The contract bride

A gala to remember

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Chapter 8: The gala

Linda leaned back in the leather seat, her thoughts swirling as the car glided through the city streets. Liam sat beside her, silent and unreadable, his gaze fixed ahead. She didn’t bother asking where they were headed, assuming it had something to do with her supposed new job. The silence between them felt like a fragile bubble, one she didn’t dare pop.

It wasn’t until the car rolled to a halt and a sudden burst of camera flashes lit up the windows that reality snapped her back into focus. She turned to Liam, her confusion evident. “Why are we here? And what is the occasion?”

Liam’s smirk deepened, his tone calm but with an edge of mischief. “This is a gala. We’re here to have fun and, more importantly, make my family mad.”

Linda’s jaw dropped, and she blinked in disbelief. “Who throws a gala party during the day?” she grumbled, half to herself.

Without waiting for her to finish, Liam stepped out, shutting the door behind him with a deliberate click. He strode around to her side, opened the door, and extended his hand toward her. His fingers were cold, his grip firm, yet there was something almost commanding in the way he held her gaze.

Linda hesitated for only a moment before placing her hand in his. His grip tightened slightly as he helped her out of the car. Standing beside him, she adjusted her dress nervously, feeling the weight of the moment. The flashes of cameras and the hum of murmuring voices swirled around her like a storm, but Liam’s presence grounded her. Together, they walked toward the grand entrance, exuding an air of elegance that turned every head.

Eyes followed them as they stepped into the hall, the grandeur of the setting almost overwhelming. Chandeliers glittered overhead, casting a golden glow on the crowd of elites dressed in their finest. Linda clung to Liam’s arm as they moved through the room, gripping tightly to steady herself.

Every whisper and side glance seemed directed at her, and though her instincts told her to shrink away, she forced herself to stand tall. With each step, she reminded herself of the role she was here to play. This was all part of the deal, no matter how unreal it felt.

They exchanged pleasantries with several guests, Liam’s effortless charm on full display as he introduced Linda to figures she’d never dreamed of meeting. She nodded politely, forcing a pleasant smile, though the glitz and glamour of it all made her feel like an imposter. Yet, as compliments poured in about her beauty and elegance, she felt a flicker of confidence.

From across the room, Melinda’s glare burned into her. Linda noticed but refused to let it rattle her. Instead, she basked in the compliments, nodding graciously and even throwing out a few witty remarks that earned soft laughter from the crowd. If Melinda thought she could intimidate her, she was mistaken.

Eventually, Liam excused himself to speak with a man Linda didn’t recognize, leaving her to navigate the crowd alone. She took a steadying breath and wandered toward a quieter corner, hoping to gather her thoughts.

Across the room, Liam joined Michael, a tall handsome man with a confident grin and an easy demeanor.

“Wow,” Michael said, clearly impressed. “She looks even better in person than the picture I sent to you. Definitely sexier. Just so you know, I’m team Linda.”

Liam smirked faintly, his eyes drifting back to her. “I can see that. Thanks for getting me her information at the right time. You came through.”

They continued their conversation, but Liam’s attention remained on Linda. He watched how she moved, how her presence lit up the room despite her initial discomfort. His smirk grew as he saw Melinda saunter toward her, but he made no move to interfere.

Linda turned just as Melinda approached, the sharp click of her heels signaling her arrival. “So,” Melinda began, her tone dripping with disdain, “you must be the new flavor of the month.”

Linda raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “I’m guessing you’re the ex?”

Melinda’s jaw tightened. “I’m the woman he’s supposed to be with. You’re just a placeholder.”

Linda smiled sweetly, tilting her head. “Well, if I’m a placeholder, I must be doing a better job than you ever did. That’s why I’m here, and you’re over there, seething.”

Melinda’s nostrils flared, her composure slipping. She leaned in, her voice low and venomous. “Don’t get too comfortable, sweetheart. Liam always comes back to me.”

Before Linda could respond, the soft clinking of a spoon against a glass echoed through the room. The crowd hushed, turning their attention to the center of the hall.

Liam stood there, a microphone in hand and an air of authority that demanded silence. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his deep voice carrying through the room, “thank you for joining us today. I won’t bore you with a long speech, but I do want to share something special.”

He paused, his eyes finding Linda amidst the crowd. The intensity of his gaze made her heart skip.

“I want to introduce you all to someone who has unexpectedly become the most important person in my life,” Liam continued. He gestured for Linda to join him, and though her stomach twisted with nerves, she walked toward him.

The room seemed to hold its breath as she reached his side. Liam took her hand, dropping to one knee. The crowd collectively gasped. Linda’s breath hitched, her mind racing.

“Linda,” Liam said softly, his words meant only for her ears, “play along.” Then louder, for the crowd, he continued, “Will you marry me?”

Linda’s world spun. She knew this was part of the contract, but the sheer magnitude of the moment made it feel too real. Steeling herself, she nodded, her voice steady as she said, “Yes.”

The room erupted in applause. Liam slipped a dazzling ring onto her finger before standing and pressing a light kiss to her cheek. The touch was brief but sent a shiver down her spine.

From the corner of her eye, Linda saw Melinda storm out, her anger barely contained as she knocked over a glass in her path. Liam’s younger brother followed her, shaking his head in exasperation. The commotion was brief, and soon the gala resumed its lively hum.

On the drive back, silence filled the car once again. Linda stared at the ring on her finger, her thoughts swirling. When she noticed the car veering off course, she frowned.

“My home’s that way,” she pointed out.

Liam didn’t glance at her. “Your home is wherever I am now, Linda. You have a contract to sign tonight. We’ll go to your place tomorrow to grab your things and say goodbye to it.”

“You don’t control me, Liam,” she shot back, her frustration bubbling over.

He turned to her, his smirk infuriatingly calm. “Oh, but I do. It’s in the fine print.”

Linda crossed her arms, glaring at him. “Fine. Whatever.”

Leaning back, she stared out the window, silently vowing that this was far from over.