CHAPTER 257: DRUNK RIYA

Her heartbeat quickened as she gazed into his eyes. There was something tender in them – something akin to affection. Her heart started racing all of a sudden as she thought he was about to confess his love.

Excitement fluttered in her chest; she longed to hear those three words. But instead of speaking, Nathaniel leaned in and kissed her again.

Zara, however, was restless. She needed to know what his heart truly felt for her. "Nathaniel," she said, pulling back slightly, "I want to ask you something."

He didn’t let her finish. "We can talk later," he murmured. "Let me do this first."

Before she could react, he swept her into his arms. Startled, Zara instinctively looped her arms around his neck. "What are you doing?" she whispered, glancing around nervously. "Put me down."

He strode away purposefully, ignoring her protest.

"Where are you taking me?" she asked, bewildered.

"I asked Ian to arrange a room for you to rest," he replied calmly. "It should be ready now."

Her eyes widened. "A room? To rest?"

A teasing smile curved his lips. "Why? You don’t want to rest? Alright. If you prefer to stay awake all night, I’m here to accompany you."

Zara’s mouth fell open, startled by the hint in his tone. "This is a hospital," she reminded him softly.

"I’m aware," he said with a faint grin. "I just want you to get some rest." He continued walking, that knowing smile never leaving his face.

He spotted Ian waiting outside one of the rooms. The moment Ian noticed Nathaniel approaching with Zara in his arms, he shifted uncomfortably.

"Uh... this is the room I arranged for you. You should both get some rest," he said quickly before slipping away.

Nathaniel entered the room and gently laid Zara on the bed, his body hovering close to hers, eyes locked on her face.

"You’ve become shameless," she murmured, pouting. "You knew your assistant was waiting for you, and still you carried me all the way. It was embarrassing."

"What’s there to be embarrassed about?" he countered smoothly. "You are with your husband, not another man." He brushed a quick kiss against her lips. "Now, sleep for a while."

He was about to leave when Zara caught his hand, her fingers curling around his. "Aren’t you going to rest too?"

Nathaniel’s expression softened, though his mind was already elsewhere. With his mother safe, there were still urgent matters demanding his attention. "I’ll be back soon. You rest first."

He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before walking out. As soon as the door closed behind him, his face turned serious again. Pulling out his phone, he dialed Ian.

"Where are you?"

"In the car," Ian replied lightly. "I thought you’d be... occupied a bit longer."

Nathaniel frowned. "Shut up," he muttered. "I’m coming."

"I’ll be waiting," Ian said before the line disconnected.

Nathaniel slid the phone back into his pocket and strode off briskly.

At Liam’s place...

Riya had already finished her third glass, and the alcohol was starting to hit her. Her head felt light, her vision slightly blurred. Blinking a few times, she tried to steady herself.

"Hmm," she murmured, flashing a lazy smile. "I think it’s time we go to the bedroom." She reached out, her fingers tracing along Liam’s chest. "No more waiting. Let’s go."

Liam caught her wrist and stopped her from touching him. "What’s the rush? The night is still young. We can enjoy a few more drinks first."

He poured another peg and handed the glass to her.

Riya scrunched her nose. "No, I don’t want any more."

"It’s our engagement night," Liam said, his tone persuading. "Come on, have a little fun."

She hesitated for a moment, then gave in. "Alright, just for you." She lifted her glass playfully. "Let’s make this night memorable."

Liam raised his own glass, taking only a careful sip while watching her closely. He needed her drunk enough to loosen her tongue, to answer anything he asked without thinking twice.

Riya gulped down her drink in one go, then swayed slightly on her stool. "Ugh... I’m dizzy now," she muttered, waving her hands weakly. "I can’t drink anymore."

"I thought you could handle your liquor better," Liam teased, feigning disappointment. "And here I was, expecting more from you."

She squinted at him through her hazy vision, trying to focus. Even without seeing his face clearly, she could tell he wasn’t pleased. "Fine," she sighed. "One last drink—just for you."

Liam’s lips curved into a knowing smirk as he refilled her glass. "This time, just a small one," he said smoothly.

"Mmm..." Riya’s cheeks were flushed, her smile a little wobbly. Every part of her body was protesting, but she ignored the dizziness and lifted the glass. "You really know how to make me give in." She chuckled before taking a sip.

"So, tell me," Liam drawled, smirking. "Who else can make you give in like that?"

She wagged her finger at him lazily. "No one. I don’t let anyone push me around."

"Really?" He raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that? Everyone has someone they can’t say no to. Certainly, you also have someone close to your heart – someone who really matters to you. Maybe a friend, maybe family."

At that, her expression shifted. Something flickered in her eyes, and her lips formed a small pout. "Well... there is someone," she admitted, "someone who makes me do things I don’t want to."

Liam’s interest sharpened. "Oh? And who might that be?" he asked carefully, his anticipation rising. This was the moment he had been waiting for.

"It’s a man," she muttered, her voice slurred. "A cruel, heartless man. I hate him, but I can’t do anything about it."

Feigning sympathy, Liam gently patted her shoulder. "You can tell me. I’m your fiancé. I’ll help you deal with him."

As he spoke, he discreetly switched on the voice recorder.

"Forget about him," she mumbled dismissively. "He is not worth talking about."

Liam clenched his jaw, trying not to show his frustration. He couldn’t let the opportunity slip. "But I want to know," he pressed. "Just the thought of someone mistreating you makes my blood boil. Tell me who he is. I’ll make sure he never bothers you again."

Riya’s lips curved into a dreamy grin, clearly moved by his words, but she still didn’t say the name.

Liam’s patience thinned. He leaned closer and asked urgently, "Is it your ex? Or someone else?"

"Ex?" she echoed, giggling. "No, not exactly. But soon, he’ll just be part of my past." She let out a tipsy laugh. "Once I have everything in my hands, I’ll throw him out of my life for good."

Liam tilted his head, pretending to sound amused. "You are making me even more intrigued now. I’d love to meet the man who managed to get under my fiancée’s skin like that."

"Shh..." Riya lifted a finger to her lips, swaying slightly. Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "Don’t talk about him. It’s a secret."

She blinked slowly. "He is dangerous... Nathaniel’s biggest enemy. If anyone finds out, he’ll kill us both."

Liam leaned in, his voice barely audible. "Then at least tell me his name."

Her lips curved into a sleepy smile. "Zachary."