Chapter 1
BIG NOTE: EDITED. Still, read at your own risk.
Teaser:
"Mom, Mr. Thornfield wants to be my Daddy and your husband!" Demi said directly to her mother, who was busy sketching a wedding gown.
Victoria paused her work. Her eyes squinted and narrowed as she looked at the man behind her daughter. He was currently sitting and eating cake. She also noticed him discreetly laughing at what her daughter said.
"Tell him he doesn't stand a chance," Victoria said emotionlessly to her four-year-old daughter.
Demi immediately obeyed her mother's command. She approached Jackson. "Mommy said you don't stand a chance!" Demi innocently repeated her mother's words.
Victoria looked around, aware that all the employees' attention was on them. She wished she could sink into her chair at that moment due to extreme embarrassment.
"But don't worry, Daddy Jackson! I'll help you convince Mommy!" Demi added excitedly, clapping her hands. Victoria saw Jackson smile at the child.
When Jackson shifted his gaze towards her, Victoria covered her face with the sketch she was working on. Not only was she extremely embarrassed, but she also felt her cheeks turning red at that moment.
{VICTORIA}
I QUICKLY glanced at the small clock on my study table. Oh no! I'm going to be late for work!
I hurriedly made my way to the bathroom and poured water over my body. I took a quick shower. Then, I immediately got dressed in my waitress uniform. Last week, I decided to take on a part-time job to support my studies as a fourth-year fashion designing student.
Even though Dad didn't want to, I insisted on taking on a sideline job. I don't want Dad to work anymore, and my two older brothers agree with me. Dad is already old and should just rest at home. Both of my brothers have jobs now, and they both completed a short-term course in baking. They have opened a small bakery, and we are trying to convince Dad to stop driving and help out at the bakery instead.
Maybe the reason we're like this is because we have a trauma related to the road. Just last year, Mom was involved in a hit-and-run accident while crossing the street from the market. It happened late at night, and there were no witnesses. It's also strange that even the CCTV cameras in the area weren't working at that time.
We fought the case for a long time, but we didn't get anything out of it. It seems like the suspect has a strong connection with the government. In the end, we didn't push through with it anymore. Not because we're giving up, but because we prefer to move on with our lives and be happy. I know wherever Mom is, that's what she wants for us too.
When I arrived in front of the fast food restaurant, which was just a short walk from home, I briefly checked my watch. Did I have five minutes before my work's call time? As I entered, the refreshing cool air from the air conditioning greeted me.
I smiled at the security guard, who returned the gesture with a wide smile. I also greeted other employees I passed by on my way to the locker room in the building. That's where we leave our belongings before starting our work.
After locking my locker, I immediately headed to a table to take the order of the customer I was expecting. It was none other than Liam Davis.
"Good morning! Here's the menu, Sir!" I cheerfully greeted him.
When he looked up at me, I saw that he was momentarily taken aback. And when our eyes met, I couldn't help but feel a flutter deep inside.
Okay, Victoria! Calm yourself. You still need to confirm something.
"Thank you!" He replied with a smile. He quietly took the menu from my hand.
"One coffee Macchiato," we said simultaneously.
He looked at me again, surprised. Meanwhile, I gave him a wide smile.
"Why are you doing this?" I asked him directly, and he furrowed his brow in confusion.
I pulled a chair next to him and sat facing him. I didn't take my eyes off him.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
I leaned in slightly closer. "Do you like me, Liam?" I asked straightforwardly. If he only knew how embarrassed I was about what I was doing.
He remained silent for a moment. "What if, yes? I like you!" he replied seriously after a while.
"Then you should ask me out on a date! Instead of asking me for coffee every day," I said. I didn't know where I was getting this confidence from.
Before he could speak again, I snatched the menu from him and turned away. I went straight to the counter.
"One—
"Alright, I got it!" Sam interrupted me while laughing. He looked at me teasingly.
"Leave me alone, Sam!" I retorted. I didn't want to get all giddy for no reason.
