Jin Liwei allowed himself to be hit by the pillows she threw at him in her distress. He fought to stay calm seeing her so agitated again. He couldn't understand why she was so against getting bodyguards, but this was not the right time to question her.
Climbing on the bed, he firmly pulled her in his arms. She struggled and pushed him away, but he held on, stroking her back and gently soothing her. He didn't say anything, just continued to embrace her.
"I don't want bodyguards," she mumbled.
"Alright," he replied in a gentle tone. He would find another time to discuss it with her when she was feeling better and more receptive to the idea. He was really worried about her safety.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Promise?"
He hesitated before carefully answering, "I promise, for now."
She pursed her lips, understanding his meaning. Now that she calmed down, she realized that she overreacted. She knew that they were just concerned about her, but the idea of bodyguards following her around just reminded her too much of her previous life.
Her father and older brother in her previous life loved her very much, that was why they wanted her safe and protected, especially with their family's special background. She loved them very much too, but deep inside there was a small part of her that hated them for loving her too much, too strongly, too tightly. Their love was suffocating.
She knew that the original Iris' father was a good man who cared for his children even when he wasn't an outwardly affectionate person. He was generous and protected his children behind the scenes. However, he was basically a stranger to the current her.
These two men cared about her, she knew that. She also wanted to deepen her relationships with them. As a daughter to Long Tengfei, and as a lover to Jin Liwei. But she wouldn't allow them to decide things for her without informing her or asking her permission first.
Iris Long wasn't a caged bird like Evelina. She had a choice now which she never had before.
She looked at Jin Liwei's eyes. "I will be the one to decide whether I want bodyguards or not. And if I ever do, I'll get my own."
"Fine. But do think about it, baby. I don't want a repeat of you getting attacked again."
"Okay."
"Goo―" He was about to say "good girl" but stopped himself just in time. He cleared his throat. "Great to hear," he said instead.
Fine. She didn't want him deciding for her, but she didn't forbid him from giving recommendations. He would make her a list of the best bodyguard agencies and help her choose which candidates would be the most suitable for her.
Feeling much better, she leaned against his chest and hugged him back. His familiar embrace was comforting.
He kissed the top of her head. She tilted her face up to him, inviting him. Of course he was more than happy to oblige. His mouth descended and kissed her.
The two had already forgotten that there were other people in the room besides them.
A cough. It was Long Tengfei.
The couple continued kissing.
A louder cough.
Surprisingly, it was Jin Liwei who broke the kiss first. Iris finally remembered that her "father" was present. A blush crawled up her face, giving much-needed colour to her pallor.
"Ehehehe." A familiar laugh interrupted the awkward atmosphere.
"Dominic Chua!" Cao Guang barked and then quickly turned to everyone. "I apologize for my nephew's bad manners. Please forgive him. I'll lecture him later."
"It's alright," Iris said. "Dom is fine just the way he is."
"Thank you, Young Miss! It's my nephew's good fortune to be your assistant. Dominic, you brat. Get up from the bed and stop pretending to be asleep. We already know that you're awake. Go apologize to everyone."
"You brat! How can you be so disrespectful? I'll call your mother later."
Dom immediately looked alarmed and jumped off the bed. "What?! No! Uncle, please don't! Momsy will beat the crap out of my handsome self! You want that dragon to fly over here all the way from the Philippines and terrorize everyone? I'll apologize, okay? I'm sorry! Sorry, boss! Sorry, sir boss! Sorry, papa boss! I'm sorry for…sorry for, uhm…eh? What did I do again? Uncle, why do I need to apologize?"
"You―" Cao Guang clutched his chest and looked like he wanted to beat up this nephew of his. He regretted that he didn't train the young man in manners before sending him to work for the Young Miss. The worst part was that President Long Tengfei was there to witness everything. What would he do if the President thought that all his family members were without manners? He wouldn't have any face left. So shameful!
Then laughter like the tinkle of crystal bells filled the room.
Everyone stopped. It was as if they were all mesmerized by her lovely voice.
Jin Liwei's eyes darkened with desire, looking intensely at his baby girl. He wanted to kiss her again. Too bad there were other people in the room and one of them was her father. After the surge of lust was relief that she was finally showing a cheerful expression.
Her bad mood that he experienced for the first time since last night was like an unpredictable storm that he had no choice but to endure. Seeing her beautiful, laughing face again was like seeing the bright sun finally peeking through the dark thunderclouds. Such a wonderful feeling!
"Don't be so strict on Dom," Iris told Cao Guang. "I can't imagine a better assistant for me than him."
"Boss…" Dom's eyes watered. "And I can't imagine a better boss for me than you! You're the best boss in the whole wide world! I love you, boss!"
But he had to control them. Seeing his baby girl collapse like a lifeless body in front of him was terrifying. He didn't want to experience it ever again.
He swore he was going to make her happy. If he had to spend the rest of his life to do so, so be it.
