Shawdows for Sorrow

Chapter:4/4

"Good morning, sir. Why'd you call me in?" Eliza asked, already feeling a knot of anxiety in her stomach.

Liam tapped his pen against his desk. "We have a big event next week. As my secretary, you're in charge of organizing it. And where's that investor list?"

"Here it is, sir. And I have some paperwork for your signature." She handed him the folder.

"Leave it there." He gestured to his desk. He paused, then looked up. His tone was softer than usual, almost hesitant. "Any problems, Ms. Deguzman?"

Eliza's cheeks flushed. "About last night… I'm really sorry," she mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

He chuckled, a short, self-deprecating sound. "No worries."

"I'll get back to work then. I still have paperwork to take care of." She left, relieved to escape the charged atmosphere.

He nodded, returning to his work, but his gaze lingered on the door for a moment longer.

A week later, the event loomed.

"Mom, what do you think? Is this okay for tonight?" Eliza held up her dress, twirling self-consciously.

"Wow! You look stunning! You'll be the belle of the ball!" her mother beamed.

Eliza groaned. "Mom, please! It's a business event, not a beauty pageant."

"Right, right. Just saying you look beautiful." Her mother winked. "Dwayne stopped by yesterday, asking about you. I didn't tell him where you work, of course. Thought you two were over?"

"Mom! Don't tell him where I work, please!" Eliza stressed, suddenly feeling vulnerable.

Her mother nodded, wisely remaining silent as she helped Eliza with her dress.

Eliza's phone buzzed. "Hello, Sir Liam?"

"Picking you up at seven. See you then." He hung up before she could even suggest taking a taxi.

"What's gotten into him?" she muttered, shaking her head.

The doorbell rang. Liam stood on her porch, looking…different. He seemed hesitant, almost shy.

"Sir… are you okay?" Eliza asked, concerned by his unusual demeanor.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. Let's go?" He seemed to snap out of it, offering his arm.

In the car, he said, "You look… different tonight," his gaze lingering on her.

"Thank you," she whispered, feeling a warmth spread through her.

He smiled, a genuine smile this time, and started the car. The air crackled between them, a shift in their usual dynamic.

At the event, an investor approached.

"Mr. Smith, nice to meet you," the investor said enthusiastically.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Jones," Liam replied, shaking his hand. "This is my secretary, Eliza Deguzman."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Eliza said, shaking his hand. "You look beautiful in that dress," the investor added.

"Thank you, sir," she replied, smiling shyly.

Liam's mother approached, flustered. "Liam? Mr. Hwang is here with his daughter. Don't embarrass me!"

"There you are, Mrs. Smith," Mr. Hwang greeted.

"Mr. Hwang," Liam's mother replied, still flustered. Liam's mother whispered to Liam, "Liam...?" She held his arm.

Liam introduced himself to Mr. Hwang and the conversation turned to business. Mr. Hwang expressed his interest in investing, mentioning his daughter's presence and desire to meet Liam.

Liam, with a confident smile, said, "Mr. Hwang, this is my secretary... and my girlfriend. So, please excuse us."

The surprise was palpable. Mr. Hwang's disappointment was evident. Liam's mother's reaction was immediate and furious. She pulled Liam aside, and in a hushed but heated exchange, slapped him in front of Eliza.

"Do you really want to embarrass me? You know his daughter wants you! What if she decides not to invest anymore?" she hissed, her voice tight with anger.

Liam's voice cracked with emotion. "Mom, I'm tired of being your puppet! I'm done following your orders. You only think about Mr. Hwang! What about me? I'm your son!"

His mother's voice rose. "Because of this girl, you're talking back to me? You, girl, what did you do to my son?" She shoved Eliza, her anger escalating.

Liam intervened, his voice sharp with pain. "Mom!!! Stop it!!! Don't blame Elie. Don't blame anyone for your useless complaints! That's why my brother left us! Because of you! He doesn't talk to me anymore because I favored you! Elie, let's go."

He took Eliza's hand and walked away, tears streaming down his face. Liam's mother was left speechless, stunned by her son's outburst.

Outside, Eliza's voice was laced with concern. "Are you alright, sir?" Her heart ached for him. She wanted to comfort him, but hesitated. Liam looked utterly broken. When he finally spoke, his voice was rough.

"Don't mind me," he murmured. "I'll take you home. See you at the office tomorrow."

He turned and left, his shoulders slumped with defeat. Eliza watched him go, a deep sadness settling in her heart.