An Alliance
1028 Words
Khan walked alongside Vivian, weaving through the lavish reception hall, her mind still reeling from the encounter with Luca. Too many pieces were shifting at once. Harold. Khloe. And now Luca?
What the hell had she gotten herself into?
Vivian glanced at her, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. “You’re handling this well.”
Khan let out a dry laugh. “You mean pretending I’m not completely out of my depth? Because that’s exactly what I’m doing.”
Vivian chuckled, leading her toward the quieter side of the venue, where a dimly lit lounge area offered a brief escape from the chaos.
Once they were seated, Vivian studied her for a long moment. “I meant what I said before. I like you, Khan.”
Khan blinked. That was unexpected. “Why?”
Vivian leaned back, swirling the wine in her glass. “Because you’re not like the others.”
Khan raised an eyebrow. “The others?”
Vivian nodded. “Liam’s past flings, women Harold paraded in front of him, all trying to fit into the Carter mold. But you… you’re different. And that scares them.”
Khan frowned. “Why would it scare them?”
Vivian’s lips twitched. “Because you’re unpredictable. They can’t control you.”
Khan exhaled, rubbing her temple. “Great. So instead of disliking me because I’m an outsider, they dislike me because I won’t play their game?”
Vivian laughed softly. “Exactly.”
Khan shook her head. “I should have asked for more money in that contract.”
Vivian arched an eyebrow. “So, it’s true? The marriage is fake?”
Khan froze.
Her heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to stay calm, to not react.
Vivian was sharp. Too sharp.
But before Khan could answer, Vivian chuckled. “Relax, dear. I already knew.”
Khan’s stomach tightened. “How?”
Vivian sipped her wine, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “I’ve been around Harold long enough to know when he’s manipulating someone. And Liam? He’s never been the type to rush into marriage—especially with someone he just met.”
Khan swallowed hard. “So why haven’t you exposed us?”
Vivian’s smile softened. “Because I want you to win.”
That made Khan pause. Win?
Vivian leaned forward, lowering her voice. “Harold thinks he holds all the cards. But you and Liam? You have the power to turn this game against him. And I want to help you do it.”
Khan stared at her. “Why would you help me?”
Vivian sighed, her gaze flickering with something almost… wistful. “Because I know what it’s like to be trapped in a world you never asked for.”
Khan’s chest tightened. There was something unspoken in Vivian’s words, something that hinted at a past she wasn’t quite willing to share.
But for the first time since stepping into this chaotic marriage, Khan felt like she had an ally.
She nodded slowly. “Okay. I’m listening.”
Vivian smiled. “Good. Because if we’re going to outsmart Harold, we’ll need to start playing the game on our own terms.”
Khan exhaled, nodding.
This wasn’t just about survival anymore.
It was about winning.
Meanwhile…
Liam watched from across the room, his fingers tightening around the glass in his hand.
He hadn’t wanted to leave Khan alone, but he also knew that if anyone could help her navigate this world, it was Vivian.
Still, his mind wasn’t on Khan right now.
It was on Luca.
His jaw clenched. That man’s presence tonight wasn’t a coincidence. Harold had something to do with it.
“Still brooding, I see.”
Liam turned sharply, only to find himself face-to-face with Khloe.
She was dressed in an elegant emerald gown, looking effortlessly stunning, as always.
But Liam had long since learned that her beauty hid something far more dangerous.
“What do you want, Khloe?” His voice was cold.
She pouted, stepping closer. “Is that any way to greet an old lover?”
Liam exhaled sharply. “We’re not doing this.”
Khloe tilted her head, her smile sharp. “You never used to run away from me, Liam.”
“I’m not running.”
“No?” She lifted a manicured finger, tracing the rim of his glass. “Then why does it feel like you’re avoiding something?”
Liam didn’t answer. He didn’t have to. She already knew.
Khloe leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “You can pretend all you want, but we both know the truth.”
He met her gaze. “And what’s that?”
She smirked. “You don’t love her.”
Liam’s grip on his glass tightened.
Khloe stepped back, satisfaction glimmering in her eyes. “And you never will.”
She walked away, leaving Liam standing there, staring into his drink, his thoughts a mess.
Because, for the first time since this all started…
He wasn’t entirely sure she was right.
Later that night…
Khan sat in their hotel suite, still processing everything. The night had been too much.
First, Luca. Then Vivian’s unexpected alliance. And now, Khloe lingering in the background, waiting for a moment to strike.
She was exhausted.
The sound of the door opening made her turn. Liam stepped in, looking just as drained as she felt.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Then, Liam exhaled, loosening his tie. “You okay?”
Khan let out a dry laugh. “I just spent the evening dodging your enemies, pretending to be madly in love, and realizing I might actually have to outplay a billionaire patriarch to survive. So no, Liam, I am not okay.”
Liam smirked, sitting on the couch across from her. “Welcome to my world.”
Khan rolled her eyes but didn’t argue.
Silence stretched between them—not uncomfortable, but not entirely easy either.
Then, out of nowhere, Liam said, “You looked beautiful today.”
Khan froze.
Her heart did something stupid.
She met his gaze, expecting amusement, but instead… there was something else.
Something real.
And suddenly, pretending didn’t feel so easy anymore.
- Writer
