Love and Lust in Contract Marriage

Chapter 9

Liam's feet swayed slowly along the second-floor corridor of Kate's house. The house is modern style and dominated by white color, it is quite big. It was clearly bigger than the tiny house on the outskirts of town. Yes, Liam is not as lucky as Kate who was born into a rich family. He only lives alone with his mother in a simple life.

"I like this one," he said, commenting on a painting that was displayed in one corner of Kate's house. A view of the expanse of the prairie with the wind blowing the leaves. He also seemed to come to feel the coolness and calm. And nostalgia seeps into his brain.

His childhood was fairly happy. He has good friends, doesn't have any problems at school, and his life at home is also harmonious. His relationship with his mother is very close. Naturally, because they only have each other to love each other.

However, that was not what he wanted to tell. It's about one of his favorite activities as a child. Little Liam likes to pedal his bicycle to remote areas in the forest not far from his home. Then, he will feel at home spending his time there, either walking around or just sitting enjoying the sounds of nature. Ah, he missed those days so much.

“You broke your promise.”

Kate's voice interrupts Liam's activities and interrupts his thoughts. Since then, she has been following him. And he had expected that sooner or later the protest would leave her sweet lips. Oh, look. He had even seen the attractive parts of his future wife.

"I've improvised as best I could, Kate." Liam replied to Kate's babble without looking at her. He instead continued to look around the house and let Kate continue to follow behind him.

Kate was silent, though she could hear a small snort indicating she was dissatisfied with his answer. But, what else can I do? Liam doesn't like it when he keeps refusing his future father-in-law's requests. Let the problem be resolved by Kate, without interference from her. The relationship between father and son can sometimes be heated, given the almost similar nature of the two.

“Howard won't listen to me, Kate. I'm still an outsider," Liam says, reminding Kate of his status in the Whitelaw family. Remember, he is still a potential husband whose status can be canceled at any time. Who knows?

Another small snort came from Kate's mouth. He doesn't like being reminded, let alone a truth that hits him hard. Liam is right. Again, the man was right.

"Dad won't listen to me either," he grumbled indignantly. Yes, Howard had rejected his idea of ​​no wedding. No matter how many times you try, it will be difficult, unless someone very close to his father persuades him. But, that person didn't exist. The only person Howard is closest to, and has a large percentage of getting granted is him. And it is clear, that hope is impossible to come true.

"Well, you already know the answer yourself." Liam chimed in. His feet then stopped in front of a painting of a woman's silhouette with an umbrella in the pouring rain. Unlike the previous picture which presented a calm and peaceful atmosphere, the painting he was looking at felt gloomy and full of loneliness. There is sadness in the figure of the woman who breaks through the heavy rain when no one else does the same. He seemed to want to overflow his tears with the rain. Well, even though the figure still takes cover under the shade of his big umbrella. Perhaps, to avoid people's strange looks, or draw their sympathy towards him.

Really, Liam wants to hug him and send his support to him. However, on the other hand, she was strong and would most likely reject Liam's treatment. Just look at how great he is who chooses to enjoy his sadness without anyone else by his side. If it's Liam, it won't be easy. Sadness and disappointment are two feelings that are difficult for the heart and mind to accept.

“Besides, what's wrong with granting your father's wish? The world won't end just because we had a wedding, Kate." That sentence should have ended in a joking tone there. But, somehow, Liam can't do it. The painting seems to have brought a feeling of tightness in his chest.

"That's because it's Liam. The wedding ceremony should never have happened, or our world could have ended.”

Kate's last words caught Liam's attention. The man turned to find Kate was also looking at the same painting as him. "You mean?"

Kate's eyes drift from the painting to Liam. He stared straight into the blue bead of the man before him. "What do you think they will say when they hear of our divorce?" He answered Liam's question with another interrogative sentence. “I care about the image of the company, my family, especially my father. I don't want to be the subject of their gossip." Those he meant were ah the guests and colleagues of her father who will be at her wedding later—if it actually happens.

Liam digested Kate's entire statement in silence. What he said was not wrong. He understood Kate's concern about the matter. Kate's family, including Whitelaw Corp and herself, would definitely be affected. Whether it's bad or good news, both have an impact on their image. One is positive, while the other is negative.

However, he never wanted to ignore their opinions. What for? Follow the whispers of those who only see his life from afar will only make you tired. After all, people like them—who like to comment on other people's lives—must always be there. Wherever you are, whatever life you live, and whatever decisions you make, there will always be people who question and talk about it—in a negative way. So stop ignoring their reactions and focus on your own life. That's his life motto so far.

"Don't worry about what they say. They will always find a way to talk about us,” Liam countered, calmly.

"But what about the company's image?"

Liam was silent for a moment. It's complicated when it comes to the Whitelaw Corporation. There are many things that weigh on the mind. But what good is a company's PR team if it can't fix the problem? There must be a way. And again, their divorce is still something that is not certain. Just married yet, already thinking about divorce.

Liam stared at the hazel color of the woman in front of him. He just realized, it turns out, Kate's eyes are so beautiful. The combination of brown and orange hues there makes the bead come alive. Coupled with Kate's passion that radiated from there, making her eyes even more enchanting. He couldn't lie that sometimes he was hypnotized by her charms.

Slowly, Liam began to close the distance between them. And now, they were only an inch apart. "Then marry me forever, Kathleen Jean Whitelaw." He spoke in a seriousness that was clearly illustrated by his voice and body gestures.