The Arrangement

10

Liam stopped in front of Joy before she could say anything. They didn't say anything to each other the first few seconds.

She had expected him to greet her with a nod or perhaps a polite "welcome." Instead, he slipped an arm around her waist easily as though he'd been doing it for sometime.

Joy inhaled sharply.

The sudden contact caught her completely off guard. Liam leaned in just enough for only her to hear him.

"My father is watching."

That was when she noticed John Owen standing a short distance behind him and she immediately relaxed her shoulders. She needed to do this the right way, her family's business was relied on the success of what they were doing.

Liam gave her waist a light squeeze before pulling her into a brief embrace.

"Welcome." he said, his voice warm enough for everyone nearby to hear. Joy hesitated for the smallest fraction of a second before returning the hug. It lasted no more than two seconds.

When they stepped apart, Liam didn't remove his hand from her waist. To anyone watching, they looked like a couple happy to see each other after spending time apart.

To Joy, it felt strangely... convincing. Before she could dwell on it, Liam's attention shifted over her shoulder. Richard was staring at him with an expression that could only be described as murderous.

Liam's lips curved into a faint smirk and he took two steps toward him. Richard narrowed his eyes in return.

Without warning, Liam reached out and ruffled his hair.

"What…" Richard slapped his hand away immediately. "What is wrong with you?"

He hurriedly tried to smooth his hair back into place, glaring at Liam the entire time.

Joy couldn't believe what she was seeing.

She jabbed Liam lightly in the side with her elbow and Liam looked down at her. "Stop that. Richard isn't a child."

"He certainly behaves like one."

"I heard that," Richard muttered.

"I didn't try to hide when I said it." Liam replied calmly.

Richard looked ready to argue and Joy shot him a warning look before he could open his mouth. He pressed his lips together instead.

Liam finally turned back to Joy. "My father is waiting."

The words made her stomach tighten and she glanced toward John Owen and immediately felt her confidence disappear. He looked even more intimidating in person.

She leaned closer to Liam. "Do we really have to do this now?"

“What do you mean?”

"I mean..." She lowered her voice even further. "Isn't it a little too soon for me to meet your father?"

He frowned. "What are you saying? He is here already, do you expect him to just disappear?”

She was alarmed as she thought she'd said something terribly wrong.Then he smiled, it looked affectionate enough to fool anyone watching. Only Joy could hear the irritation beneath it.

"Wipe that look off your face."

She blinked.

"My father isn't stupid," he continued quietly. "If you keep looking at him as though he's about to sentence you, he'll start asking questions."

Joy swallowed.

"You are being paid to act." His smile remained perfectly pleasant. "So, do what you are being paid to do, and act."

She continued staring at him. Those words weren't supposed to hurt her as much as they did. He didn't have to rub it in, he was stomping all over her pride.

Liam resisted the urge to sigh. "Do I really have to explain everything?"

Joy didn't answer immediately. Instead, she looked into his eyes for a moment before an idea suddenly came to her. Slowly, she lifted a hand and Liam watched her.

Her fingers brushed gently against his cheek and his smile faltered for the briefest second before returning.

"Like this?" she asked.

Liam held her gaze for a moment before nodding almost imperceptibly. "Better."

Several metres away, Cameron blinked. Then he blinked again. He looked from Liam to Joy before turning to Sophie.

"If I didn't know those two signed a contract," he murmured, "I'd swear they were actually together."

Sophie smiled knowingly. "I told you she'd catch on quickly." Then her smile dropped. “Although, I still don't support the idea of deceiving anyone.”

"Well… at least, they're good."

"They have to be." Sophie replied, folding her arms.

Cameron watched them for another second before clearing his throat loudly. Very loudly.

Joy lowered her hand from his face and slipped her fingers into Liam's instead. He glanced down at their joined hands before looking back at her.

For the first time since they'd met, there was the faintest hint of approval in his eyes. "Come on." he said.

Together, they walked towards the others. The closer they got, the more nervous Joy became.

John Owen carried himself with the same quiet authority as Liam, only stronger.

Joy offered him the brightest smile she could manage before dipping her head politely. "Hello, sir."

John studied her for a long moment and the silence stretched just enough to make her wonder if she'd already done something wrong.

Finally, he nodded. "So you're Miss Roberts."

"Yes, sir. But I'd prefer if you just call me Joy." She laughed nervously, hoping she wasn't fooling herself in front of everyone present.

Liam stepped forward. "Father, this is Joy Roberts, the one I'm going to marry." He turned slightly. "Joy, you've already heard me talk about my father."

She smiled politely. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"The pleasure is mine." His expression softened just a little. "You are welcome."

"Thank you."

Liam looked towards Cameron. "You've already met Cameron."

Joy's smile widened. "I remember." She offered him her hand. "It's nice seeing you again."

"The feeling is mutual." Cameron shook her hand before gesturing towards the woman beside him.

"And this is my fiancée, Sophie."

Joy turned immediately. Sophie's smile was warm enough to ease some of her nerves.

"It's lovely to finally meet you." Sophie said with a sweet voice.

"You too." Joy smiled back. She wondered if that was the right way to respond.

Sophie suddenly linked her fingers together in excitement. “I have a feeling we are going to be best friends. I like you already.” She said with a smile that looked genuine.

Joy wasn't sure whether Sophie was simply that friendly or if she was helping with the act. Either way, she found herself smiling.

"I'd like that."

Before anyone could continue, John spoke again.

"What about the young man standing by the car?"

Joy froze and her smile slipped for a brief moment.

Richard. She had completely forgotten he was still standing there.

Turning quickly, she caught his eye and motioned for him to come over. He didn't move, which made Joy's heart to sink.

She noticed the way Cameron had gone stiff at his hesitation, they were probably worried about the same thing.

Please. She practically begged him with her eyes. Don't make this difficult. Richard looked from her, to Liam, then finally sighed and walked over. She was relieved as the tension left her body and she was able to breathe normally once more.

He stopped beside his sister before offering John a respectful smile. "I'm Richard Roberts." He extended his hand. "Joy's younger brother."

John accepted the handshake without hesitation.

"It's good to meet you, Richard."

"You too, sir."

Just then, one of the household staff opened the trunk and lifted out Joy's suitcase. He looked inside the car once, and back at the suitcase.

"Miss Roberts?"

"Yes?" Joy answered, turning.

"Is this all your luggage you brought with you?"

"Yes." She answered without hesitation.

The man looked genuinely surprised. "I see."

Out of the corner of her eye, Joy noticed Liam frown slightly. Beside him, Cameron suddenly became very interested in his shoes.

John looked between the three of them before saying calmly.

"So much for packing up a storm."

Joy frowned. "I'm sorry?"

"You didn't arrive late because you were packing half your wardrobe."

Confusion spread across her face. "I don't understand."

Cameron coughed awkwardly. "It's..."

Liam stepped in before anyone could say another word. He rested both hands lightly on Joy's shoulders and gently turned her towards the front entrance.

"My fiancée has had a long day." There was an unmistakable note of finality in his voice. "She needs to rest."

John nodded in agreement. "I couldn't agree more."

As Liam guided her towards the house, Joy found herself smiling despite everything. Only that morning, she had been dreading stepping into Liam Owen's world.

Now, walking beside him with his hand resting lightly against her back, it didn't seem nearly as frightening.

Maybe, Just maybe...This wouldn't be as impossible as she'd imagined.