Chapter 13

" Let's just go in, okay? " His voice was warm this time and he leaned down to kiss her forehead.

She blushed " Okay "

The minute they turned to go in, the wide doors swished open and Diana came out, accompanied by two maids. Liam turned to her with a look that said " I told you she had seen us all along "

Carla smiled but said nothing. The woman coming towards them was the female version of Liam, they looked so much alike. Her hands tightened around Liam's in anxiety and he squeezed back.

" Darling! " Diana screamed and flew into her son's outstretched arms.

Carla moved a step away to avoid being crushed by the woman. Surprisingly, she was strong and energetic for her age.

" Oh Liam! You haven't been home in ages to see your old mother " She sniffed through his shirt while he patted her on the back.

" I'm sorry Mom, but I saw you last two months or so " He reminded her with a smile.

She drew back from him and hit him on the arm playfully " Brat! Last two months?? You're not ashamed of saying it out loud that you saw your mother two months ago?! "

" Okay I'm sorry, Mom and you're still as young as ever! Beautiful too, if I must say so you're not old at all " He said as he took her hands in his and placed a soft kiss on her fingers.

She blushed and looked up at him with doe eyes " You think so? "

" I know so " Liam replied with another charming smile of his

She was a dramatic woman, Carla mused.

As if Diana knew what Carla was thinking about, she turned to her curiously " Hi there, I'm Diana, Liam's Mom " She looked at Liam with affectionate eyes.

" I'm Carla, Carla Reeds " She smiled warmly and outstretched her hand for a shake.

But Diana surprised her by pulling her into a warm hug " It's a real pleasure to meet you darling! I've been looking forward to this day since Liam told me he was going to bring his girlfriend! "

" You're so beautiful! " She added and drew back from the hug.

" Thank you ma'am " Carla said softly.

" Diana, it's Diana for you, hon " Diana smiled at her so wide that Carla guessed it would hurt.

" Come on, let's go in " She said and led the way back into the house.

Carla glanced at Liam but he was already looking at her ' Are you okay? ' he mouthed and she nodded.

Carla took a deep breath, meeting Liam's mother was not as difficult as she initially thought. She anticipated meeting his father though, she assumed he was a tough one right from the moment she heard the conversation between Liam and his Mom back at the office.

They entered the house and Diana led the way to the dinning room while Carla admired the beauty of the mansion once more.

A man Carla assumed to be his father, sat at the head of the table. He looked to be in his early 60s or so and judging by his looks, one would have guessed he was devilishly handsome in his youth days. Now Carla was confused, she had thought Liam got his looks from his mother, but now she was not so sure as she stared at his father. Well, one could say he got his good looks from both of his parents. She decided to show some courtesy to his father.

" Hello sir, I'm Carla " She managed a small smile as she maintained eye contact with the man. He seemed to stare deeply into her souls, he would be a difficult one, she thought.

" Have a seat " His voice was surprisingly warm for someone who looked ruthless.

" Come on " Diana urged and gestured for them to have their seats.

" Call me Donald " Liam's father introduced himself with an expressionless gaze on Carla.

She nodded " Nice to meet you sir "

He nodded " Same here "

" Father " Liam greeted with a nod but one could sense the tension between them.

His father nodded too " Let's eat, shall we? " And he picked up his knife to cut the from the chunk of chicken. He placed it on Diana's food and she smiled at him warmly. They still looked so much in love, Carla realized and picked up her spoon.

" How did you you meet my son? " Donald's voice boomed through the walls and Carla was so startled that she dropped her spoon unconsciously. Under the table, Liam gave her right knee a squeeze. It was meant to be a comfort but it did more than that. Carla instantly felt warm from the physical contact and the touch gave her tingles all over her body. She glanced at Liam and he smiled at her reassuringly. She frowned, the smile on his face looked genuine and wasn't faked at all or was it just her eyes? She gave a small shrug, well they had to look like a real couple so he probably did that because they had audience.

She shifted a little on her seat " I applied for a job in his company as his personal assistant "

Diana's eyes widened " Whoa! It was love at first sight then?! " She asked eagerly and leaned forward in her seat.

Carla nodded and smiled at Liam lovingly " Yes, it was love at first sight for us "

" That's cool! So, are you still working as his personal assistant? How do you cope with the code ' Set business aside from pleasure '? " For the first time, her eyes shimmered with hope of something like life partners happening between them.

Carla smiled at her and took a sip from her drink while she quickly thought of an answer. From the way Diana spoke, she thought she ( Carla ) had been working in Liam's company for a long time so she left her with such thoughts. After all, it wouldn't do them any harm in the future, would it?