MARRIED TO HELL AT FIRST

CHAPTER2

Fredrick sat in his dimly lit study, the weight of the world pressing down on him.

The walls, adorned with memories of happier times spent with his late wife, Whitney, seemed to close in as he contemplated his next move.

Deeply engrossed in his thoughts, he stared out the window watching the leaves dance in the gentle breeze, but his mind was elsewhere—focused on Liam.

“How do I get him to see reason?” he muttered to himself, rubbing his temple in frustration, reaching out for his glass of champagne. He knew his son well; stubbornness ran in the family, but Liam’s resistance to this marriage would be particularly strong.

Fredrick let out a sigh, recalling the countless conversations they both had about Liam settling down, each one ending in a heated argument.

He leaned back in his chair, holding a cigar ready to smoke; the thought of forcing Liam into a marriage felt so wrong, yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that it was the only way to secure their future.

“I just want what’s best for him,” he whispered, a tinge of desperation creeping into his voice. Fredrick very much knew his son wasn’t planning to get hitched any time soon, and even if he eventually decided to, not to that “ill-mannered and discourteous lady!” he said loudly, puffing out smoke from the cigar.

He believed that Bianca was a perfect match as he perceived she was calm and very peaceful, and this would also secure his authority over the Williams family as he would become fully financially responsible for them. He would make sure that Williams remained beneath him, he thought silently to himself; he would be in full control and dominance. He beamed with a slight smile… but how would he convince Liam? He thought…

“Dad,” Liam called out, interrupting his father’s pondering. “You sent for me…” Liam said with a straight face, curious to know what the meeting was about.

“Yes, Liam, I sent for you,” Fredrick said, gasping before further speaking. “I found you a lovely girl who will be your wife,” he said with a straight face, dropping the cigar slightly on the table.

“Pardon?” Liam asked almost immediately. “I don’t get you, Dad. What do you mean by you got me a wife? Is this some sort of a joke?” Liam asked again, this time with his eyes twitching.

.

“Well, I am not joking, Liam. We both know you are not willing to settle down and start a family. All you do is frolic around with Kira or whatever her name is; she would never make a good wife. She’s not the woman I want for you,” Fredrick replied…

“Do not bring Kira into this!” thundered Liam. "I love her, and I hope to get married to her someday. It isn't in your place to decide who is good enough for me! You do not have the right to talk about Kira in that manner. If this is a joke, it doesn’t sound funny in any way, for I do not know you to be a man with a sense of humor,” Liam added, now fuming.

Fredrick was unsurprised by his son’s reaction—this little arrogant brat! he thought silently. "Well, there's this guy named Donald Williams who owes me a hefty sum—a couple of millions, to be exact.

Unfortunately for him, he's broke and can't pay me back. And it's also unfortunate for him that I'm someone who takes my business and money very seriously. I asked for his beautiful daughter to be married to you, my son, more like a payment for the debt.

I have seen her a couple of times, and I must say, she is delightful and will most certainly make a good wife to you, my boy,” Fredrick said, beaming with a mischievous smile.

Liam let out a little laugh. “Ha ha, just listen to yourself, Dad. None of this makes any sense to me. It’s insane! Why not ask to marry the b***h yourself since it was all your business from the onset?”

“I will not have you talk about your fiancée in such a degrading manner!” yelled Fredrick. “You must marry Bianca Williams. She is the right woman for you. She is decent and very homely—exactly what you need… not Kira,” he said with a frown, picking up the cigar.

“What the hell?! Now listen up, Dad, I don’t know what the f**k you have all planned out, and I f*****g do not care. Keep me away from your shady deals! I will not have you use me as a tool for one of your selfish gains!” Liam, now very agitated, snapped.

“Now listen up, you dimwit. You should know better than to defy me. You know damn well what I am capable of, Liam,” Fredrick yelled as he stood up and struck the table violently.

“If you refuse to marry the woman I have arranged for you, be ready to lose everything that qualifies you as a Smith.

When I say everything, I mean every damn thing—the businesses, the properties, your cars, and your stipend. Be ready to feed from dust if you think you can contend with me!” Fredrick yelled again.

One could easily tell he wasn’t merely threatening; Liam knew his father to be sometimes extremely brutal. Fredrick would never hesitate to crush anyone or anything in the way of what he wants, and that doesn’t exclude his family.

Liam couldn’t help but wonder why his father was bent on ensuring that this marriage came to reality. He wondered what Fredrick could be up to, knowing fully well his father wasn’t a man to be trusted.

“You can’t be serious, Dad,” Liam said softly…

“Do not test me, Liam…” Fredrick said…

“What then happens to Kira? I’m deeply in love with her, Dad,” Liam asked with a heavy heart.

“Love? Love, you say? Oh please! Hand her a few dollars, and she’s off your trail.

In my opinion, she has never been genuinely in love with you but with your inheritance—just some desperate girl who’s trying to belong to our hierarchy,” Fredrick replied…

“Son,” he added calmly, “I always want what’s best for you. Bianca would make a fantastic wife! You should get to meet her. She is so delightful, I must say, and very beautiful too,” he added, walking up to Liam and letting out yet another mischievous smile.

“Moreover, being married won’t stop you from living the life that you desire. You could have tons and tons of mistresses if you so desire. We are the Smiths, and we get whatever we want. Don’t you forget that,” he added, tapping him on the shoulder.

“Fine, I’ll do it,” Liam said, just as his phone began to ring. Damn it, it’s Kira, he thought to himself…

How was he supposed to explain all of this to her?