ALICE’S POV.
The ringing phone jolted me awake from my sleep.
It’s midnight already, who can it be?.
I glanced at the screen and saw Mom’s name flashing. I answered, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
“Good morning, Mom,” I said groggily.
“Alice, thank God you picked up,” Mom’s voice came through, thick with worry. “Your father hasn’t been doing well. He’s terribly sick, and he’s been asking for you. Please, come home quickly!”
My heart sank. Dad… sick? “What’s wrong with him? Why didn’t you call me sooner?”
“His condition has worsened suddenly,” Mom explained. “He’s been requesting to see you. Please, Alice. You’re the only one who can calm him down.”
“I understand,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ll come as soon as I can. I need to sort some things out here first.”
“I’ll be waiting,” Mom said, her voice trembling. “Please hurry.”
I hung up, my mind racing. I needed to make arrangements quickly, but first I’d to tell Liam. I pray he isn’t fast asleep yet.
I got off my bed and slowly headed for Liam’s room. I stopped right on my track when I heard noise coming from downstairs. Is there a thief in the house?. I swallowed hard at the thought of it.
I gently tiptoed downstairs, grabbing a vase on the way, I’m going to smash this thief’s head. I trailed the sounds and slowly headed for the kitchen and right there I found Elizabeth?. She was pouring some water into a cup from a hug.
” Hey sis”,” She beamed immediately she saw me. ” Why are you up?,” She asked sweetly.
” I got a call from Mom?,” I blurted out. ” Mom?,” She raised a brow .
“Elizabeth, I’ve just received some troubling news,” I said, my voice tinged with urgency.
” Don’t scare me Alice, don’t tell me something bad happened,” There was worry on her face.
This is the first time I’d ever see Elizabeth worry about our parent. Maybe Elizabeth really did change?.
“Dad’s very sick,” I replied. Her face crumbled up and she slowly fell on her kneels. ” This is all my fault Alice, if only I didn’t seduce Liam and got dad worried after he found out, he wouldn’t be sick. It’s my fault Alice, I hate myself,” She bent her head in shame.
I walked toward her and gently helped her stand. ” Don’t be so hard on yourself Elizabeth, you were wrong and then you figured that out and apologized, you changed. It isn’t your fault he fell sick,” There were tears welled up in her eyes. Is she being sincere?.
” I need to go see him Elizabeth.” ” I’ll come with,” She rushed her words. ” No Elizabeth, you can’t,” I declined immediately.
” Why?,” Her voice cracked up.
I hesitated. ” I’m sorry Elizabeth, but I’m afraid your presence might anger Dad. He’s not exactly fond of you right now, and it might worsen his condition.”
Elizabeth’s face fell, but she nodded. “I see. Well, if you’re sure it’s best, I won’t go. But where do I stay?,” She sniffed hard.
” Right here,” I retorted. ” No.. I can’t st…,” She declined immediately.
” I need you to stay here and take care of things while I’m gone. Please do this for me,” I urged
” Are you really going to leave me in the same home with your husband?,” She asked. ” Ofcourse Elizabeth, everyone deserves a second chance,” I rubbed her knuckles softly.
A tear suddenly escaped her eyes, sliding down her cheek. ” Thank you Alice.. For trusting me, I won’t let you down”.
I wiped off her tear softly. ” You’re welcome,” I gave her a sweet smile which she returned. ” Extend my greetings to mom and dad,” She said sadly.
“I will,” I said, feeling a pang of guilt. “I’ll call you as soon as I know more. And… thank you for staying.”
” I need to inform Liam,” I slowly let go of her hand. She nodded softly and with that I worked out.
ELIZABETH’S POV.
I watched her walk away, a smirk slowly curved on my lips. Such a fool, she trust me now and that will be her downfall.
She is opening up a golden opportunity for me, and I swear I won’t miss it.
___
ALICE’S POV.
” You’re still working by this time?,” I asked immediately I got into Liam’s room. He was on his bed typing away on his laptop.
He looked up from his paperwork as soon as he heard my voice. “Whom do I owe this visit?,” He joked.
“Liam, I need to tell you something,” I began. His eyes scanned my face and when he saw that I wasn’t smiling, his smile faded away. He slowly pushed his laptop sideways.
” What’s it Alice?,” He asked concerned. Liam was concerned about me?. Wow!.
“My father is very ill, and I need to go visit him. I’ll be leaving tomorrow morning.”
” Are you living me all alone at home?,” He sounded sad. Wait, is he going to miss me?.
” Nope, Elizabeth will be here to keep you company,” I said, maintaining a low voice.
” Elizabeth. Why isn’t she going with you because the last time I checked you both have the same parent. So why Isn’t she gonna go home with you to check up on her sick dad?,” His voice was cold, he sounded super angry.
