The moment Liam stepped out of Phil's room, his breath, just like the other day caught as he saw Fiona stepping out of his room as well.
It just seemed as though she was growing prettier with each passing second. Seeing her this way stirred something inside of him that he didn't want to feel. Love.
He was attracted to her, no doubt and he wanted her but not for love. He didn't want love. He wasn't ready for it and the last thing he wanted was to try to love and be betrayed again. He reminded himself as he shoved every possibility of love out of his mind.
"Just breathe already," Fiona said with an eye roll and he laughed.
"You can't blame me. You were the one that took my breath away, Milady," he said with a wink and her heart did a flip-flop.
She can't let him get to her. This was exactly what he had done the other day and she wasn't going to let him trick her. She resolved.
"We should get going so I can return in time to leave," she said and the smile on Liam's face faded off.
"Yeah, right," he said and gave her his arm so she could lock her arms in his too. She took his arm and they headed out.
Fiona, the ever-confident girl felt all ounce of confidence in her die out when she stepped out of the car to see the mansion she knew belonged to Mrs. Parker.
The mansion was just as magnificent as Liam's own making her wonder just how wealthy they were. The thought that they were very wealthy and could make her disappear from the surface of the world without a trace sent jitters down her spine.
What if she made a slip? She thought and then shook her head. Even if she did, it actually had nothing to do with her. It was all about them. She had only been dragged into the mess. She assured herself.
Liam, sensing her fear, took her hand which was sweaty by now and looked into her eyes. "You don't have to fret. She isn't a monster and won't eat you," he said and Fiona flashed him an awkward smile wondering how he knew what she was thinking.
"Just act natural, okay? Besides, like you said, this isn't your first time doing this so, take charge of the situation, okay?" he asked and she nodded as she took a deep breath.
Liam looked at her and when he saw that she was looking more relaxed, he said, "Shall we?"
Fiona let herself relax before giving him a nod and they both walked into the house.
"Fiona, my dear," Mrs. Parker greeted the moment the door opened and Liam walked in with Fiona.
Fiona smiled and went stiff when Harriet pulled her into a hug when she got to where Fiona and Liam were.
"You didn't tell me she was this pretty. Your hair is even more beautiful," Harriet commented and Fiona smiled.
"You look equally beautiful ma'am," she said and Harriet waved it off.
"Just call me Harriet." she said and then continued, "We should probably go to the dining table now. I'm sure you must he hungry," Harriet added as she led them to the dining table.
When Fiona got there, she was taken aback by the elaborate meal arranged on the table. There was so much meal that one would think there was a feast.
"Isn't this too much, mom?" Liam asked and his mother shook her head even as she laughed.
"Well, I didn't know what she'd like so I asked them to make everything," Harriet said and Fiona gave an awkward smile.
"Thank you, Harriet," she said as they all took their seats. Fiona ever the actor, took her seat in the most elegant way possible which didn't go unnoticed by Harriet, who was keen on looking for the suspicious thing Cora had spoken of.
"So, Fiona dear," Harriet started as they picked up their cutleries.
Fiona lifted her head to look at her and smiled. "Who is your father, dear and I heard you don't live in town, where do you live?" Harriet asked and Fiona turned to gaze at Liam, having forgotten all about her anger for him since she arrived there.
Liam smiled back at her as he placed his hand over hers, sending her his silent support. They both turned to Harriet and Fiona cleared her throat. "Well, I live in New Ridaland with my father. He's the chairman of SH Internationals and...."
"SH Internationals? As in the Stoltz Hills internationals? Is your father Mr. Stones?" Harriet asked in awe and Fiona raised a brow as she glanced at Liam.
"Stones..."
"I've been really hoping to meet him in person. I can't believe I'll soon be in-laws with Mr. Logan Stones," Harriet said in excitement and Fiona who was taking a sip of her water choked at the mention of the name.
Liam quickly stood up and rushed to her side, patting her back as she coughed.
Mr. Logan Stones? The most influential man in Ridaland? Was that why Liam asked her to say that was where she lived? To gauge his mother into mistaking her for Mr. Stones's daughter, Fiona! How could she have missed that? Fiona mused as she looked at Liam who simply gave her a crocked smile.
He had played it all in his head, hence he hadn't bothered to tell Cora so that she won't try to do her research! He must really know his mom. What a calculating jerk. Fiona thought as she took the glass of water Harriet was offering her and drank from it.
"So, sorry dear. I didn't mean to startle you. I was just happy to know you're from such an influential background. Now I understand why my son choose you over Cora," she said as they all settled down again, and Liam shook his head.
"That's where you've got it wrong mom. Even if she weren't from such a home, I would've still chosen her. I love her mom. She simply completes me," he said, gazing into Fiona's eyes and she smiled.
"I love you too, babe," she croaked out and Harriet smiled as she looked at them.
"You both seem pretty in love. Liam, son, how come you never mentioned her all this time? If you had done, we would've already finalized your wedding plans by now," Harriet asked, and Liam smiled as he resumed eating.
"I didn't because I wanted to take my time...."
"That's nonsense. I see the love and I know you both match perfectly. How about we fix your wedding in the next three months?" Harriet asked, happily and both Liam and Fiona exchanged glances.
"Let's do that but first, I'll have to officially introduce myself to him and after that, I'll make my intentions known to him. Then you, Fiona and I will discuss the marriage plans with her father over lunch," Liam said and she nodded.
"Yeah. There's nothing more I want than to get married to the love of my life," Fiona said, turning to gaze at Liam and Harriet smiled happily as she watched them.
She was glad to know she wasn't going to have to deal with some low class and that her son had brought home, a girl with so much affluence to make them top the list of the most powerful in Zeden.