In Her Pond: The CEO’s Obsession

---- Chapter 9 Ryan sighed. "Alright, you know her best." Then he added, "But I heard this dinner might look like a birthday party on the surface, when in reality, the O'Briens are using it to scout potential suitors. "Maybe you should come back early. There are plenty of eligible bachelors here tonight." Hubert replied, "Nonsense. She despises arranged marriages. It doesn't matter how many men show up. None of them will matter to her. "Pl be back by the end of the month.

The one I'm with right now is too clingy; even if I wanted to leave early, I couldn't." Realizing it was pointless to argue, Ryan kept quiet, feeling more like a nervous servant than a concerned friend. The room buzzed with chatter as guests came up to wish mea happy birthday. My mom leaned in, her tone affectionate but firm. "You know you're our only daughter, sweetheart. Your father and I will eventually hand the company over to you." She linked her arm through mine, steering me toward ---- someone across the room. "Darling, Liam rarely comes back to the country.

I know you've never liked him, but the Park family..." "T don't mind," I said, cutting in smoothly. The calmness of my answer made her pause, surprised. I could admit now that I'd been naive before. Love was fleeting. Only power lasted. 'The comfort and security I''d known for over twenty years were built on the O'Brien family's century-old legacy. But in recent years, that foundation had begun to crack-our projects were constantly being snatched away by rising, competitors. When it came to strategic alliances, the Parks were the smartest choice.

Whether I loved or didn't love someone didn't matter so much anymore. [So, this is what rich-people matchmaking looks like? Someone please switch me back to the small-town drama channel.] ---- [Come on, why can't the female lead just stay single and fabulous? Who needs another marriage plotline?) {I don't see the problem. If all men are the same, why not marry one with money and power? It'd help her career and her family's business, and let's be honest, the second male lead's hot and loyal. She could do worse. Plus, a husband with benefits isn't such a bad deal, right?

Hehe.) From a distance, Liam stood out ina perfectly tailored suit, his collar slightly open-every bit the picture of refined grace. Beside him, his grandfather, Herman Park, spoke with a smile before the two of them began walking toward me. "Happy birthday, Rose," Liam said warmly. Iclinked my glass lightly against his. "Thank you." After the usual pleasantries exchanged between our families, Herman chuckled. "You two young people should spend some time getting to know each other." Out on the rooftop garden, Liam and I found ourselves alone.

When the topic of marriage came up, he said, "If you're uncomfortable with it, you don't have to agree." [Oh sure, 'you don't have to agree,' right. Let's see him try ---- not to lose his mind if she actually says no.] (Exactly! Who was it that cried for three days in high school after she said yes to another guy? Hm?] My chest tightened slightly. Then I smiled and reached out a hand. "I don't mind. Let's make it a good partnership." His gaze lowered as he clasped my hand. The next second, he tugged gently, pulling me into his arms.

Camera shutters clicked around us in rapid succession, and I heard his calm voice by my ear. "If we're going to call ita partnership, then we'll need to look the part." For amoment, I froze before the meaning sank in.