Chapter 48

Colorful confetti fluttered down all around Kayla,dusting her hair and shoulders in a sparkling cascade.

She flinched instinctively, squeezing her eyes shut But when she realized it was only the aftermath of a confetti cannon, she snapped them open and fixed Liam with a sharp glare. "Have you lost your mind?Maybe you need to get your head examined!"

Liam, who'd been moping just moments before,suddenly straightened, a hopeful glint sparking in his eyes. He hurried out of the car to stand beside her."Kayla, I brought you here tonight because I owe you an honest apology."

Kayla's patience snapped. "Liam, is making a fool out of me your new hobby?"

Before she could stalk away, the restaurant doors swung open. The staff, dressed in cheerful, party-bright uniforms, filed out in a procession, each carrying a single vibrant rose.

Kayla huffed in disbelief, shaking confetti from her hair and darted straight for the exit.

"Don't go yet. Let's just have dinner, all right?" Liam grabbed her arm and steered her inside, leaving her no chance to protest. He'd booked out the entire restaurant for the evening,decorating it with streamers and fresh flowers. The long table in the center sparkled beneath the lights,covered with an extravagant array of dishes.

"No drama tonight, okay? Just relax and enjoy the meal," Liam insisted, grinning as he piled slices of tender meat onto her plate with almost childlike enthusiasm.

The rich aroma hit Kayla like a wall, turning her stomach. She pressed a hand to her lips, fighting back a surge of nausea.

"This is your favorite dish, isn't it? Eat up tonight-l ordered extra for you." Liam, oblivious, beamed as he ladled a generous helping into her bowl.

The sight of the glossy, fatty meat made Kayla's stomach revolt. She bolted upright and darted toward the restroom.

Startled, the servers scrambled aside as she brushed past, her heels clicking urgently across the floor.

Liamn gaped after her, stunned by her abrupt reaction.

A waiter, hesitant but curious, leaned over and whispered,"Sir, could it be that your wife is expecting?"

Liam's face hardened. "That's ridiculous," he snapped,his voice laced with irritation.

They had never shared a bed. How could she possibly he preanant? Yet,retching was certainly something that could hint at pregnancy.

A storm cloud passed across Liam's features as he began to entertain the idea.

Inside the restroom, Kayla leaned over the sink,heaving until the wave of nausea finally ebbed.

She splashed cold water on her face, staring at her reflection-her eyes clouded with worry. The sudden bout of sickness rattled her. Had Liam noticed anything unusual?

Steadying herself, she gripped her purse, drew in a deep breath, and strode back toward the table.

Liam glanced at her anxiously. "Kayla, are you not feeling well?" he asked, concern etched into his brow.

With a measured calm, Kayla set a small box of medicine on the table and eased into her seat. "My stomach's been acting up. Greasy food just doesn'tsit well with me right now."

Relief flickered across Liam's face as he spotted the box-her explanation put his worries to rest.

He immediately turned the lighter dishes in her direction, eager to please. "Here, try some of these instead. I shouldn't have ordered so many heavy dishes tonight. Next time, I'll be more careful."

Kayla lifted her fork and poked at her food, feigning a few polite bites. Every so often, she watched him from beneath her lashes, making sure he wouldn't catch on to her charade.

Trying to bridge the growing distance between them,Liam reached for an old memory. "Kayla, remember those food stalls we used to visit? The grilled fish was your favorite. The owner's opened up a proper restaurant now. He invited us over the other day.What do you say I take you there tomorrow?"

But nostalgia had lost its power over Kayla. Whatever warmth she once felt for him had long since cooled.

She shook her head, her voice quiet but resolute."Work's keeping me busy these days. You should go without me."

Unwilling to give up, Liam pressed on with a hint of forced optimism. "Then I'll just wait until you have time.Newton Group's such a big company-they must treat their employees well. I'm sure they'll give you some days off eventually."

Kayla's icy stare lingered on him, her lips pressed into a thin line as she said nothing.

Just then,Liam's phone started to buzz on the table,vibrating insistently. He glanced at the screen,his jaw tensing when he saw Tricia's name flashing. With a quick swipe,he silenced the call.

The moment the phone went still, it started ringing again. Irritated, Liam snatched up the device and stood, muttering, "It's work. Eat without me. I'll be back in a minute."

Kayla caught the lie instantly. She let out a faint,derisive smirk, too weary to bother exposing him.

Stepping away, Liam asked in a low, scolding voice,"Tricia, do you have any idea what I'm dealing with right now? Why are you calling?"

On the other end, Tricia's trembling voice spilled through the line. "Liam, I slipped in your bathroom. I'm bleeding.Please,can you come home?"

He pinched the bridge of his nose, frustration flickering across his face. "I can't leave now. Go to the hospital. Get someone to help you."

"But it really hurts!" Tricia sobbed, her cries growing louder as a servant's muffled reassurances sounded in the background.

Gritting his teeth, Liam relented, snapping,"Fine.Stay there. I'm on my way."

He turned, mentally scrambling for an excuse. But before he could even speak, Kayla looked up at him,her gaze sharp and unyielding. "Since when has Tricia been living in our house?"