Layla's POV
"So, Ma, where are you gonna stay?" I asked my mom.
"Uhm...I"
"She'll stay with us." Liam Interrupted.
I stood up, wiping my lips with the back of my hand, and raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
Liam nodded, "hm hmm," looking up at me with a smile.
"You sure you don't mind, son? You're royalty, and I'm not supposed to be living with you." My mom said.
Liam's face showed a hint of blush as he replied, "I don't mind at all. We're family, and I want my mother-in-law to live with me."
I curled my fists, my brows furrowed in anger, as I glared at Liam. "Do you actually love me or my mom?" I asked, my voice slightly raised.
Liam's smile faltered, and he stood up, his face reddening. "I love both of you."
"Really? Why don't you just marry my mom then?"
Liam's smile vanished, "Can't I love the person who brought the one I love the most into this world?"
I released my fists, my gaze softening, and looked away, unable to meet his intense stare.
"Aww," my mom Chuckled.
I sank back into my seat, Liam mirroring my movement, our lunch plates already cleared.
"Where's she going to sleep?" I asked.
"One of the guest rooms," Liam's voice was calm and soft.
My mom's eyes flicked to Liam, her brows furrowed in concern. "Are you really okay with this, dear?"
Liam's gaze met mine, his eyes steady for once, without a hint of blush. "Hmm, I am."
He pushed his chair back and stood up, a gentle smile on his face. "I'll show you around."
I sprang up, wiping my hands on my pants, my movements a tad too eager. "I'll come with."
Liam's gaze softened, his eyes locking onto mine. "No, no, just me and her."
My brows furrowed, a protest forming on my lips. "Why?"
He took a step closer to my mom, his hand extended, palm up. "I want to spend time with her."
I felt a pang of annoyance and jealousy, my voice rising. "Well, can't I come along?"
Liam's smile turned firm, his eyes unwavering. "Nope."
He enveloped my mom's hand in his, leading her out of the dining room, their arms entwined. My mom's laughter echoed back, "Okay, see you around, Lay Lay."
I watched, seething, as they disappeared from view. Does he like my mom? Is it because she's prettier? Does Liam think I'm ugly?! My mind raced with questions, my blood boiling. I slumped back into my seat, my arms crossed, a huff escaping my lips.
Third person POV
Liam led Amanda to the elevator, and as the doors slid open, they stepped inside.
"Wow, I didn't know technology was this advanced!" Amanda exclaimed.
"Does Layla know how to use this?" she asked, turning to Liam.
He chuckled. "She does."
Amanda smiled. "She must have been a handful, right?"
Liam chuckled again. "Pretty much."
The elevator doors opened, and they stepped out into the first floor.
"First, I want to show you your room," Liam said, leading her through the winding corridors.
"This place is huge, son," Amanda commented, her eyes scanning the surroundings.
"It is," Liam agreed, his voice low and gentle.
They stopped in front of a door not far from Layla's room, and Liam pushed it open, revealing a beautifully decorated space with mature colors and arrangements.
The brown and white bed sheet, walls, and furniture all matched perfectly, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
A large TV screen hung on the wall, a luxury Layla's room didn't have.
Amanda's eyes widened. "Wow, son, this is amazing!" She walked in, her arm slipping from Liam's. "It's beautiful!"
Liam smiled, pleased with her reaction. "I'm glad you like it."
"Come, let's go, I'll show you other places," Liam said.
Amanda turned to him, her eyes sparkling. "Lead the way, then. Show me more of this incredible place."
Liam nodded, and they exited the room, Amanda closing the door behind her.
Liam led Amanda through the winding corridors until they reached the door leading to the balcony. He opened it with a gentle smile, inviting her in. "Please, come in."
Amanda stepped out onto the balcony, her eyes widening in awe.
"Wow, this is stunning!" She exclaimed, taking in the breathtaking space.
Liam chuckled, walking over to the wall to gaze out at the view. Amanda followed, resting her elbows on the wall beside him.
"You have a truly beautiful home, Liam. Has Layla been here before?" she asked.
"I think she has," Liam replied, his hair slipping out of place as he nodded.
"She can be a bit of a wanderer, and stubborn at times. But she's incredibly caring and loving, even if she doesn't always admit it." He tucked his hair behind his ear, his gaze drifting out to the landscape.
"She's everything I've ever wanted, and I need your permission to make her fully mine," he said, his eyes shifting to Amanda's face.
She listened attentively, her expression warm and encouraging.
"I don't know you well, Liam, but from what I've seen, you're perfect for Layla. I'm willing to entrust her to you, as you truly deserve her," Amanda said, her hand reaching out to touch his cheek.
Liam's gaze faltered, his eyes dropping as he nodded. "Hmm," was all he could manage, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Ha! There you are!" Layla exclaimed, standing in the doorway with her finger pointed in their direction.
"Ah, Layla," Amanda said.
"I told you to stay back for now," Liam said gently, his eyes on Layla.
"Well, I didn't want to," Layla replied, stepping closer to them. "What are you guys up to?"
"I'm just showing 'Mom' around," Liam said, his gaze still on Layla.
"I'll join too, I'm bored all by myself," Layla insisted.
"No, just me and Mom, you'll join some other time," Liam said, stepping closer to Layla and placing his hands on her shoulders.
