Taming My Sugar Mommy

Liam opened the door just as Christina was about to knock. She hadn't expected it to move so suddenly, and her raised fist, mid-motion, ended up brushing against his chest instead. She blinked in surprise, dropping her hand.

His firm posture caught her off guard. 'Why am I so aware of his presence'? she wondered, her pulse quickening slightly.

"Sorry," Liam said, a slight concern in his voice. "Did that hurt your hand?"

Christina quickly stepped back, shaking off her thoughts. 'Keep your composure', she reminded herself.

"No," she replied, her tone calm but rushed. "I should be the one apologizing." She studied him briefly, her sharp eyes noticing the crooked tie. "You're dressed already," she added, tilting her head slightly.

"Mostly," Liam admitted, giving her a sheepish grin as he tugged at the stubborn knot.

Without another word, Christina stepped closer. "Let me." Her fingers worked quickly, brushing lightly against his chest. For a moment, she was acutely aware of the warmth radiating from him.'Focus on the task', she chided herself inwardly.

"There," she said, stepping back. Her expression was composed, though her mind lingered for a brief moment longer than it should have.

"Thanks," Liam said, straightening his jacket. 'There's something about her that I can't quite figure out', he thought.

"Now, breakfast," she said firmly. "You need to eat before we leave.

As they made their way downstairs, they were met by Chef Maria bustling in the kitchen. Maria's warm presence filled the space. "Good morning, Mr. Campbell. What shall I prepare for your breakfast today?"

"Just coffee would be perfect, thanks," Liam replied, settling onto a barstool.

Maria's eyes narrowed playfully. "Coffee is not breakfast, caro mio. In my kitchen, we don't let handsome young men start their day on an empty stomach."

"Maria, really—"

"No, no, no! I have fresh croissants from the oven, eggs just the way you like them..." She was already moving through her domain with practiced grace, ingredients appearing as if by magic.

Liam chuckled, recognizing defeat. "You're impossible to argue with, you know that?"

"It's a gift," she winked, sliding a plate in front of him.

---

Stepping outside, Liam felt the crisp morning air on his face. His mood lightened further when his eyes landed on the sleek black car parked near the entrance. The vehicle was an understated display of wealth, its polished surface gleaming in the sunlight. The driver, dressed impeccably, stood by the car with a posture that exuded quiet confidence.

Christina followed Liam into the car, her presence both reassuring and protective. As the vehicle pulled away from the estate, Liam allowed himself a moment to take in the serene morning scenery.

---

They were about thirty kilometers from the company when the silence in the car stretched too far. Liam finally broke it.

"Who is Seraphina Ravenswood to Lady Isabella?"

Christina looked at him, her tone measured as she replied, "You mean Lady Seraphina."

Liam nodded slightly, catching her subtle correction.

"They attended the same college in Italy—Politecnico di Milano. Their families have ties that go back years. The Ravenswoods are one of the wealthiest and most respected noble families in Italy."

Liam leaned back in his seat, mulling over her words. So, she's connected to that world. "I guess that makes sense. She carries herself like someone from that world."

Christina glanced at him, her expression softening. "She's every bit as remarkable as her family name suggests."

Liam hummed thoughtfully. 'After seeing that car and how her driver handles himself, I can't say I'm surprised.'

Later on, when they arrived at Ashworth Luxury Events, Liam's driver stepped out with practiced ease, opening the door for him. Christina followed closely, her protective instincts on high alert as they approached the towering structure of the company.

Liam stopped just outside the building, letting his gaze sweep over its sleek glass exterior. Sunlight bounced off the surface, giving it a sharp, almost weightless look, like it had been designed to catch the sky. There was something about the place—modern, refined, but not cold. It didn't just exist; it made a statement.

Stepping inside, he exhaled quietly. The lobby was just as striking, but in a way that felt personal rather than showy. The high ceilings gave the space an open, effortless grandeur, softened by the warm glow of chandeliers. Splashes of color from fresh floral arrangements broke up the clean, neutral tones, while bold artwork added personality without trying too hard.

Everything here had a purpose. Nothing was random, nothing out of place. It was polished, creative, and precise—just like Isabella.

Christina remained close, her presence steady as they moved further into the building. Liam couldn't help but wonder how one woman could create something so extraordinary. This place is incredible. It's like stepping into a different world.

Liam followed Christina through the corridors of Ashworth Luxury Events, his footsteps muffled by the polished marble floors. The place had a quiet kind of wealth—not flashy, just confident. The lighting was soft, the air carried a faint trace of expensive cologne, and everything felt… intentional.

He glanced at the artwork lining the walls. It wasn't just decoration. Someone had chosen each piece with purpose, though whether it was to impress guests or tell a story, he couldn't tell. Either way, it worked. The whole place exuded a subtle, unspoken elegance.

Up ahead, Christina walked with the kind of ease that suggested she belonged here. Liam wasn't so sure he did.