I discreetly glanced at Liam's direction. He was looking at me with a smirk on his lips. So, I quickly turned around and tightly closed my eyes.
My heart was beating fast, and it felt like butterflies were tickling my senses. Calm down, self! You still have to bring his coffee order. Oh no! I don't think I can face him anymore. I'm getting overwhelmingly giddy. Can you imagine? The handsome son of a running candidate for Senator and a prominent politician here in America likes me.
I still don't know the reason or why he became interested in me. I only encountered him here at the coffee shop. It feels like I've heard his name before because aside from his father's political image, he was admired for his handsome looks.
THE large doors of the church opened. I started walking down the aisle. Soft music played in the background, and white tulips were everywhere. The whole church was filled with guests. And they weren't just ordinary guests, but influential and respected figures in public.
I glanced at my Dad. His smile was radiant. How I wish Mom was here too to witness my grand wedding.
I looked at Liam as Dad handed my hand to him. It still felt amazing to have our hands held together. We turned to face the priest at the altar. Today was the scheduled day of our wedding.
It feels so wonderful to marry the right person at the right time. Especially when the family of the one you're marrying wholeheartedly accepts you. It warms my heart that even though I'm just an ordinary girl, Liam's family didn't treat me any differently.
"Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, we gather here today to witness and celebrate the union of Liam and Victoria. In their commitment to love and cherish each other, they have chosen to share their wedding vows. Liam, please begin," the priest said in a long speech addressed to all of us.
Liam clasped both of my hands and gazed into my eyes. We each spoke our vows to one another, making promises I believed would last forever.
I STARED at the pregnancy test in my hand. It said I was positive for pregnancy. I couldn't help but let out a suppressed scream of joy at this wonderful news.
I looked at my reflection in the large mirror in the bathroom. I couldn't wait to share the news with Liam that I was pregnant. It was perfect timing because tomorrow is our first wedding anniversary. This might be the best gift I could give him.
After a while, I left the bathroom. One of the maids in the mansion, Lea, greeted me.
"Ma'am, Sir Liam asked me to tell you to prepare hot coffee for him and Mr. Anderson. They are in the office. They asked for you," Lea informed me.
I nodded. "Alright, thank you!" I replied enthusiastically.
I happily went to the kitchen to prepare two cups of hot coffee. I couldn't help but sing because of the immense joy I was feeling.
After finishing what I was doing, I immediately headed to Liam's office on the second floor. The whole hallway was quiet. It didn't take long before I heard the conversation between the two brothers.
"Don't you feel guilty about what you're doing to her?" I heard Anderson ask. He's Liam's older brother. Like their father, he also holds a government position.
"Money is more important to me!" Liam replied emotionlessly. When I heard his voice, I felt a chill run down my spine. I sensed that their conversation was heading towards something unpleasant.
"I don't know what to do with you! How could you marry Victoria and deceive her and yourself just to get our family inheritance?" I heard Anderson shouted at Liam.
With the strength of his voice, it was impossible for me to have misheard. I felt my knees weaken. I almost stumbled. I lost my balance slightly, causing some of the coffee on the large tray to spill.
Tears quickly streamed down both of my cheeks. I couldn't believe what I heard.
Please, Liam! Tell Anderson he's wrong!
"Can't you just let me make my own decisions in life?! And I'll repeat it, money is more important to me," I heard Liam say as a final statement before I turned away and walked away from them.
As much as possible, I avoided making any noise. I left the tray in the kitchen. I immediately went to my room to get my cellphone and some money. I didn't bother packing. He can have all the things he bought for me.
As I was leaving the mansion, I felt like I was about to lose my breath from my intense crying. The tightness in my chest added to the overwhelming feeling. Right now, I don't know where to go. I can't think straight either. How did we end up like this? Was the love he showed me all fake? Is that all it was after all those years we spent together?
While those questions run through my mind, I am currently walking on the chilly street of Bourbon. This place is really beautiful. The night is alive with enticing music and yellow-colored lines of lights. However, even the beauty of this place doesn't diminish the pain I feel. Now, I really want to rest badly.