Kendis' POV
"Mrs. Brown?"
Urgh!
"It's time for breakfast."
I don't want to…
"Mrs. Brown, please wake up."
Please…
"Mrs. Brown–"
The sudden disturbance stopped and I felt relieved–
For a short time
Out of blue my blanket was pulled causing my body to drag along with it. Before I could process, I was pushed down; hitting my back and head on the floor below.
Thud!
"Ah, what the hell–" My words died in my mouth when I was pulled back on my feet; hastily.
"Ouch!" What's wrong–
"Get up and get going. Don't be lazy." The grip on my hand tightened as I was hauled to one side mercilessly enough to make my sleep disappear.
"Liam!" I grunted angrily before finally seeing him for the first time in the morning.
He was dressed as usual in his suit. Charcoal black that made him appear way more serious. However, his beauty wasn't enough to calm my anger down.
"Is this any human way to wake someone up?" I questioned; my eyes were throwing daggers in his direction, resisting not to massage the arm that he gripped tightly.
"She tried humanly but it failed." He replied casually giving me an overall glance that infuriated me even more.
Ugh! Truth be told, I really wasn't in the mood to see him.
I hate him for waking me up; that too inhumanly. Surely, I will take my revenge on him someday!
"Make it quick! My parents are joining us for breakfast." He shouted and I halted in my steps.
Suddenly, I felt drained and tired.
I wanted to escape quickly. But I can't.
Sadly, I took a shower and accepted the dress by Halen who seemed to say something when I was heading downstairs. Meanwhile, Fionna spotted me and waved and I put on the same big smile for her while greeting them.
As expected, Rick and Fionna were heading to their vacation home. They will take a break from business before handling only important stuff. Rick was discussing something important when Fiona called out my name in urgency.
"Oh my… Kendis, what happened to you?" Her worried voice caught everyone's attention and startled me.
"What?" I asked and she was beside me, caressing my arm.
I flinched and noticed the prominent bruise on my pale skin.
Shit!
My eyes fleeted to Liam involuntarily and saw him tighten his lips. I might have made a mistake as Fiona traced my gaze and sat there with heavy silence.
"Liam? Is there something that you want to tell us?" She questioned and my heart was running at a lightening speed seeing her anger.
"Nothing." He answered unwaveringly.
"You sure because this…" Fiona pointed at my arm and continued, "doesn't seem like nothing."
This time I was really speechless. She had sharp eyes even at the age of around forty eight.
"Why do you assume it's me?" He questioned his mom, giving me a calculative look.
He clearly hated me for something he did. Was he expecting me to hide it?
A loud sigh from Rick took me aback. I saw him shaking his head and felt guilty for ruining their mood. I do believe this was unintentional. There was no point in dragging this matter on and spoiling their moods.
Thus, before anyone can say further, I stopped them by placing a hand on Fiona's arm gently.
"Mom, it was an accident. I hit the bathroom door earlier today." I smiled sweetly but Fiona shared a look with Rick before letting it go.
"Fine! But remember what I told you last time, okay?" Fiona was really a sweetheart.
She was as sweet as my mom. I promised and was glad when the topic was dropped.
However, the matter wasn't dissolved yet. I realized this when they left. Liam turned me around and invaded my close space. I fell back on the cabinet, placed next to the main entrance; tumbling a flower vase over.
Crash!
I flinched with the sound and wanted to turn around but was grabbed in place by a furious Liam.
"Good work, Kendis! You did this intentionally, right?" He threatened while I stared at his fierce eyes.
"N-No." I retorted but could see it add fuel to his fire.
"Oh really? You want to say that you couldn't see this while showering?" He questioned intensely studying my face.
Weird enough, my face heated to get his attention and because I was conscious of my appearance.
"Yes!" I replied, looking away.
I can't take it anymore… He makes me nervous.
Instantly, he grabbed my face and squeezed my cheeks tightly, throwing me off my track. I pushed him off but he was too angry.
"It's the first time my own mom questioned me over a girl. Because of you she doubted me. If this happens again, I swear I'll make your life hell. Don't forget you're just a substituted wife!" He then let go and left hurriedly as his bodyguard followed behind him, scurrying to get his car readied for me.
As for me, I was shocked–completely!
It's not like I wanted to be his wife. Nor was it that I did this intentionally. On the other hand he should have thanked me rather than threatening me.
Pondering, I lost my balance and hit my back with the cabinet wondering what actually occurred. I was really upset and angry.
He is a jerk!
"Madam!"
I let a woman help me and apologized clumsily.
"Halen, right?" I asked her name and she nodded.
"Can you tell me when Liam will be back?" I asked and she gave me a sad look.
