Contract With My Billionaire Bully

Chapter 4: Smile

AVERY

I felt my heart clench as a lady walked into his office. I turned towards him, but his eyes were locked on her body.

Even if he agreed to the contract, the presence of this lady made me doubt it. I felt he would have a change of heart and withdraw from it.

Similarly, the expressions I got from him when she arrived were no longer welcoming, not like it was at first, but I knew I had to leave.

My journey back home was filled with so much worry and uncertainty, that I couldn't get my mind off the contract.

When I got home, I washed the makeup off and wore a more comfortable dress. In no time, my overwhelmed body found the bed.

I stared absent-mindedly at the ceiling, placing my hands on my chest as I waited for a call from Liam, it felt like the longest I had to wait for something.

However, I noticed my phone vibrate and the sound from the ringtone made my stomach churn.

Turning towards it, I noticed it was just another call from Jacob, I had ignored his text messages earlier, and I was sure he wanted to know how it went, but I just wasn't ready for him.

My throat got itchy and I had to go down and get a glass of water. Walking down the staircase, I heard my dad's usual ranting on the phone. He was talking to investors pleading for more time to pay up his debts.

I walked past him and wondered what he did to make them go after him. However, something about his reasons just didn't feel right.

At the hospital, whenever I ask, it always leads back to my mother, and when I push the conversation further, he changes the subject or sometimes claims he has something important to do.

Regardless, I took matters into my own hands, and with my plan for Liam's marriage, I'll have more resources to work with.

I picked up my phone and dialled Jacob, and it didn't even ring for a moment before he answered.

Jacob: Avy, I know you're mad because I bailed out but I'm so sorry, it was quite a long story.

Rolling my eyes, I walked into the kitchen and shut the door behind me. I didn't want to draw any attention to myself.

Avery: Sigh! I've forgiven you.”

Jacob: Thanks, girl! And Liam?

Avery: He agreed to the contract.

I squealed, ignoring the fact that I left him alone with a half-dressed woman.

Jacob: Oh thank goodness! I never doubted you one day.

Avery: Yeah, and now we have secured that, let's talk business.

The joyous atmosphere settled down as I said that, and Jacob understood.

Jacob: I managed to discover the next location for her exhibition, and with Liam's wealth, we will be able to purchase the next piece.”

Avery: Good findings, Jay. The last piece we bought dated three months ago, coming from the same address.

Jacob: Hmm, this could mean something.

During my time away from the world, as I would call it, my mother died, and I never got to attend her burial because I was fighting for my own life.

Consequently, I became closer to the Internet, and I managed to discover information about her private jewellery company, different from the one my father managed.

Dating a few months back, I saw an online exhibition showcasing assets from her private jewellery collection.

Fun enough, she was the only one who had access to it, and when I questioned my Dad, he gave the same blank answers.

So when Jacob returned, I pleaded with him to help me find out details about it and with his love for mystery and adventure, he took it upon himself.

Fortunately, we discovered the jewellery exhibited wasn't just hers, but they were recently designed by her, and as we progressed deeper, each step led to more unanswered questions.

>>>

Later that day, I sat on my bed, surrounded by notes and research on the next exhibition.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed, breaking the silence. I turned to it, and my eyes widened as I saw Liam's name on the screen.

I hesitated for a moment before opening the email, my heart racing with different possibilities.

Written on it was the contract agreement document and he had signed it, I felt my breath calming at the sight of it.

>>>

Fast forward to the day of my wedding, I stood at the aisle, my Father, Leonard, locked his hands on mine and we marched towards the altar.

He was glad when I broke it to him about the marriage with Liam, as if that wasn't enough, he went as far as inviting people from far and wide.

Liam on the other hand looked calm and measured as he stood with the Priest on the altar. He let out a charming smile, and I knew it was just a facade meant for the media.

Regardless, I couldn't resist how handsome he looked, his hair was meticulously styled and his well-chiselled jawline complimented his thin lips.

His piercing blue eyes were so attractive and at the same time similar to mine. I guess we had something in common after all. I shook the feeling off, focusing on my purpose here.

No matter how handsome he looked, I still remembered his past I loathed, and I can't be found drooling over him.

I stood still facing him, my visage filled with displeasure. I was consumed by thoughts of the new life I had welcomed, getting married to my bully.

“Smile!”

His calm words cut me off like a hot knife through butter, and I had to force one out.

The priest started his recitation and it felt like a hum in the background, mixed with camera shutters and guests chatter, this was because it wasn't a real marriage to us.

All that mattered was my goals and agendas, I couldn't wait to achieve all that I had laid out, and I'm sure he had the same with how his eyes pierced in mine.

And the moment we were all waiting for, the priest turned to Liam, his voice laced with love and affection.

“You may kiss the bride.” He gestured to me.

The smile on Liam's face grew thinner, as he moved in closer. His eyes brimming with distaste.

His hands brushed against my skin, lifting the veil above my head, and my whole body shuddered at his touch.

Was he really going to kiss me?