The heavy weight of the recent happenings was heavily laid on Liam’s broad shoulders as he trudged into the mansion, his expression looking almost depressed. The assault on him and his wife, the joint attack from his ex-lover and cousin, and the theft of his lifetime project, all of which remained a mystery to him as he racked his brain in despair for ways to solve the missing pieces of the puzzle.
He was a dangerous man recognized for his calculative and manipulative nature. He was never going to go down easily without a fight. Why should he bow to his enemies?… An act of recklessness and indecisiveness was the weakness he wanted to exploit but he wasn’t going to give them the privilege to corner him in such a state. With a renewed resolve to tackle the upcoming challenges, he strode into the living room to meet his fiancee sitting quietly on the couch, her eyes glued to the television set.
His hardened gaze melted at her distant expression which he thought was cute. Yes, he wanted to protect her for the rest of his life. The feeling of love was strange to him but he enjoyed the warmth it brought to his icy heart.
“Isabelle..” he called out to her with a softened voice “What have you been up to?”
His voice jolted Isabelle from her deep thoughts as she abruptly stood up in surprise” Why are you back so early?… Have you settled the issues at the company?… Are you alright?….” She bombarded him with questions with no space to answer them. The deep concern in her eyes made Liam’s heart leap for joy.
“Everything is fine my dear, I have it under control” he soothingly said trying to keep calm even though his inner self was in turmoil.
“Are you sure?” Isabelle probed further” It’s all over the news and Max….” She choked on her words as she felt the guilt deep down in her heart eating her up.
“It’s alright, at least you know who he is. So, stay clear of him” Liam said with a warning tone. He was still confused by Max’s actions. He had never made a move like that unless he had succeeded in his goal. What has he been up to?….
Liam’s warning caused Isabelle to shiver slightly, panic written all over their face. How could she bring herself to tell him about the atrocious act that she had committed which almost led to his downfall? She could not find a word to say and kept mute.
“Are you alright? You look pale” Liam uttered worriedly, pondering on her decision to stay quiet all of a sudden” Maybe you need to rest, let’s go up…..”
“No, Liam. Not yet. I made some snacks for you. Do want to try it out?” She asked, her cheek burning as she made efforts to avoid his gaze.
“Oh!…..” Liam pouted his lips in surprise. ” It’s okay. Let’s head to the dining table then” he pulled her gently by the arms, walking straight to the dining room
The aroma of buttery pancake wafted into the air. Fluffy and golden brown with crispy edges and a tender center to show that it was thoroughly prepared with care and total concentration. Isabelle felt nervous as her gaze lingered on Liam who was taking his time to savour the taste of the fluffy pancakes.
“Hmmm….. It tastes just great” Liam complemented. “Your skills have improved”
“You think so?” Isabelle blushed at his words with a feeling of unbridled joy which occupied her heart. She felt a surreal bliss as she watched her rich and handsome fiance feast on the snacks she had wholeheartedly prepared.
“Yes…. ”
Liam’s words were interrupted by a knock on the door. His expression turned serious as she strolled towards the door to answer the intruder who had the temerity to cut his good time short.
“Who… Mother” Liam called out surprised at the person standing at the door. His gaze gradually darkened as he stared contemptuously at her. “What do you want?”
“Hello son” her lips curved up in a pretentious smile. “Is this how you welcome your mother?… I didn’t train you this way or… Wait, is that fiancee of yours poisoning your mind against me?” She bantered, obviously irritated because her son refused to let her in.
“Watch your mouth” Liam was curt with his tone. “If you want to stay, then you’ll have to respect my fiancee. Do I make myself clear?”
Liam made way for her after issuing a clear warning but her pompous self wouldn’t take that.
“Hmph….” She scoffed the moment she spotted Isabelle who instantly stood up to welcome her.
“Welcome.. um… Mother” Isabelle stuttered as a strange feeling crept into her heart, wondering if it was right to call the middle-aged woman before her by that title.
The woman ignored Isabelle and walked past her bumping into her shoulders. This childish act was detected by Liam who was greatly angered. The moment he attempted to tell, he felt a warm grasp on his wrist and when he looked back, he saw Isabella shaking her head in disapproval. “Let her be. I’m good”
“But she’s so bent on humiliating you” Liam protested as his teeth seethed in anger before retracting his gaze to his so-called mother who had neglected him when he was very young.
“I think it’s time for you to leave. You’ve overstayed your welcome” Liam uttered coldly to the woman who couldn’t stop roaming around all in the name inspecting the house.
“I’m not leaving now” she replied defiantly “I’ll be staying here for a while”
“What!!.. impossible. You have to leave now” Liam yelled out, feeling infuriated.
“Liam, take it easy” Isabelle chipped in a low voice.”I don’t mind her staying. It’s just for a while and she’ll be gone before you know it”
“I don’t want her in my house” Liam’s piercing gaze lingered on his mother as a feeling of disgust rose in his heart. “But if you insist, then fine”
Liam stormed out of the living room, his happy mood spoiled by the presence of the woman he despised the most. But, no matter how much he tried to avoid her, she always find a way back into his life.
Liam’s mother glared furiously at Isabelle “It’s all your fault. I told you once that your type was never meant for son. You’ll leave, definitely”