Bianca

"What the hell are you talking about?" I asked, turning to look at Dad, confusion tightening my chest. " I never signed no papers,"

"Remember when I asked for your signature on some family asset? He asked, locking eyes with me, "There was no asset, you signed a binding lifetime marital contract,"

At his words, my heart dropped, and I let out a gasp.

I couldn't believe my ears.

I'd been deceived.

"How could you Gary," Mum shouted, her eyes fixed on him.

"I did what I had to do Martha," he replied "you both ought to be grateful to me, I gave her a better chance at life, for us all,"

"You're unbelievable," Mum muttered, "how could you do this to our daughter?"

"You.. monster," I whispered at last, my voice trembling. "How could you?"

Silent tears slid down my face, and my jaw clenched.

I wasn't going to let some Goddamn papers scare me.

"I don't care about some stupid papers you cooked up, my marriage to Liam is over. I'd advise you to tell them to expect the divorce papers any moment from now." I nodded firmly, my eyes steady and sure.

"You still don't get it," Dad said coldly. "The day you end this marriage, you'll be going to jail. Right now, you don't own any money or assets. Ever wonder why your bank accounts are no longer accessible?"

My eyes widened as the truth finally hit me.

I hadn't been able to access my accounts for a while. I was too caught up in the wedding and my new life to visit the bank to at least inquire.

Besides, Liam and his Dad, Frederick, always provided some cash for me.

"What the hell!" Mum screamed. "Gary you're evil."

Then softer, she added, sobbing, "Baby, I'm so sorry." She reached out for my hand.

I pulled away, turning my back on them, and walked out.

I sobbed loudly, until I got outside.

As I wandered down the street, my mind raced, trying to figure out what to do next.

An idea hit me.

I decided to call my best friend, Danni. I could stay with her for the time being, at least until the dust settles.

Feeling a bit more at ease with the thought, I dialed her number. She picked up right away, and I narrated everything that had happened.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through all that, girl, Geez, your parents are the worst," Danni said over the phone.

"Girl, could I come stay with you for the time being, till things settle for a bit?" I asked.

"Oh, Bianca, I really wish you could, girl, but you know I live with Mike now and his kid," she replied.

"Oh that's right," I sighed.

I felt foolish for not remembering that.

"Bianca, I suggest you go back to the smiths," Danni said, pulling me from my thoughts.

"What? How can you say that, Danni?" I snapped, gripping my phone tightly against my ear.

"Yes, yes I know it sounds crazy and all, but you've got no choice, you could run away and these guys are gonna chase you to the ends of the earth if they have to. Think about it, girl." She said,

At Dannie's words, my eyes widened with realization. She was right there was no turning back now.

I said goodbye to Dannie, then flagged a taxi and headed home.

An hour later, the cab pulled up in front of the mansion, and I stepped out slowly. A quiet sigh escaped my lips as I stared at the gates.

I could hear my heels tapping loudly on the clean tiled floor as I walked in nervously clutching my purse against my chest, bracing myself for whatever came next.

I opened the front door and caught the familiar figure of the domestic staff Belinda standing right before me.

"Good evening Mrs Smith" she greeted, reaching out for my bag.

"Good evening Belinda," I replied. "It's okay, I can manage," I added, gently refusing her offer.

"Mr Smith has asked to see you in his study as soon as you arrive," she said softly.

"My husband or his father?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"The younger boss, your husband Ma'am," she said, avoiding my gaze.

"Alright, I'll be there, you can go" I said, waving her off.

I sank onto the couch and wondered what Liam could want with me, especially after everything that happened at the party, as I watched Belinda walk away.

"It's now or never," I mumbled to myself as I climbed the stairs to Liam's study.

Liam had never invited me to his study before. That alone made my heart race.

I walked up to the door and knocked twice.

"Come in," I heard his deep masculine voice call out, and my stomach churned.

I pushed the door open and walked in.

"Liam, you must know I didn't mean.." I barely got the words out before he cut me off.

"Save the explanation," he waved a hand dismissively at me. "I need us to talk," he added.

I could hear my heart racing. Deep down I hoped he was finally going to talk about ending our marriage.

"I'm listening," I finally managed to say, voice trembling.

