Chapter 303

"Come with me." Liam Sullivan tightened his grip on her hand, a mysterious curve gracing his lips.

Vivian Bennett's fingertips trembled slightly.

The heat from his palm was scorching, as if it could melt her entire being.

"Where to?" Her voice tightened.

Every touch felt like testing the boundaries of her heartbeat.

Liam chuckled softly. "A secret."

He pulled her into a run, the wind rushing past their ears.

The setting sun stretched their shadows long across the ground.

Vivian kicked off her high heels, her bare feet meeting the cobblestone path.

Pebbles dug into her soles, yet she laughed with wild abandon.

Liam glanced back at her, his eyes reflecting the evening glow.

They raced forward like fugitives eloping, reckless and carefree.

Only when they reached the parking lot did he gently shake her awake.

Vivian rubbed her eyes and looked out the window.

The bloody remnants of sunset stained the sky, surrounded by empty silence.

"Where is this?" She frowned in confusion.

Liam suddenly removed his tie and blindfolded her.

Darkness descended, and her body instinctively tensed.

"Don't be afraid." His voice was low, laced with hypnotic charm.

His fingers brushed her ankle as he slipped her shoes back on.

Vivian shrank away, but he firmly held her wrist.

Each step felt like walking into nothingness.

Only the warmth of his palm felt real and tangible.

A gentle breeze caressed her face, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees.

The tie suddenly loosened, and a burst of vibrant color flooded her vision.

Crimson leaves covered the ground like burning flames, forming a long, luxurious carpet.

Layer upon layer of maple leaves dyed the entire sky red.

Vivian stood frozen, her breath catching.

"Do you like it?" Liam picked up a maple leaf and held it before her.

Its veins stood out clearly like blood vessels, a breathtaking shade of red.

"The fall foliage of the Smoky Mountains..." she murmured, her fingertips lightly tracing the leaf's edge.

Liam watched her delighted figure with a smile.

Vivian twirled among the red leaves, her skirt blooming in a brilliant arc.

Turning around, she collided with his deep gaze.

The man leaned casually against a maple tree, lazily twirling a red leaf between his fingers.

Vivian quickly looked away, pressing her palm against her racing heart.

It's over.

He had enchanted her again.