The Test Begins
711 Words
Khan barely had time to settle into her new reality before Liam’s grandfather summoned them.
The call came early in the morning, just as she was adjusting to life in Liam’s penthouse—a place so sleek and impersonal it barely felt lived in. The high-rise offered a breathtaking view of the city, but to Khan, it felt more like a glass cage.
Liam had been distant since their contract was signed, treating her like a business deal rather than a fiancée. They hadn’t spoken much outside of necessary arrangements, and now, barely a day into their engagement, she was about to meet the man who had forced Liam into this marriage.
Liam’s grandfather, Harold Carter, was a legend in the business world. Ruthless, strategic, and old-school in every way that mattered. He had built Carter Enterprises from the ground up and ruled over it like a king. Liam might be powerful, but Harold was the one who held the throne.
The car ride to the Carter estate was silent. Liam sat beside her, dressed in his usual tailored suit, exuding his signature cold detachment. Khan, in contrast, wore a beige dress Sophie had picked out for her—simple yet elegant enough to look the part of a billionaire’s fiancée.
“You’re quiet,” Khan murmured, glancing at Liam.
He didn’t look at her. “There’s nothing to say.”
Khan rolled her eyes. “Right. Because meeting the man who practically blackmailed you into marriage is just a normal Tuesday for you.”
Liam’s jaw tensed. “Harold will test you. He doesn’t believe in anything without proof.”
“Great. So I’m walking into an interrogation.”
“Basically.”
Khan sighed, adjusting the hem of her dress. “Well, at least one of us has experience pretending to be something they’re not.”
Liam finally turned to look at her, his blue eyes sharp. “Is that what you think? That I’m pretending?”
Khan met his gaze head-on. “Aren’t you?”
Liam didn’t answer. The car pulled up to the Carter estate before he had a chance to.
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The Carter mansion was everything Khan expected—grand, intimidating, and designed to make anyone standing before it feel small. The massive doors opened before they even knocked, revealing a butler who led them through an impossibly long hallway.
They were ushered into a sunlit study, where Harold Carter sat behind a dark wooden desk, sipping from a crystal glass. His silver hair was neatly combed back, his tailored suit impeccable.
Liam’s grandfather studied them both, his expression unreadable.
“So,” Harold finally said, his deep voice filling the room. “This is the woman you chose.”
Khan forced herself to hold his gaze. “I chose him too.”
Harold chuckled, the sound dry and knowing. “Did you now?”
Liam remained still beside her, but Khan could feel the tension radiating from him.
“You must understand my concern,” Harold continued. “You appear out of nowhere, and suddenly my grandson—who has never been interested in settling down—is engaged.” His piercing gaze landed on Khan. “Tell me, Miss Coco, what do you want from this marriage?”
Khan straightened her shoulders. “Respect. Stability.” She let the words settle before adding, “And the opportunity to build something for myself.”
It wasn’t entirely a lie.
Harold’s lips curled in amusement. “You’re a confident one.”
“She’s my fiancée,” Liam cut in. “That should be enough.”
Harold’s gaze flickered to Liam. “You know better than anyone that words mean nothing without proof.” He leaned back, steepling his fingers. “So let’s put this engagement to the test.”
Khan’s stomach clenched. “What kind of test?”
Harold smirked. “A weekend at the Carter estate. A family gathering.” He took another sip of his drink. “Let’s see if you can convince me that this engagement is real.”
Khan and Liam exchanged a glance.
A weekend with Liam’s family? Trapped under the scrutiny of the man who held Liam’s future in his hands?
This arrangement was about to get a lot more complicated.
- Writer