"Word got to me that you paid your parents a protest visit. You all are lucky my Dad knows nothing of it," he said, his voice low and laced with threat.

"That's right Liam, I want nothing to do with you or your family. I want out," I said, nervously.

My heart pounded harder in fear as I met his gaze, refusing to look away.

In truth, if Frederick found out about my visit to my parents or that I attempted to walk away I'd be in serious trouble.

"Bianca, there could be a way for us to balance things and still get what we both want," he said, a hint of hope in his voice. "We could both be happy in this," he added.

"What.. Do you mean?" I stuttered, clutching my purse tighter, knuckles pale.

"I'm offering you a deal," he said softly. "One that keeps us both alive and well,"

"What could that be?," I asked, voice low.

His eyes searched mine fiercely, yet waving with something unspoken.

I could feel the heat in his gaze, but beneath it, there was a sort of hesitation.

Like he wanted to reach for me, and also avoid me at the same time.

Whatever he was feeling, he tried to mask it

Our eyes locked, holding longer than they should have. The silence thickened and the air tightened between us, and I swallowed hard, lost in his gaze.

Then the door banged, snapping us back to reality.

Bianca

"Come in," Liam blinked, his jaw tightening.

Belinda opened the door and walked in.

"Sir, Ma'am, the boss requests your presence." She said, eyes fixed on the ground.

"My wife and I will be downstairs shortly," Liam replied. "You may go,"

Hearing him call me his wife made my eyes lift a little and I felt a bit calmer inside.

Liam cleared his throat.

"As I was saying before the interruption, I think we could both make this work,"

"How exactly?" I asked, voice low.

"I'm proposing a fake marriage," he said

I frowned.

"We had an authentic marriage," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

What the hell did he mean by a fake marriage?

"Yes, yes of course we did," he said, "but neither of us truly wanted this,"

"What exactly is your plan?" I asked.

"A happy marriage for the world, especially my dad. No intimacy, nothing real. We just have to keep up the act," he replied.

My eyes widened as his words sank in.

"And what if I refuse?" I asked.

Liam gave a wide grin. "Look around you lady, do you really have a choice here?"

The truth was, I couldn't say no to his proposal.

Maybe this was my one chance to align with Liam even if just for show. I could be happier this way.

"Well.. Deal or no deal?" He asked, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Deal," I replied.

We went downstairs for dinner with Fredrick and found him smiling, accompanied by his girlfriend Victoria.

"Good evening Mr Fredrick, Victoria " I greeted.

"Good evening Dad," Liam said, ignoring Victoria. His dislike for her was very clear, and I couldn't help but wonder why.

She seemed pleasant to me.

"Liam, Bianca, I looked all over for you at the party," he said, his voice full of excitement. He stood tall in his sharp suit, smiling wide. "Victoria and I have an announcement,"

Liam and I exchanged curious glances as we stared at them.

"We're engaged," Victoria said with a smile.

"And also expecting," Fredrick declared loudly.

"Uh, Dad, can I have a word? privately," Liam asked, his tone flat and serious.

"Sure," Fredrick replied. He leaned toward Victoria and whispered "I'll be back shortly, babe," and she gave a small nod.

Liam and Fredrick left the room, leaving me alone with Victoria.

I offered a polite smile.

"Congratulations Victoria. Welcome to the family."

"Thank you," she replied with a smile.

The silence that followed grew heavy.

Victoria cleared her throat. "I have to use the restroom, the usual pregnancy thing," she chuckled nervously, rising from her seat. "If you'll excuse me,"

"Of course," I said, with a soft smile.

As Victoria walked away, a folded paper slipped from her purse. I bent down quickly, picked it up, planning to keep it safe until she got back. But curiosity got the better of me, so I opened it.

I froze.

It was an ultrasound photo. But the name printed on it wasn't Victoria's. It wasn't even a woman's name. It was a Google watermark.

My hands trembled as I held the paper, my heart beating rapidly in my chest.

It was one thing to suspect, it was another to have proof.

Victoria wasn't telling the truth. Still I couldn't go straight to Fredrick. But I could tell Liam first, as soon as dinner was over.

I hurried back to my seat just before Victoria returned. Soon after, Liam and Fredrick joined us and we all sat down to dinner.

