Chapter 93

“What do you think? Liam asked the moment they got out of the car.

Izzy said nothing in response as she stared at the structure before her. The bright, colorful arches of the theme park’s entrance loomed ahead. The massive gates, adorned with vibrat marine motifs and cheerful characters, framed the bustling crowds flowing in and out. The salty breeze from the nearby harbor carried the faint sounds of children laughing and distant music. The park’s name wasn’t necessary to identify its reputation for world–class aquariums and thrilling attractions preceded it.

She turned to Liam, frowning. “I thought you said we were going to breakfast, Why are we here?” He had actually convinced her to wake up early on a Saturday morning so they could get some Cheung Fun or rice noodle rolls in Hong Kong.

Since Hong Kong was just an hour away from where they were staying, Izzy had agreed. Besides, she’d only visited Hong Kong once, and that was for another project. This time, she thought they would be walking around Mong Kok, shopping, and doing many other things. In fact, he even convinced her to wear some comfortable sneakers.

Who would have thought he was going to bring her to an amusement park with… aquariums?

Liam’s face lit up with an impish grin as he extended a hand toward her. “Surprise?”

Izzy folded her arms. “The last time you took me to a theme park wasn’t exactly… pleasant.”

At this, Liam’s grin softened. A flicker of guilt crossed his features. “I know. But that’s exactly why we’re here now.” He gestured toward the park gates. “I thought it was time we rewrote that memory.”

Izzy hesitated, his words tugging at a bittersweet memory she hadn’t revisited in years. Their last theme park visit had been to Florida, shortly after her parents‘ tragic deaths. Her grandfather had hoped a cheerful outing would lift her spirits, and he had insisted on bringing Liam along for support.

But she’d made the mistake of inviting Monica too. In fact, she had insisted they bring Monica or she wouldn’t even take a step inside the park.

That day had been a disaster. Monica, terrified of thrill rides, had insisted they skip them entirely, whining anytime Izzy even suggested going on one. As a result, Izzy hadn’t enjoyed a single ride or exhibit. The memory still stung, laced with her grief and the resentment she hadn’t realized she’d harbored until today.

“I don’t know…” she started, glancing at Liam, whose expression was uncharacteristically earnest. Did this man eat something different today? Izzy thought inwardly. Since their dinner last night, Liam seemed to have been acting differently from his usual smug self. She didn’t like to think about it, but she found all this very strange.

that really the case? Or

steady gaze. “That was a tough time–for you, for all of us. But this isn’t Florida, and Monica’s not here.” His lips curved into a faint smile. “Unless, of course, she shows up

her defenses weakening. “That does sound like something she’d do.”

stepped closer, lowering his voice. “This time, no interruptions, no

eyes but couldn’t stop the smile creeping onto her lips. “Alright, fine.

Fri, Jan 24

Chapter 93

C

returning in full force. “But I

for photos in front of the sprawling marine–themed fountains. The distinct chatter of multiple languages filled the air, blending with the hum of excitement that seemed to

corner.

tanks stretched from floor to ceiling, their glass walls shimmering under soft blue lights. Schools of brightly colored fish darted

his voice low. “What

head, unable to tear her eyes away from the underwater world before

he teased. “I told you this would

get cocky. We’ve only

a butterflyfish,” Liam said, pointing at a striking yellow fish with bold black stripes swimming near the coral. He leaned slightly toward her, his hand brushing hers. “Did

him off, her lips curving into a small, triumphant

clearly caught off guard. He raised a brow, his grin

that hard to figure out.

fish with a long snout that hovered near a piece of coral. “That’s a pipefish,” she said. “They’re related

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