AMELIA
I was still lost in the pleasant afterglow of the spa treatment as I walked beside Liam, my muscles loose, and my mind finally a little lighter. I hadn't wanted to admit it earlier, but the massage had worked wonders, and though I was still emotionally raw from the events of the previous day, I felt a little more at peace. But I kept a straight face though, so Liam doesn't think I'm having fun and tries to annoy me again.
"Why the face?" He asked as we walked out of the building. "Feeling disappointed that you didn't get to see me naked?"
Eww.
"You wish it was anything like that." I muttered.
"Don't worry, you'll get your opportunity. Hopefully without me getting slapped this time." He said lightly.
"You're enjoying this aren't you?" I asked, rolling my eyes.
He shrugged. "So?"
The doorman opened the door for us and he beckoned on me to proceed.
"You go first." He offered.
Why is he getting all cheeky with me?
"You're the boss, you should go first." I replied.
He pushed me forward, making me stagger a bit.
I stumbled into a group of girls waiting outside. I turned to give him a cold stare but he winked at me and laughed, that low, deep sound that irritated me. At times he's always like this—never too serious, never too soft. Always the teasing, smug version of himself. But other times, he's an unkind bully. And though it got on my nerves, I can't deny that today, I enjoyed myself.
"Omg he's so cute."
"We love you Liam."
"Liam my star!"
I rolled my eyes and cringed at the sight.
I have seen it before. Always a group of jobless girls. They always seem to come out of nowhere, swarming around him like moths to a flame. If only they know that he's not the lovey dovey boy they think he is. The mere silliness of it all irritates me so much. I rush to the car before I can lose my temper and knock one of them back to common sense.
Outside, Liam was still signing autographs, a charming smile plastered across his face as he entertained his fans. It took him another few minutes to finally break away, apologizing to the crowd as he made his way to the owner's side.
With a quick glance toward me, he slipped into the car, with a smirk on his face as he buckled his seatbelt. He didn't say anything about the crowd, or the fact that I had disappeared into the car the moment they showed up. He just sighed, his fingers tapping the door.
"Well, that was fun," he said sarcastically, his eyes flicking toward me in the rearview mirror. "But we're not done yet."
"Where are we going now?" I asked, my voice softer now as I turned to him from the front passenger's seat. "You have a meeting at three and it's just twelve noon."
Liam didn't answer immediately, a sly smile curving his lips. "You'll see."
A few minutes later, we pulled up in front of a five-star restaurant. The kind of place where everything was pristine and luxurious, where each plate was meticulously designed and priced beyond reason. The type of place Liam frequented, but I would never have had the desire to step foot into if not for him.
As we walked into the restaurant, the staff greeted us immediately, recognizing Liam.
"Sir, you reserved a table for two-" one of the staff said but was cut short by Liam.
"Just take us there." Liam said.
Wow, this place is so beautiful and lush. I couldn't help but feel a little out of place as we were escorted to a private table near the back, away from the other guests.
I stood a few inches away from the table as he sat down for his meal. He looked through the menu and nodded as the steward rambled on.
He raised his head as if he was looking for something. He turned back to look at me.
"What are you doing there? Did I call you here to be my bodyguard?" He asked.
"I should sit?" I asked, wide eyed.
"Here you go." He said, stretching his hand.
"Liam, I'm not—"
"You're eating," Liam interrupted, cutting off my protest before it even fully formed. The steward was already pulling out the second chair, not giving me a chance to argue. "You need it."
"I'm not hungry," I lied but my stomach was rumbling aggressively. This gesture of Liam's was already becoming suspicious to me.
Liam raised an eyebrow, his voice turning playful but with that familiar edge of control. "I didn't bring you here to look at my mouth. You'll eat, or I'll drag you to sit myself. It's your choice. While we eat, give me a summary of what the King company reps sent."
It's either he's very thorough or he likes to frustrate me on purpose. I know better than to push him when he is like this. He isn't making a request, and despite my irritation at being bossed around, he's my boss. And I'm a little hungry too.
Despite my initial reluctance, as the meal was served, something shifted again. The food was impeccable, damn.The ambiance calming in its own way. And, though I hated to admit it, I realized I hadn't eaten much that day, and with each bite, my mood lightened just a little more.
Liam watched me with that same casual expression, but beneath it, I could tell he was keeping a close eye on me.
Is it obvious that I'm hungry, am I eating too fast?
*******
Sandra's Pov
I stormed into the house, my heels clicking sharply against the tiled floor as I made my way to the living room. My mom, sitting on the sofa with a cup of tea in hand, looked up at my abrupt entrance with mild curiosity.
"Sandra, darling, what's the matter?" Mom asked, her voice laced with concern.
I tossed my bag onto the couch, my face flushed with a mix of anger and disbelief. "You're not going to believe what I just saw. That sly girl!"
Mom raised an eyebrow, placing her teacup down gently on the glass coffee table. "Oh? What is it this time?"
"Amelia," I spat out, the name rolling off my tongue with disdain. "I saw her. With Liam."
Mom's brow furrowed. "Liam? Liam Henderson?" Her tone was sharp now, her full attention drawn to my words. "The celebrity? What in the world was she doing with him?"
"That's exactly what I'm wondering! Why should it be her of all people." I exclaimed, pacing back and forth in front of my mom. "I couldn't believe my eyes at first. I mean, Amelia? With him? At first, I thought it was just some random girl who looked like her, but no, it was definitely her. She was all cozy with him, getting into his car."
Mom leaned forward slightly, her expression growing more curious by the second. "And you're sure it was her?"
"Yes, even in the dark, I can tell it's her. And to think that I've been struggling to get his attention for a long time." I said, biting my lower lip. "I was so close I could've reached out and touched her. She didn't see me though—thank God. But I saw them. They were coming out of a spa together. A spa, Mom! And then they got into his car, and he was all gentlemanly about it, opening the door for her like she's some kind of queen."
Mom's lips tightened into a thin line. She sat back, tapping her fingers lightly against the arm of the sofa, her mind clearly racing. "Well, this is… unexpected. What on earth would Amelia be doing with someone like Liam? A big shot for that matter."
I scoffed, my eyes narrowing. "Exactly. It doesn't make sense. I mean, what could she possibly have that would interest someone like him? Unless…"
Mom raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow, waiting for me to continue.
I hesitated for a moment, but the thought had already taken root in my mind. I had been thinking of it since I saw them."Mom, what if…"
The words hung in the air for a moment, thick and heavy with implication. Mom's eyes darkened slightly, her expression unreadable, but I could see the spark of agreement in her gaze.
"You know," mom said slowly, her voice lowering, "I've always wondered how that silly girl was managing to get by, especially with the surgery money. Something even happened yesterday. It could explain a few things."
I nodded, feeling the pieces begin to fall into place in my mind. "Exactly. I mean, Liam could have anyone. Anyone. Why her? Unless there's some arrangement we don't know about. But still, she's not his level, ewww." I whined.
"If she's turned to that sort of life, it's a shame. But I suppose it's not entirely surprising. After all, her dad is always giving her too much freedom to misbehave."
"And to think, all this time, she's been hoarding money."
Mom's lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. "Yes, well, people can be full of surprises, can't they?" Mom said. "Well we'll just have to keep an eye on her, won't we?"
I nodded, my heart racing with the thrill of it all. Whatever mom has in store for her would surely be wicked."Absolutely, Mom. I'll make sure of it."