CHAPTER 105: CHAPTER 105-SECRET

She had originally thought Laurent would be the one taking her to pick out the dress.

But Laurent was busy—which handed Morrison the opportunity on a silver platter.

Of course, he wasn’t going to let her wear anything too dazzling.

Dave had mentioned wanting to introduce her to some "eligible young men" tonight?

Well then... he’d make sure she looked just plain enough to kill any interest before it sparked.

If some guy actually ended up liking her—or worse, if she liked someone else—then what the hell was the point of him dropping everything and flying here just to stay by her side?

Lilian didn’t want to keep lying in bed tangled up with him. She started to struggle, trying to wriggle free.

Morrison, of course, wouldn’t let her go that easily.

They ended up in a chaotic little scuffle on the bed, limbs tangling and laughter breaking through her fake annoyance.

But he was so much stronger—her efforts to fight him off were completely in vain.

When she finally flung herself at him to escape, he didn’t even resist.

So she ended up crashing straight into him, their bodies pressing together in a heap.

He lay there on the mattress, grinning like a devil, holding her against his chest as if she’d just willingly thrown herself at him.

His voice was laced with mockery and heat as he whispered,

"So eager? Are you trying to suggest something with this position?"

Lilian flushed crimson.

"N-No I’m not! You did that on purpose!"

She tried to push off him, but he only tightened his hold, leaning in like he wanted another kiss.

That was when her phone rang again.

Saved by the ringtone.

She shoved him off like she’d just been caught committing a crime, sitting up in a panic.

The name on the screen made her heart skip—Dave.

She answered quickly, forcing her voice to sound casual.

"Hey..."

"You awake?" Dave’s voice was calm, warm as usual.

"Mm..." she mumbled, trying to keep her words to a minimum so he wouldn’t hear any lingering guilt in her tone.

"You’re still at home?"

"...Mm-hmm."

Dave paused before saying,

"Can you go check on Morrison for me? I’ve been calling his phone, but he’s not answering."

Lilian nearly dropped the phone.

He’s... right here.

Naked under the blanket.

In her bed.

And smiling at her like a man with no shame.

Lilian froze.

She glanced back at the man currently lounging in her bed like he belonged there.

Morrison looked completely innocent as he raised both hands in a helpless gesture.

Apparently, he’d forgotten his phone when he snuck into her room earlier. That was why Dave’s calls had gone unanswered.

"Oh..." she mumbled into the phone, trying to keep her voice steady.

"I’ll go find him," she added quickly, hoping Dave wouldn’t hear the guilt lacing her words.

No way in hell was she going to admit Morrison was right there, half-naked in her bed.

Dave seemed satisfied with that and hung up.

Morrison had no choice but to get up now. But not before leaning down to steal a few more soft kisses from her lips.

"Get ready. We’ll head out for lunch soon," he murmured.

"Mm." She nodded, relieved to finally have a reason to escape the bed. She’d been wanting to get up for a while now—and her brother’s phone call had saved her from further danger.

After both of them got dressed, they left the house together.

Lilian didn’t really have any thoughts about where to go for lunch, so she let Morrison decide everything.

But just before they stepped out, Morrison’s brows furrowed in displeasure at her outfit.

She was wearing denim overall shorts and a simple white T-shirt.

Youthful. Cute. Effortlessly stunning.

Which, to Morrison, was a complete nightmare.

She already looked young—now she looked like an overgrown high schooler. Walking beside her, he probably looked like her much older brother taking her out to lunch.

Not a boyfriend.

Definitely not a lover.

So he flatly ordered,

"Go change."

Lilian nearly exploded.

"Are you serious?! I can’t even decide what to wear now just because I’m dating you?!"

Grumbling under her breath, she stomped back toward her room.

Morrison watched her little angry figure retreat and couldn’t help the bitter, helpless feeling that rose in his chest.

"I was born too early. She came into my life too late."

When she came back, she’d changed into a soft mauve dress.

It had a more mature silhouette—less playful, more graceful.

But on her, even something so refined still looked youthful and charming.

Morrison’s gaze settled on her delicate features and those bright, brilliant eyes that always made his chest ache.

Yeah.

There was no way he could ask her to go change again.

Her looks and charm were undeniable.

No matter what she wore—even if it was a little too mature or just downright ugly—her youth and beauty always shone through.

A.T. was a seaside city, famous for its seafood, and Morrison took Lilian to the most renowned seafood restaurant in town.

Lilian absolutely loved it.

After lunch, they lingered a while longer in the restaurant, soaking in the breathtaking view of the ocean.

Then they headed over to Show, the boutique run by Tina.

Of course, they appeared there as nothing more than ordinary friends.

In public, they kept their distance—no affectionate gestures, no whispers or secret touches.

Morrison was simply a good friend of Lilian’s brother. That was the story everyone knew.

But when no one was watching? Morrison was as close and tender as a lover could be.

He sometimes thought he was crazy.

Because he found himself addicted to the thrill of secretly loving her behind everyone’s backs.

The more forbidden it was, the more desperately he wanted her.

On the way to Show, Morrison’s jealousy flared up as he thought of the clothes Bert had designed for Lilian.

"If you like Show’s dresses so much, why not just buy a whole bunch? Buy out the entire store, even," he teased. "Those designs by Bert? They don’t hold a candle to Tina’s work. Just toss them away."

Lilian shook her head, not buying his argument for a second.

"Show’s clothes might be good, but they’re made for the masses. Anyone who likes them can get one."

"But what Bert gave me?" she smiled, eyes sparkling with happiness.

"That’s the most unique thing in the entire world."

"I love the feeling of having something that’s truly mine."

Her words carried warmth and pride, as if she was wrapped in the special kind of happiness only a bespoke creation could bring.