"But..." Layla started to protest.
"No buts, stay out for now, okay?" Liam said, gently turning her around and guiding her away from the balcony.
As they reached the doorway, Layla turned around, her brows furrowed in annoyance. "Fine," she said, and stormed off.
Liam watched her go, a smile still on his lips.
"Hmm hmm," Amanda called his attention back to her.
Liam turned back to her, his smile never wavering. "Come," he said, gesturing for her to follow him.
Layla's POV
I huffed and decided to have fun on my own. I didn't need their company anyway.
I made my way back to the living room, determined to prove it to them. Since I couldn't leave without Liam's permission, I decided to find someone to talk to outside.
As I walked out, I overheard a group of guards and maids chatting.
"They're so cute together!"
"I know, right? Lucky girl!" Hannah's voice stood out, and I wondered if they were referring to me.
I approached the group of six, comprising two males and four females.
"Hey," I said, trying to sound casual.
"Hey, Layla!" one of the females replied, smiling.
"What's up? Can I join your conversation? I'm kinda bored," I asked.
"What about Liam?" another lady asked, her green eyes sparkling with excitement.
"He's busy, forget about him," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.
The group chuckled, "What's so funny?" I asked.
"Ignore them, Layla. I'll keep you company if you don't mind," One of the guards, with golden brown straight hair and green eyes that reminded me of the medicine my mom usually forces me to drink when I'm ill, spoke up.
His handsomeness was undeniable, but he couldn't compare to Liam. Liam's alluring beauty was unmatched, with his captivating eyes, perfect hair, and flawless features.
"I don't mind," I said, smiling at the guard, I'll be less bored this way.
"Come on then," he said, gesturing for me to follow him.
"Okay," I replied, falling in step beside him as he led the way.
"How do you like it here?" he asked, his hands clasped behind his back as we strolled side by side.
"It's really nice," I said, smiling. "Since our motives and intentions have changed, I'm getting to like it here already."
"That's great to hear," he said, his green eyes sparkling with genuine interest.
"I'm glad you're feeling more comfortable here. It's a beautiful place, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," I agreed. "I love the gardens especially. They're so peaceful."
"Ah, yes! The gardens are my favorite too," he said, leading me down a winding path. "I go there to clear my head sometimes. It's a great place to think."
"What's your name, by the way?" I asked.
"I'm Ethan," he replied, smiling. "And you're Layla, right?"
I nodded, feeling extremely comfortable with him, which surprises me.
"Since the garden is one of our favorite places, let's go there then," Ethan suggested.
"Oh, that'd be nice indeed," I agreed. He seemed like a really nice guy.
We strolled through the garden, taking in the serene beauty of the trees, plants, and birdsong.
"There's a stream nearby, it's really soothing, and I love it," I said.
"Looks like you're getting used to this place already, and that's a good thing," Ethan commented.
"Yeah, let's go there, it'll surely be a wonderful sight," I suggested.
"Lead the way then," he said, gesturing for me to go ahead.
We arrived at the stream, where birds flitted about and butterflies danced around the leaves floating in the water. What a peaceful and idyllic scene!
I sat down on the grassy ground, rolling up the hem of my sweater and pants, then dipping my feet into the warm water.
So refreshing!
"Join me," I called out to Ethan.
"I'll just watch you, you have fun there," he replied.
"No, no, sit here," I insisted, tapping the grassy ground beside me.
"It's fine, Layla, I'll just watch," he said, refusing my offer.
Hmm, I had an idea why.
I stood up, bent down to scoop up some water, and playfully splashed it at him.
"Argh!" he moved back, raising his arms to shield himself.
"Don't think I'm stopping," I said with a grin, bending down again to cup my hands and throw more water at him.
"Hahahaha, you see," I continued to tease him, repeating the process.
Ethan laughed and tried to dodge the water, but I was determined to get him to join me!
My eyes widened in suprise as the water splashed onto Liam instead of Ethan.
"Your Majesty, I'm extremely sorry for what happened!" Ethan bowed, his clothes drenched from the water.
Liam stood there, water dripping down his face, his intense gaze sending shivers down my spine. He wasn't smiling, and his usual angelic expression was replaced with a stern look.
"Go now," he said to Ethan, and he obeyed, bowing his head as he rushed away.
I stepped away from the water and approached Liam.
"Are you ready to include me in your tour now?" I asked, scratching my head. I think I got some dirt in my hair. My sweater and jeans were soaked from the water.
"What were you doing with him?" Liam asked, his voice low and serious. He looked really mad, his gaze cold.
"We were just having fun, nothing much," I replied.
"Fun?" he repeated, his brows furrowed in disapproval.
"Yeah, you were busy with my mom, so I felt really bored," I said, my response not seeming to please him. His expression turned even colder.
"What's wrong? We were just having fun. Ethan is a really nice guy, gentle and fun to talk to." I said, turning to face the stream again.
"He also likes the garden like me, so that makes us friends I think." I opened my arms, gazing at the river.
"Don't worry about me, next time you're busy, I'll just hang out with him."
I turned back to Liam, expecting him to look contented, but he looked mad. His facial expression was straight and cold, and he didn't say a word.
"Uhm, wh..." I started to say, but he turned around and walked away.
"Liam, wait! Wait!" I called out, following behind him.