The meal was oddly quiet and rushed. I noticed Liam's coldness and couldn't help but wonder if it had something to do with the pregnancy and engagement.

After dinner, we walked into our bedroom.

Liam began unbuttoning his shirt hastily, and I  stared lustfully at the hard lines of his chest for a minute. I blinked rapidly, swallowing hard.

"Liam, I need to talk to you," I managed to say.

"About?" He asked, not looking up, focused on unbuttoning his shirt.

"It's about Victoria," I muttered, my voice barely steady. "I think she's lying about the pregnancy,"

"Oh, please," Liam scoffed. "What the hell are you talking about?" He slipped his hands into his trouser pockets, jaw tight.

"Here, I found this," I said, giving him the folded paper. "It slipped from her purse earlier shortly before dinner."

He took the paper and raised an eyebrow at me.

"Look at the scans, they're fake. And this report? No doctor signs with initials only." I said, as Liam took a closer look.

He lifted his eyes to look at me.

"Are you trying to cause trouble? You're barely a part of this family and now you're starting rumors." he snapped.

"Liam..I only.." I barely got the words before he cut me off.

"Listen to me," he stepped closer, "you're nothing but a debt repaid, you'll never be a part of this family, don't you ever meddle in our affairs again."

"I only wanted to help," I muttered.

I glanced down, my throat tightening as heat rushed to my face.

"You ain't helping lady, you're trying to cause some trouble here." He said. "Hell yeah, I don't like Victoria either, but stooping to this.." He tossed the paper toward my face.

"Liam, that's enough," I managed to say, my voice shaking but steady. "We both know Victoria is definitely up to something. I can feel it, and whatever it is could ruin everyone living under this roof and that includes me." I breathed hard, staring into his eyes.

Liam said nothing, holding my gaze.

"So you just expect me to walk up to my father and tell him that you think his fiancée is faking a pregnancy just because you found some paper lying somewhere," he managed to say, breaking the brief silence.

"It slipped from her purse, it could mean something," I said, jaw tightening.

"I don't have time for your mindless games," he said, throwing the paper aside.

My breath caught, tight with hurt I couldn't hide.

"I'm trying to protect you, to protect this family," I said.

"I don't need your damn protection, We're the Smiths, what makes you think we could use some protection from you," he snapped, pointing a finger at me.

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could say a word, the door pushed open, and Fredrick stood there watching us.

I froze.

Bianca

"Dad," Liam called out, his voice suddenly straight as he straightened, his unbuttoned shirt still hanging loosely on his body. "What.. what are you doing here?"

Fredrick stepped in slowly, staring at us, arms folded.

"I was headed to my quarters," he said slowly, "when I heard raised voices." he stared closely at us. "So who exactly needs protecting.. and from what?"

"Oh, common Dad," Liam said, forcing a laugh. Eavesdropping now? We're a married couple, for crying out loud."

He let out a nervous chuckle, placed a hand on my waist, and pulled me close, and I felt a sudden warmth.

"Just a little friendly banter, nothing serious," he added, glancing at me with a soft smile.

"Tell him, babe,"

"Yes.. of course, Mr Fredrick, it was nothing serious at all," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Oh, Bianca quit with formalities," Fredrick said," it's Dad to you now, you're part of the family now."

"Okay Dad," I forced a small laugh, glancing briefly at Liam, who now kept a straight face.

"Anyway son," Fredrick said, a faint smile playing on his face. "I came to let you know about the upcoming charity gala for Smith Industries. I won't be attending. Victoria has planned a little getaway for just the two of us."

He chuckled softly, then looked directly at Liam.

"I'll need you and your wife to represent the family."

"Dad, this is supposed to be an important function," Liam said, his hands still gently placed on my lower back. "Wouldn't it be better to postpone your little getaway, I'm certain Victoria would understand."

Fredrick let out a little laugh.

"It's just some silly gala, I'm sure you'll do just fine without me." He said with a shrug. "I'll leave you two love birds now and call it a night.

We said goodnight and he left.

Liam let go of my waist immediately, as the touch irritated him.

"You heard him. We've got a gala to attend," he said flatly, already walking to the bathroom.

"Remember, make sure the act looks good."

