Kendis' POV
Holly Molly!
I turned my head and my face lost its color seeing Liam coming closer to a bodyguard who just punched Mark in his face.
What the–
"Argghhh! Dammit!" Mark winced as she tried to stand up.
I struggled to reach out to him and help him stand but was stopped by that bodyguard again. Watching in horror, I gasped as the bodyguard grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him back to his feet. Before he could punch him again, I firmly ordered him–
"STOP!"
The bodyguard stopped and glanced at Liam who in turn was looking at me with a displeased look.
I realized Liam was a very important person in this matter. So, I faced him and requested him to let go of Mark.
Thankfully, he gestured to the bodyguard to let him go. Unfortunately, though, Mark fell back on the floor with a bleeding nose.
The happiness to see a friend was short lived seeing the circumstance he was in now due to me. I was at fault here.
Liam didn't seem to be in a mood and grabbed my hand, dragging me outside the cafe. My eyes caught a glimpse of the scared barista and tears welled up in them. These guys have known me for quite a long time. How would this affect my image in their eyes?
Nevertheless, I didn't have a heart to argue with Liam at present. I might sob or wail like a kid. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw them rush to Mark, helping them while his eyes studied my retreating back.
With a heavy heart, I let Liam haul me and let me go as he opened the car's door to let me in. Without saying a word, I obliged. Though, the car's confinement made me uncomfortable by sharing the same space as with him.
"Is that your boyfriend?" He asked, taking me by surprise.
I mean, I didn't take him for the guy to rush things. Wasn't it better to discuss this matter at home?
With the driver and the bodyguard in hearing range, I felt embarrassed with his misunderstanding.
My eyes found his face and I gulped seeing the anger on his usual-serious face.
"That's not it." I answered and saw him hump in annoyance.
He crossed his arms across his chest before slumping his shoulders in the seat. I could only watch him from the sidelines.
"I don't really care. However, you should watch your actions now that you are Mrs. Brown. Live up to that name. It might just be substitution for me but my name is no joke; not my family's reputation. Also, I am still your legal husband. Shouldn't you be more aware of it?" He questioned with a hard tone that rendered me speechless.
Really?
I am a substitute wife but I have to fulfill my obligations as a real wife. Then what about him?
"Next time don't let me see your carelessness. Understand?" Liam's voice was strained.
Our eyes met and I gulped not sure why though.
"Then… Will you be fulfilling your duties as a husband too?" I asked meekly and noticed his eyes widen for a fraction of a second.
"Kendis!" He breathed as if controlling very hard.
I could see his lips tighten in order to restrain himself back from whatever he wanted to have said.
"What?" I questioned; fearing inwardly for provoking him.
However, isn't it fair?
If he wishes me to fulfill my duties as his wife then that goes both ways. Not that I wanted to take that place, anyway.
Surprisingly, he didn't say anything and turned his face away. His facial features became sharp from the side-view. He is really handsome.
Then why would Candice leave him?
Whatever! I could care less.
***
It was hard spending the rest of the time. Mark refused to answer my calls and messages. I knew he was pissed off but to think that this might have dented our friendship sucks. I couldn't focus anywhere and was sad.
"Mrs. Brown, the dinner is ready." Halen informed me, seemingly hesitant.
"Is Liam back?" I asked and she averted her gaze immediately.
"He said he will." She replied to which I nodded.
I don't feel like eating anymore. It's probably best to eat before he comes. Thinking, I scurried off to the dining table and started to eat.
However, things weren't in my favor.
When I was about to take a walk in the front garden, I was stupefied by what I was seeing. A few bodyguards walked behind Liam who was holding a girl by his side. They were smiling purely and somehow, I felt troubled with this.
I had no time to compose my bodily actions when Liam spotted me. They halted at the doorway and he smirked evilly.
"Oh, wh-who is this Mr. Brown?" The girl asked reluctantly about my presence.
Liam squeezed her shoulder intentionally before turning his face and placing a kiss on her lips.
Outrageous!
For some reason though I hated it; wanting to slap him or cry.
Maybe, I was being stupid to let his handsomeness affect my childish heart.
"Oh, she…" Liam's eyes were evil.
And I don't intend to listen to his bullshit.
"She is merely a substitute to put on a show in front of my parents." He replied by stabbing my heart with his cruel words.
Sure I am!
But that's not just my identity.
"What!" The girl gasped.
My fingers clenched into a fist by my side and I walked up to them. The girl was highly uncomfortable. So was I.
"If you are curious then you should know that I am his wife." I whispered to the girl whose hand flailed to her mouth in shock.
"What the fuck!" She screamed and shrugged Liam's hand off her shoulder.