Christina stopped in front of a set of ornate double doors, her expression as calm and composed as ever. She turned to him and said, "This is where you'll be working." Her voice carried its usual firmness, but there was a faint warmth in her tone.

Liam adjusted his tie, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.

The main office opened up into a sleek, modern space flooded with natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased a panoramic view of the city, while carefully arranged greenery brought a touch of nature into the contemporary design. Every desk and detail seemed purposeful, as though the room had been crafted to inspire both focus and creativity.

At the far end of the room, a striking woman stood by a desk, scanning a tablet in her hands.

"You must be Mr. Campbell," she said, extending her hand. Her voice was smooth and steady, with a friendly edge. "I'm Sarah Bennett, operations manager here at Ashworth Luxury Events. Welcome."

Liam took her hand, meeting her gaze. "Thank you, Ms. Bennett. The pleasure is mine."

Sarah's handshake lingered for just a moment longer than necessary. Her eyes seemed to appraise him, though her smile never wavered. "Ms. Bennett sounds far too formal," she said with a small chuckle. "Sarah is fine."

Sarah Bennett was the kind of person who immediately commanded attention—not through force but through a quiet confidence. Her tailored navy dress complemented her sharp features, and the way she carried herself spoke of someone who knew exactly how to manage both people and situations.

Her dark, shoulder-length hair framed her face perfectly, and her piercing blue eyes locked onto Liam as he entered. She set the tablet down and approached him with measured grace, her heels clicking softly on the floor.

"Of course. Thank you, Sarah," Liam replied, his tone warm yet restrained.

Christina stood quietly at Liam's side, her presence unobtrusive but watchful. Around them, the quiet murmur of activity in the office shifted. Subtle glances and whispers passed between the staff, though no one dared to make it obvious.

"Is that the new assistant?" someone whispered faintly.

"I see why she replaced the last one," another murmured, the tone tinged with both awe and amusement.

Sarah's sharp ears caught the murmurs, and she cast a quick glance toward the staff, silencing them with nothing more than her presence. She turned back to Liam, her smile returning, though now with a hint of knowing amusement.

"Don't mind them," she said lightly. "A new face always stirs up a bit of excitement around here."

Liam offered a polite nod, choosing to focus on Sarah rather than the quiet buzz around him.

"This will be your workspace," Sarah said, gesturing to an immaculately organized desk near her office. "Close enough for us to communicate easily but private enough for you to focus. I hope it suits you."

The desk was pristine and thoughtfully arranged, fitting perfectly within the balance of the room's design. Liam gave a small smile. "It's more than I could've asked for. Thank you."

Sarah's smile deepened, her gaze lingering on him for a moment before she gestured toward the room. "Christina will give you a proper tour and help you settle in. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, Sarah," Liam said again, his tone measured but sincere.

As Christina turned to lead him away, Sarah's eyes followed them for just a beat longer than necessary. The hum of whispers resumed the moment they were out of earshot, though Liam paid them no mind.

Walking beside Christina, he finally broke the silence. "That went... well, I think?"

Christina glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "You made an impression."

He chuckled softly. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"For now," she said, her tone carrying a faint hint of humor.

___

The day passed quickly, filled with meetings and introductions. By the time they were heading home, the sun had dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

As they drove through the winding roads leading back to the estate, the calm was suddenly shattered.

Out of nowhere, a truck swerved into their lane, its headlights glaring like an oncoming storm.

The driver jerked the wheel, but it was too late. The collision was catastrophic.

The sound of metal crunching and glass shattering filled the air as the car was hurled off the road. When the vehicle finally came to a stop, the silence was deafening.

Christina groaned as she pulled herself up, her body aching from the impact. She glanced at Liam. He was unconscious, his chest bleeding heavily. The driver was slumped over the wheel, motionless.

Panic surged through her veins, but she forced herself to focus. "Liam," she whispered, her voice trembling.

She had no medical supplies, and time was running out. Desperate, she yanked off her jacket and pressed it against the wound, but the blood kept seeping through. The fabric was too thick—it wasn't absorbing enough.

She needed something softer, something that would soak up the blood while still applying pressure. Her eyes darted down. Her bra. It was made of cotton, far more absorbent than the synthetic lining of her jacket.

With no time to hesitate, she reached behind her back and unclasped it, pulling it free. The cold night air bit at her skin, but she ignored it, quickly balling up the fabric and pressing it firmly to Liam's wound.

"Liam," she called again, her voice breaking.

His eyes fluttered open, his gaze locking onto hers. For a second, the warmth of her skin against his seemed to ground him, pulling him back from the brink.

"Christina…" he murmured weakly, his voice barely audible.

"I'm here," she said softly, her eyes brimming with tears. "Stay with me. Help is on the way."

Her heart raced as she kept pressure on the wound, praying that he would hold on. The connection between them deepened in that moment, unspoken but undeniable.