****

Two days later, we arrived at the venue for the gala. I sat in the back of the car, fingers tightening around my purse, as reporters swarmed outside like hungry insects.

This wasn't just another public appearance.

This was the first ever, acting as a loving couple.

I raised my eyes to see Liam adjusting his cufflinks with ease, but I noticed the faint tension in his jaw.

"We stick to the plan," he said, glancing at me. "Smile when necessary and stay close. I don't want you crashing into no Goddamn pools."

I frowned.

He didn't have to bring up the incident with Kira.

I was thankful she wasn't present this time.

I nodded at Liam, my heart beating rapidly.

The door opened, and cameras flashed. Liam stepped out first, unfolding to his full height, elegant and totally unreadable. He extended his hand to me, and I hesitated for a moment before taking it.

His palm felt warm and gentle.

"Ready?" He murmured.

I wasn't, but I nodded.

The moment I got out, the shouting began.

"Mrs Smith, what's life like being married to the Smith heir?"

"Is your marriage one of convenience?"

The words sank into my gut.

Liam held my hand firmly, leading the way as we moved through the crowd. We were nearly at the entrance when a reporter walked forward.

"Mrs Smith," he called out, "is it true you married the Smith heir to cover a family debt?"

The question stunned me and I stood still.

My heart sank. How did word of this get out?

The cameras flashed, and there was silence.

I opened my mouth, unsure of what to say.

But to my surprise, Liam moved.

He stepped in front of me so swiftly my breath stopped.

"That's enough," he said, voice low and steady. "You don't speak about my wife or my marriage in that manner,"

The reporter scoffed. "Mr Smith we're just asking what the public needs to know."

"No," Liam said sharply. "You're trying to humiliate her on record. Get your facts right, and leave her out of it."

The weight of his words struck me deeper than I expected. I couldn't believe my eyes and ears.

None of this needed to be part of the act.

No one would have blamed him for staying silent.

But he still stepped forward, shielding me.

The reporter tried again. "So you're denying.."

"I'm done entertaining this," Liam cut him off, eyes cold, jaw tightening. "My personal life is none of your concern. And you ain't gonna use it in tearing down a woman who has agreed to do life with me."

His words sent a strange warmth through my chest and I relaxed.

Security intervened at last, pushing the reporter back.

Liam turned toward me, his anger melting into concern for me.

"Are you alright?" He asked warmly.

I simply nodded. I couldn't find words.

He stepped closer, and I could feel his breath brushing my cheek as he stared closely at my face. His hand lifted as though he wanted to touch my arm. He then paused as if he remembered himself.

"We don't have to stay long," he murmured, locking eyes with me.

"But we should," I whispered, my voice steady. "We came together."

Slowly, he reached for my hand and we walked into the hall.

We mingled with a few guests, and Liam gave a speech on Fredrick's behalf.

The orchestra began, transitioning into a slower waltz. Couples moved toward the center of the hall.

"We should dance," Liam murmured. "Just for appearances. We have to debunk whatever news is flying around."

He extended his hand and I placed mine in it.

I could hear my heart beating rapidly.

He gently guided me into the center of the hall, his hand lightly placed on my waist. I rested my other hand on his shoulder, feeling his breath for a moment.

Then the music swept us into motion.

I could hardly lock eyes with him.

"Relax," he whispered, noticing my tension.

"Hard to," I replied, lost in his gaze.

"Thank you for defending me earlier," I whispered.

"Let's just say it's my way of making up for doubting you earlier about Victoria," he said. "I had my men look into her, and from the information I gathered, boy, she could be hiding quite a lot more."

"I'm shocked to hear that," I managed to say.

"All thanks to you, she'll be stopped in no time." He said, guiding me through a turn.

The party ended and we returned home.

By dawn, a hurried knock came at the door.

"Ma'am, your attention is needed downstairs," Belinda said, her voice tense.

I rushed down the stairs.

And I saw Liam, standing conversing with some men in dark suits.

It was six in the morning.

No one visited the Billionaires at that time of the day unless something was terribly wrong.

"Liam Smith?" One of the men asked, flashing a badge.

"I am Agent Randy from the FBI. My men and I need to speak with you and your wife."

Wife.

The word hit me like a punch and my stomach churned.