"How dare you?" She turned and slapped Liam who flabbergasted and grabbed her hand in time.
"The fuck is wrong with you!" He glared at her and I couldn't help but giggle; leaving the two behind arguing and dealing.
Yet, the frustration I felt was there.
What was he planning to do?
Does he really think he can pick on me as and when he likes? I did nothing wrong to take his bullshit!
–
Ah! The night is pleasant…
Musing, I wondered what kind of relationship Liam shared with Candice. He might not say but he was bothered. It was safe to say he was heartbroken. Yet, seeing him now it's amazing how he is holding himself back.
As for me, I would have crumbled if I were him. To be left alone on your wedding day–It's painful. Isn't it?
Thankfully, it's not me…
"Are you enjoying yourself now, madam?"
I jumped hearing Halen's voice all of a sudden.
"Kind of!" I flashed a wide grin with closed eyes that resulted in a deep silence before we both ended up laughing together.
"Oh my!!! This is the first time I saw it happening." Halen replied not before scrutinizing her area.
"Is that so?" I enjoyed having someone to talk to.
"Well, yeah. Master's ex-fiancee was never here. So, we hardly know anything about her. But he is a loyal person. I haven't seen him going out with anyone just for a one-time thing." She replied, taking me aback.
"So, he did that on purpose?" I asked, not liking the fact that Liam would go out of his way just to mess with me.
"I am not sure what his reasons are. But it was funny to see it fail in the first attempt." Halen tried her best to control her laughter but failed.
"He deserved it! Going on about 'Substitute' since morning." I added, feeling bitter as I recalled his face.
Liam is undeniably handsome, serious and has a great personality. Though he has a bad mouth which really sucks. How on the earth Candice dated this guy?
"Was it so funny?"
The calmness of the night disrupted with that familiar dominating voice that screamed 'anger'. Halen's face was as white as a ghost. I bet the same as me. Her lips wobbled and her head lowered in shame.
I couldn't make a movement sensing his presence right behind me. It was the feel of an impending doom; my doom. Currently, I was more scared for Halen rather than me.
"Yes, it was." I answered, faking a cool aura.
Though it might be clear as water that I felt the opposite.
"You!" Liam sounded dangerous and suddenly, his footsteps sounded louder.
I waited with a loud thudding heartbeat going restless; anxious.
My eyes instantly shut as I felt his grip on my shoulder, ready to pierce his nails in my skin.
"You're trying to turn my staff against me now?" He questioned with a push to make me face him.
And I felt like the earth had slipped from beneath my feet.
"We were just having a light conversation. Can't we joke now?" I challenged and was surprised to see his veins pop up on his forehead.
Scary!
"Leave!" Liam declared so loud that I thought I might pee.
Halen doubled over apologizing before running away; I was now left alone with the beast.
"Nobody is spared for misbehaving with me. Understand? Do you want to know what happened to the girl who tried to slap me?" He asked and I was honestly worried.
"I-I don't care!" I muttered, trying to avoid him.
"Oh, so now you don't care?" He pinched my chin and forced me to look at him.
It was so intolerant. I wanted to just run away.
"You think yourself too smart to do that just now, don't you? Even so, before claiming to be my wife, why didn't you look at yourself in the mirror?" He turned my face sideways as if giving it a check.
My eyes welled up at the insult he just threw at me.
"I do. That is why I let her know." I replied back in anger that took him aback.
He clicked his tongue and smirked, sexily; dissolving the sudden tense atmosphere around us.
What's with him?
Suddenly he ended up laughing so hard that my face went red. He is–extremely handsome.
"You– You think you're my type?" He grabbed his stomach and continued laughing; piercing my heart with those words.
"Oh god! What a joke!" He tried to stand up straight, wiping his eyes from the joy of laughter.
"In what sense do you think you're beautiful, huh?" He questioned, taking deep breaths to calm down.
If the fact that he wasn't laughing in reality, without force, was somehow delusionalized, I would have ignored it. But, it was real…
He genuinely found it funny; crushing my self confidence altogether.
"Owch!" He grabbed my face and tried to search for something on it.
"In what sense did you believe that you look beautiful?" He asked, pinching my cheeks, touching my eyebrows and annoying me.
I wanted to cry…
I was furious and hurt.
So, I pushed him off, turning my almost crying face away from him.
"Fuck off, asshole." I muttered and cried when he twisted my wrist roughly.
Liam pulled me close and I was pressed against him.
"Show respect for your husband, Kendis. I won't let it go the next time." He threatened and stared at me momentarily before pushing me away.
"Bastard!" I shouted behind his back.
"Now, now… I think you will love your punishment. Good night." He cheekily replied and left me with a broken heart.
Dammit! A complete asshole…