Rory got redder with anger and Liam feared that she might refuse to travel with him. She is too prideful to accept these kinds of slights against her. She'd rather sit in the cold or would make her own fire before humbling herself to get warm in the fire of the enemy.
He knows her. That's who she is. That's what he loved and hated about her. Well that, and her inability to filter her thoughts. She would speak whatever is in her mind.
"Cherry, I…" he tried to hold her hand, but she dodged him and walked to the front.
Rory was upset that he is casually saying that he pranked her. She was waiting in a queue for a godawful time, witnessed a drama, and almost spent a lot of money. He could have told her that he arranged for a jet and it would have spared her a great deal of anxiety.
She wanted to get angry at him and return. She has the tickets for f*ck's sake. She is not someone who desires to travel in a private jet.
Well, she does love traveling in the private jet. She knew he would have gotten his uncle's jet. They've used that jet once before and it was extremely comfortable.
She almost returned because she didn't want to lose her pride.
However, the image of him kissing Ellie kept playing in her mind. She didn't want to deny the chance for them to bond more. Plus, Ellie should be able to travel comfortably. As her father, it is his duty to take care of his daughter.
Thinking of it… Rory stopped suddenly as a thought popped in her head.
The big man wearing an expensive suit carrying the pink diaper bag and the girly carrycot glided to a stop beside her.
"What it is?" Liam asked. He was confused by her behavior. She should be screaming her throat off by now. But she is not saying anything and walking to the VVIP gate as if she has accepted his offer.
Is it because she is sick? And why is she stopping? Did she finally decide to scream at me? Or worse… she doesn't want to travel with me anymore?
His heart started to pound.
Rory looked at Liam. He was heaving out of anxiety. It was a rare sight for her to behold. She thought nothing could shake him. She didn't know why he is looking at her like she is going to gut him alive.
Well, she wanted to. But she doesn't want to anymore.
She guessed(that's all she could do with him all the time as he never is open with her) that he probably sent her to get the tickets to spend some time with Ellie. He probably was ashamed that he never met his daughter before today..?
Yeah, probably. But at least he took the step now to get to know his daughter, right?
"Thank you," she said, from the bottom of her heart.
She cannot be mad at him for the past when he is trying to change the future. The hurt she endured and her sufferings are all still there, but she can focus on the future.
For Ellie.
Liam stood frozen for some time as he couldn't understand why he is getting thanked. He has never done anything for her that requires her gratitude.
She on the other hand…
She has literally saved his life. He is alive now thanks to her. Not to mention she has made a father out of him and all he did was leave her.
He has never thanked her; not even once.
He watched her as she walked. Ellie was leaning on her shoulder and sucking on her hand. He guessed she might have thanked him for getting the jet for the travel or because he agreed to go with her.
He knows she is scared of her grandmother. But he agreed to go with her because he has an agenda.
He couldn't have gotten this jet from his uncle if he is traveling alone. Whether it is his uncle or his family, his respect comes from being Rory's husband rather than him being a member of the Roberts family.
It is a little sad. But it is the fact.
His family loves Rory more than they love him. She is the "daughter", the "niece", the "cousin", and the "granddaughter" they always wanted but never had. He is just an extra fitting in his own home. They will throw him out like a week-old leftover with no second thoughts but will fight till their last breath to keep her for a minute more.
In fact, he heard there was a serious discussion among his grandparents and her grandparents to swap their grandchildren. He didn't know how true it is since he heard it from Derick. Anything Derick says should be taken with a grain of salt. But he wouldn't be surprised if such a discussion actually happened.
He never found that displeasing. They love her because she loves them. He does not love his family that much and they know it. And it is not wrong of them to love the one who loves them more.
As he was wondering what he should reply to her 'thank you', his mood got spoilt seeing Jake walking toward them.
Who asked him to be here? Oh, I did!
Upon entering the VVIP lounge, Rory saw the difference was night and day. The room became darker with warm lights and it even smelled different.
These elites do live their lives much differently than us plebs…
She mumbled to herself. She was surprised to see the man she saw earlier who was wearing a tan suit. He bowed seeing her and walked towards them. She turned to look at Liam to know if he knows him. Liam stepped to the front.
"He's my assistant - Jake," Liam introduced him to her.
Just Jake? He is not going to tell me his surname?
"And Jake, she is my… you know her," Liam didn't even bother.
Jake was perplexed. He knows her but…this is the first time he is talking to her.
Is this the way to introduce someone?
"Hello, Mr…" Rory held out her hand. But Ellie twisted her body at the same time and she held the baby.
"Hello, Ms. Roberts." Jake tried to plaster on his professional smile as he held out his hand.
Liam was glaring at him and he didn't know why. Jake pressed his lips and bowed his head putting his hands inside his pockets. And somehow that calmed him down.
His boss has become crazy. And… is covered in pink!
"Your flight is ready, Ma'am." Jake purposefully called her "ma'am" and somehow noticed that Liam's expression got softer.
"Oh, thank you," Rory smiled patting Ellie's back. She looked at Liam and he nodded.
Jake leaned to Liam's ears and whispered something. Rory noticed Ellie had drooled a lot and she got the diaper bag from Liam and sat on a couch. She took a quick glance around the room and she saw a couple of movie stars in the lounge.
She didn't take a second glance. Being in the movie capital of the world, she is used to seeing celebrities and movie stars often.
"There are paps out there," Jake whispered to Liam. "Apparently, a celebrity arranged for pap shots. So, if you mind your picture taken with Ms. Roberts, you can wait until they leave or we can…"
"Yeah, we'll wait," Liam interjected Jake.
Even Jake was a little surprised as to how determinant Liam's answer is. But questioning him is not his job.