"Rule 1—never allow another man to touch you. Only I can."
"Rule 2—don't stare at other men… except me."
"Rule 3—if you need anything, whether big or small, you come to me."
"Rule 4—never refuse any gift I give you."
"Rule 5—always answer my calls."
Liam finished, his eyes fixed on Hazel.
Hazel took a deep breath. "Hmm… I can follow most of them, but rules 1 and 2 will be different."
He raised a brow.
"I'm a dancer. People will have to touch me during practice, and I'll have to look at them too," she explained calmly. "But don't worry, even if this is my first relationship, I'm not the type to betray you."
Liam studied her for a moment… then nodded slightly.
"But I have my rules too," Hazel added.
A faint smile appeared on his lips. "Fine. I'm listening."
Hazel straightened.
"Rule 1—no one must know about our relationship. It stays secret."
"Rule 2—don't boss me around."
Since he can make strange rules… I can too, she thought.
"Rule 3—you must stay at least three feet away from other women. I get jealous easily."
"Rule 4—you must respect my decisions."
"Rule 5—don't just show up anywhere. Inform me first."
Liam chuckled softly.
"Your rules 3 and 5 are… interesting."
"What's wrong with them?" she asked, frowning.
"Since you can't fully follow two of my rules," he said calmly, "I won't fully follow rules 3 and 5."
Truthfully… a part of him wanted to see her jealous.
"Your contact," he said, handing her his phone.
Hazel typed in her number and handed it back.
"And one more thing," she added quickly. "If you want to see me, don't wear suits. Dress normally. People will suspect you."
Liam tilted his head slightly. "Is my suit not good, love?"
Hazel shrugged. "Hmm… you look like a 50-year-old man in a suit."
His expression darkened slightly.
"Since you're 27, shouldn't you dress casually when meeting your girlfriend—"
Her words were cut off as he suddenly pulled her closer and kissed her.
Hazel froze… then slowly responded, her heart racing.
When he pulled back, his gaze lingered on her.
"How do I look in a suit?" he asked again, his voice low.
Hazel looked away, flustered. "Like… a middle-aged man."
She was lying.
He looked dangerously attractive in a suit.
He leaned closer again, his presence overwhelming.
"Don't lie to me."
Hazel swallowed.
"…Fine," she whispered. "You look… really good. Too good. You attract too much attention."
A smirk appeared on his lips.
"That's better."
After a moment, he pulled away completely, and she quickly adjusted her clothes, breathing out in relief.
"Then we'll go shopping," he said casually.
He signaled the driver. "Drive to the mall."
"Yes, sir."
Hazel opened her bag. "Since you didn't bring a mask or cap, I'll handle it."
She wore a nose mask, tied her hair into a bun, and put on a cap.
"Okay, let's go."
At the mall, they bought several matching outfits.
After shopping, Liam paid for everything without hesitation.
Back in the car—
"Are you hungry?" he asked.
Hazel shook her head. "No, I'm on a diet. I ate a lot yesterday."
He nodded.
"Are you coming tomorrow?" she asked.
"No. I have business in Mexico. I'll be back the day after tomorrow," he replied.
"Mexico…" she murmured.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated.
She checked it—
And froze.
"Two million dollars?!"
She turned to him in shock. "Y-you sent this?"
"Mm."
"This is too much! I can't take it!"
Liam frowned slightly. "Too small? I can send more."
"No! It's too much!"
"Rule 4," he reminded calmly.
Hazel paused… then sighed.
"…Thank you."
"You're my girlfriend," he said. "And my future wife. You don't need to thank me."
Hazel looked at him.
He's still serious about marriage…
She forced a small smile.
"Wait… how did you get my account details?"
Liam only hummed.
"…Never mind," she said quickly.
They soon arrived at her dorm.
Before she stepped out, Liam's voice turned cold.
"Hazel… you're mine."
She froze.
"No one has the right to touch you. No one has the right to want you."
His gaze darkened.
"And anyone who tries…"
He didn't finish the sentence.
But she understood.
Hazel sighed softly, picked up her shopping bags, then leaned in and kissed his cheek.
"Good night."
She quickly got out and ran inside.
Liam touched his cheek slightly.
"…Warm."
"Drive," he ordered.
Hazel entered her dorm.
"Haze! I missed you!" Dior rushed over. "So? What happened? Did he accept?"
Hazel nodded. "Yes… he agreed to be my boyfriend."
Dior squealed. "Ahh! You have a boyfriend now!"
Hazel laughed nervously. "I was scared he wouldn't accept."
"Well, I'm happy for you!" Dior said. "Maybe I can meet his brother for my modeling job."
"Hmm…"
"Oh! Vorden is hosting a cooking video," Dior added. "If it goes well, he might get invited to a cooking show!"
"That's amazing. I wish him luck."
"He needs judges to taste his food," Dior continued. "The company sent one, but he needs two more—so he wants us."
Hazel smiled. "I can't say no to my best friend."
"Good!"
Dior narrowed her eyes playfully. "But now I'm jealous… I'm no longer your only best friend."
Hazel laughed. "You are."
"Did you go shopping with him again?"
"Yes… these are couple outfits."
"Hmm… just keep it secret."
"I will."
Dior suddenly gasped. "Hazel—you know the rule!"
Hazel froze.
"…Oh no."
She smacked her forehead.
It was their friendship rule—
Whoever gets into a relationship first must treat the others to dinner.
Dior grinned.
"Start saving your money, babe."
Hazel sighed dramatically.
"This relationship is already expensive…"