Isabelle paced the plush living room of Liam’s penthouse, her mind abuzz with a blend of alarm and query. Days had turned into nights since Liam’s abrupt departure for a business trip, leaving her in the company of only Penelope, the middle-aged maid whose endless chatter had long since lost its novelty.
“Where could he be?” she muttered to herself, her voice echoing through the opulent space.
She had tried calling, but his phone went straight to voicemail. Her messages remained unanswered, leaving her with an eating sense of apprehension. The contract marriage she had entered into with Liam was supposed to be nothing more than a business sale, but she could not shake the feeling that something had shifted within her.
Isabelle woke up one morning and a sound from the dining room caught her attention. She cautiously approached the doorway, her heart pounding in her heart. To her astonishment, there sat Liam, occupied in a breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast.
“Liam?” she heaved, her voice pulsing.
Liam looked up, a slight smile playing on his lips. “Good morning, Isabelle.” he greeted her warmly. “I trust you slept well?”
“You are back?” Isabelle stammered, still trying to get used to his unanticipated presence. “When did you get back?”
“Last night,” Liam replied. “I decided to surprise you.”
Isabelle could not help but notice a subtle change in Liam’s address. The aloofness and incuriosity that had characterized their relations in the past seemed to have dissipated, replaced by a genuine warmth and concern.
“I did not anticipate you,” Isabelle confessed.
“I know,” Liam said, his voice pigmented with remorse. “I should have informed you of my return, but I wanted to make it a special occasion.”
He signaled towards the empty seat beside him. “Come, join me for breakfast.”
Isabelle dithered for a moment before taking a seat opposite Liam. As she looked into his eyes, she saw something she had noway seen before a spark of vulnerability and a hint of the man she had glinted beneath the polished surface.
“How was your trip?” Isabelle asked politely.
Liam leaned back in his chair, his eyes distant. “It was business as usual,” he said. “I spent most of my time meeting with implicit investors for our new design.”
Isabelle nodded, trying to maintain a neutral expression. She had no interest in agitating Liam’s business gambles. rather, she decided to probe more into his unforeseen change in personality.
“Liam.” she began hesitantly, “I have noticed that you’ve been different recently and even more attentive.” She said.
Liam’s eyes met hers, and a brief flicker of surprise crossed his face. “Have I?” he asked, his voice pigmented with surprise.
“Yes,” Isabelle replied, her voice growing steadier. “It’s as if you’ve….” She broke, searching for the right words. “As if you care about me.”
Liam leaned forward, his eyes holding hers firmly. “Isabelle,” he said, his voice low and steady. “I have always cared about you. Even though I have tried to deny it, it’s been there, hidden beneath the surface.”
Isabelle’s heart skipped a beat as she heard Liam’s words. Could it be possible that he had a passion for her now?
“Why did not you say anything before?” she asked carefully.
“Because I did not want to complicate things,” Liam explained. “This marriage was supposed to be a business arrangement, and I did not want to muddy the waters with particular feelings.”
“But what has changed?” Isabelle pressed.
Liam sighed, his expression turning serious. “I have realized that I can not ignore my passion for you now, Isabelle. I have tried, but it’s inevitable.”
Isabelle was torn between confusion and a sense of exhilaration. She had no way anticipated Liam to feel this way about her. But now that he had admitted it, she could not help but wonder what the future held for them.
“Liam.” she began, her voice pulsing slightly.
He reached across the table and took her hand in his, his eyes filled with both desire and tenderheartedness. “Isabelle.” he said, “I want to make this marriage more than just a contract. I want to make it real.”
Isabelle looked into Liam’s eyes, searching for any trace of dishonesty or manipulation. But all she saw was a reflection of herself and nothing more.
“No,” she whispered, her voice slightly above a whisper. “That cannot be, this is strictly a contract.”
The words hit Liam hard but he smiled I’m an effort to hide the pain. “Alright then.”
He stood up abruptly, urging Isabelle to her feet. “Get dressed,” he said. “We need to go now.”
“Where are we going?” Isabelle asked, a sense of expectation building within her.
“It’s a surprise,” Liam replied with a sportful grin on his face.
Isabelle and Liam retreated to their room to change. As Isabelle slipped into a flowing dress, her mind raced with possibilities. Where could Liam be taking her?
A few minutes later, Liam surfaced from the bathroom, looking handsome in a customized suit. He took Isabelle’s hand and led her out of the penthouse.
“Where to Sir” Penelope asked when she noticed them going out.
Liam smiled. “We are going to pick out a present for my beautiful woman,” he replied.
Isabelle’s heart skipped a beat as she realized what they were about to do. They walked out of the penthouse and into the waiting limousine, which whisked them away towards an unknown destination.
As they drove through the bustling streets of the city, Isabelle stole a look at Liam. He seemed relaxed and content, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.
The car pulled up outside a black, ultramodern structure that housed a high-end car dealership. Liam led Isabelle outside, his hand still forcefully clasped in hers.
They were greeted by a deals associate who steered them towards a display of flashing vehicles. Isabelle’s eyes widened in amazement as she took in the rows of luxury cars.
“Take your pick,” Liam said, his voice trickling with indulgence. “Anything you want, it’s yours.”
Isabelle could not believe her ears. Liam was offering to buy her a car.
“But why?” she asked, her voice pulsing with unbelief.
“Because you earn it” Liam replied simply.
Isabelle looked at Liam, her heart filled with confusion. She had no way imagined that Liam would be able of such a grand gesture.
“I do not know what to say,” she muttered.
“Say yes.” Liam prompted. “Say yes, and let me spoil you.”
Isabelle dithered for a moment longer, her mind racing with possibilities. She could choose any car she wanted, any car she had ever imagined. But as she looked at Liam’s expectant face, she realized that what she truly wanted was something far more precious than any material object.
“Liam.” she began, her voice soft and steady, “I appreciate your offer, but I can not accept this auto.”
Liam’s expression faltered, and a flicker of disappointment crossed his face. “Why not?” he asked, his voice laced with confusion…