liam laughed softly and wrapped his arms around her before she could escape.
Rose watched them with a quiet smile.
Diana was genuinely happy. That much was obvious.
Rose was glad she had someone who loved her so openly.
She turned back toward her seat and poured herself another glass of wine.
Everyone had their own troubles.
And right now, she was hopelessly outmatched by Ryan Knight.
Apparently, she’d reached the point where she, too, needed a drink to forget her problems.
By the time Ryan arrived, Rose was already drunk.
Diana stood beside her, and the moment she spotted Ryan approaching, she folded her arms and fixed him with a serious look.
"She’s drunk. When you get home, make sure she takes something for the hangover. Help her change into something comfortable, too. She hates sleeping in socks, so don’t forget to take those off. And make sure you remove her makeup properly and do her skincare routine, including her eye cream."
You have got to be kidding me.
Diana couldn’t pass up the opportunity to give the mighty Mr. Knight a list of orders. It wasn’t every day she got to boss him around.
Ryan glanced at her.
"Got it."
Diana’s mouth fell open.
That was it?
Just two words?
He certainly didn’t act this indifferent when Rose was around!
Ryan paid no attention to her reaction. He picked up Rose’s bag, bent down, and carefully lifted Rose, who was slumped against the bar.
"I’m taking her home."
Rose stirred at the movement and sleepily opened her eyes.
Ryan bent his head and brushed his lips against her forehead.
"Go back to sleep."
She obediently closed her eyes again.
Diana watched them, her teasing expression slowly fading.
For once, she had nothing to say.
Ryan carried Rose out of the venue and settled her into the car.


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