"Yes, Madam. Master will be here for dinner." She replied and I thanked her before returning back to my room.
Now that I see, I was really hurt. The bruise on my arm sure looked like fingers. But I hated how things turned without me doing anything.
It was always this way! Always!
First my dad, then mom and now me. Maybe, our family is cursed. I flopped back on the bed and cried; not wanting to, unexpectedly falling asleep.
Ring… Ring…
The loud ringing caused me to awake and I instantly answered the phone without looking at the caller id.
"Hello?"
"Kendis! Where are you?"
Whatever sleep in my eyes was left flew out of the window when I heard my mom's voice.
"Mom? How are you? Are you okay? Did something happen?" I asked, remembering Liam's fierce eyes.
Did he do something?
Fear took hold of me and I started to worry about all sorts of scenarios.
"No, but where are you? You cut the call abruptly that day and haven't contacted me since then. I don't even know where you live. I am worried." Her words twisted my heart and I felt tears brimming in my eyes again.
Can I really tell her? She will be worried even more.
"We can talk about that later. For now, I am doing well mom. By the way, did uncle David come across you recently?" I asked and heard her take a deep sigh.
"That's what's troubling me, Ken. Your uncle has suddenly gone MIA. I'm worried if he is planning something bigger this time." That does make sense.
"Don't worry about that mom. I promise things will improve soon." I said and that might have shocked her.
"Um… You do sound sad but I won't force you to tell me. I am sure you will do it when you want to. Meanwhile, take good care of yourself, dear. You are the only one I have." And I cried hearing her trembling voice.
With the end of the call I had fallen back to the despair of my life. I can only hope Liam will help me. That being said, I can't afford to anger him anymore. After all, he is holding the upper hand here.
I picked up the phone and absent-mindedly dialed a number–
"Hey, can we meet?"
***
Dressing up in simple casuals, I left only to hesitate a little seeing Halen. I wanted a car. Though, I am not sure if I can ask for one. Seeing me, Halen initiated the conversation.
"Madam, do you need something?" She asked softly and I nodded.
"Um… Halen, will it be okay to use one of Liam's cars? I am sure he might have many." I whispered the last sentence under my breath.
Isn't it usually like that? Rich people have a huge collection of cars.
"Sure, madam. I'll ask one of the drivers to–" She started but I refused.
"No need. I can drive myself." I implied and saw her bite her tongue back.
Finally, to my relief, she nodded and proceeded to call someone.
"Ma'am, your car will be waiting now in the driveway." She informed me and my gloomy face brightened up.
Thanking her, I left happily. Foolishly believing that I was being discreet. The small cafe was far from Liam's mansion; which was a good thing. I parked my car in the shade ensuring it was hidden well and cautiously peeked inside the cafe.
My heart jumped in joy seeing the familiar figure; winking at me. I smiled and swiftly went inside; embracing my best friend– Mark Fang.
"Hiiiii!" He mumbled in my hair as he rubbed his hand on my back before we pulled apart.
"Wow, you really did miss me, huh?" He teased and I nodded, taking him aback.
"What happened?" He questioned as we took our seats with my facing the wall of the cafe.
I stared at his soft face that had brown-long curls making him seem like a cute guy with passion. Mark might be slightly shorter than Liam but a big darling at heart. Once he let the waitress put my drink and sandwich, I sighed and reached for it.
"Oh my god!" The sudden loudness from Mark scared me.
He grabbed my hand and I smacked my head inwardly. Of course the ring!
Since I hadn't retrieved the wedding ring that day, Liam got me another one. He didn't want his parents seeing me without a ring. I was forced to wear it daily to get unnecessary attention so I totally forgot to remove it before coming here.
"Bitch you got married?" He almost screamed that I had to cover his mouth immediately.
"Shut up! Can we not shout?" I whispered only to receive his disappointed look.
I felt guilty for some reason. He sure wasn't happy.
"Does your mom know?" He questioned and I lowered my head in shame.
He clicked his tongue in annoyance and clearly in disbelief.
Even though we were the only customers at this time, I felt humiliated.
"God no! Don't tell me you sold off yourself to get money for the debt!" He said upset about the whole scene.
My head lifted in shock but was staring at him blankly when he continued–
"No, you're not that kind of person. Did he force you? Is it a blackmail case? Tell me? I will put that bastard in his place. You don't have to do this. Tell me, tell me did you sleep with him?" Mark grabbed my shoulders and shook me roughly.
His frustration and anger baffled me. I was at a loss for words. Out of all reactions, I never imagined him to be this mad.
However, my thoughts and his actions came to a stop when out of blue, a strong punch landed on his handsome face.
Smack!
My jaw fell and I just watched him stumble and fall back in slow motion; holding his face.
"FUCK!"