” Cause I asked her to stay,” I swallowed hard. ” And why would you?,” His voice was getting deeper.
” I’m sorry If I annoyed you, I didn’t want her coming along because my dad health my deteriorate with her around, he would tense up and..,” I bit my lip hard.
Liam’s eyes narrowed. ” I get it, Elizabeth only knows how to cause trouble anywhere she goes but you’re just going to leave me here with Elizabeth?”
“I… I didn’t want to leave you alone with her,” I admitted, finally let my feelings out. “But I need to be there for my family.
Liam sighed, his frustration evident. “And you think it’s a good idea to leave her here?”
“I’m asking you to be patient with her,” I said, my voice steady despite the knot in my stomach. “She’s been trying to change. She’s different now, a better version of herself.”
Liam’s anger flared. “I’m not thrilled about this, Alice. You know how I feel about her.”
“I know,” I said, pleading. “But please, just this once. For me.”
Liam’s jaw clenched, but he finally nodded. “Fine. I’ll try to keep my cool. But if she causes any trouble, it’s on you.”
“Thank you,” I said, relief flooding through me. “I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
” Then make it up to me now?,” He said. ” Huh?,” I swallowed hard, is he really gonna have sex this morning too.
” Come and sleep next to me, I need someone to cuddle,” He admitted.
Liam wants to cuddle me?. Sweet. I made my way to him slowly and gently slid into the bed. He shut down his laptop and placed it on the desk next to the bed.
He shifted downwards and gently pulled me to himself, cuddling me tightly. It felt great and I could feel butterflies in my stomach.
_____
Elizabeth and I stood by the front door. Liam was beside me, he had this sad expression on.
“Be careful, Alice,” Liam said, his voice softened slightly. “And call me when you can.”
“I will,” I promised, giving him a quick kiss. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Elizabeth watched us quietly before she finally spoke up. ” Take care of dad Alice”. I responded with a reassuring smile. I gave her one last look before getting into the car and driving away, my thoughts heavy with worry about my father.
ELIZABETH’S POV.
As soon as Alice’s car disappeared down the road, I felt a rush of excitement. This was my chance to put my plan into action. I glanced at the house, a devious smile creeping onto my lips. I had a scheme that would ensure Liam was mine.
I went to the kitchen and began preparing dinner. I made sure to add a bit of extra spice, but not in the usual sense-this was more about enhancing the effects of my plan. I mixed a few sedatives into a batch of whiskey, intending for Liam to drink it. I knew how to make him comfortable and, eventually, vulnerable.
After preparing the drink, I made my way to the living room where Liam was reading a book. He looked up as I entered.
“Hi, Liam,” I said cheerfully, holding up the decanter. “I’ve made us a special drink. Care to join me?”
Liam glanced at the drink with suspicion but took it from me, raising an eyebrow. “Alright. I’ll have a glass.”
I watched as he poured the whiskey into a glass and took a sip. I had to maintain a pleasant demeanor while the drug began its work. It wasn’t long before I noticed his demeanor change. His eyes started to droop slightly, and his movements became sluggish.
“Feeling alright?” I asked, feigning concern.
“Yeah,” Liam replied, his voice slurring a bit. “Just a bit dizzy.”
“Let me help you to your room,” I offered, my voice soft and inviting. “You should get some rest.”
Liam nodded, leaning on me as we made our way to the bedroom. I guided him carefully, feeling the weight of his body leaning against mine. Once inside the room, I closed the door behind us and gently pushed him onto the bed.
“Just lie down,” I said soothingly, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. “I’ll take care of you.”
Liam’s eyes were heavy, and he tried to resist, but the effects of the drug made it difficult for him to move. As he lay back, I sat beside him, leaning in close.
“Elizabeth…” Liam mumbled, his voice barely a whisper. ” What are you doing?”
I didn’t answer right away. Instead, I placed a hand on his chest and leaned in, pressing my lips against his. I felt him tense up, but I could tell he was losing his fight against the drug’s effects.
“Let me help you relax,” I murmured, my breath hot against his ear. “You’ve been so stressed lately. Just let go.”
Liam tried to push me away weakly, but his strength was fading. I took his hand, guiding it to my waist as I straddled him. He looked at me with a mix of anger and desire, and I took advantage of his weakened state.
I leaned in and kissed him more intensely, feeling his resistance wane as he succumbed to the sensations.
He finally responded, his hands gripping my hips as he pulled me closer. The struggle in his eyes melted into passion as I continued to kiss him, making sure he was fully under my control. I could feel the heat of the moment, the way his body reacted to mine.
He pushed me off him and climbed right on me, roughly.
“If you want me this badly,” he growled, “then you’ll get everything you’ve been asking for.” With that he slammed his lips on mine and I reciprocated.