"I don't want you to force yourself. I want you to read it properly."
Maria was really afraid that Liam wouldn't seriously read it.
It was a popular book she bought with her own intentions at a high price. She hoped that Liam would read it soon and be left with a deep impression that could help when revising it in the future. If he understood the characters in it sooner, it might have a favorable impact on him.
However, she didn't want to reveal her intentions to Liam yet. Things could change a lot in three years, so Maria considered it an intellectual maturity instead of her trying to conceal something.
"Do you not believe me?" Hearing what she said, Liam still smiled warmly. "Relax, I won't treat it half-heartedly. After you leave, I'll read it properly when things settle down."
Maria felt relieved at his reassurance. She saw that it was past ten when she glanced at her watch and hastily said, "Oh no, I need to head back. My parents have been lecturing me these two days for going home late."
"Let's go. I've been pestering you for too long today." She sighed. They got up, and Liam handed Maria her clothes.
The both of them changed their outfits and quickly made their way downstairs.
On the way back, Maria recalled the words of her mother and immediately relayed it to Liam, "By the way, my mom wanted to tell you that the car you helped her repair is working perfectly, and she wanted to thank you!"
"I wasn't the one who repaired it, it was 4S garage." Liam smiled and said, "It took quite some time to get it fixed."
"It doesn't matter. She's not going to be driving it anyway. My dad said that we should just give the car away if we don't drive it. Leaving it idle for a long time will cause it to break down."
Liam nodded. Then he thought of an idea and said, "Let's invite Leah and Ernest out for a meal together before you leave."
Maria was surprised. She turned to look at Liam and asked, "Why the suggestion?"
"I should do so. I'll treat your cousin to a meal and get his help to take care of you in England. It's a fair exchange."
Hearing what Liam said, it sounded as if he regarded her as someone who belonged to him, which was why he thought of asking for such favor from Ernest.
Maria's heart was filled with warmth and happiness. Blushing faintly, she nodded and said, "Okay, we can go out tomorrow."
"Call Leah and let her know after you get home. I'll invite Ernest." Liam had an ulterior motive.
"You're inviting Ernest and Leah to help them get together, aren't you?" Maria didn't think Liam would take the initiative to come up with something like that on his own. He took the initiative, wanting to treat them to a meal, and he probably had some kind of ploy.
"We can plan this, but their fate is ultimately up to them." Liam didn't deny what Maria said. "It all depends on Ernest."
"That's true. Ernest can be rather reserved sometimes, so it's hard to figure out if he'll shoot his shot with Leah."
"Then, well let nature take its course." Liam wasn't overly worried about it.
"Yeah." Maria sighed, feeling like time was passing by too quickly. "I don't know which day Ernest booked our flight tickets for, but it has to be in a few days, so let's have our meal soon. That way I'll have time to pack my belongings too."
"Each moment that you're not preparing for your flight, every spare second you have belongs to me," Liam said in an overbearing manner.
Liam's greed for her made Maria feel warm and content. She was elated at the thought of being wanted.
She agreed without hesitation. "Of course."
At that same night, Maria got home and called Leah. "Hey girl, I'm about to head back to England for my studies. Let's eat out tomorrow, it'll be a treat."
Upon hearing that she was going back to England, Leah was shocked. "Are you returning so soon?"
"School is about to begin," Maria said. "I'm going back with Ernest."
"Okay, sounds neat, let's go for a meal!" Leah accepted the invite graciously. "However, who's treating?"
"My very own Liam," Maria said.
"Your very own Liam?" Leah burst into laughter. "All right then, will Ernest be coming too?"
Hearing Leah willingly bringing up Ernest's name, Maria smiled slyly and said without answering right away, "Do you want Ernest to come along with us?" "Ernest, of course, has to come along." Leah admitted frankly. "If I'm going to be the third wheel without Ernest, I'd stick out like a sore thumb next to you and Liam. So, it's better if Ernest is dragged into this with me."
"Sure, no problem," Maria said. "Liam had already called Ernest. Tentatively, we decided to go out for lunch."
"Why lunch?" Leah asked. "Wouldn't dinner be better?"
Maria did question why Liam wanted to arrange for a lunch, but Liam told her that he would feel more comfortable doing his activities after eating.
Mariah blushed instantly after hearing his words.
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