One Night, One Man {Book One}

In 2350 BC is when the first marriage was ever recorded. Whenever two people decided to spend the rest of their lives together because they loved and trusted each other enough. A small diamond proved the rest of your life, kind of. A small diamond proved to the ladies and the men that you were off-limits for the rest of your life. “Till death due us part.” And finally, the vows that proved your love for each other. “In sickness and in health.” Not in my instance, though. ... My mother knocked softly at my door, walking on my carpet floors. Before I could process that she was in the room, sunlight went into my eyes. Had my mother opened the curtains? Ugh. My mother was a morning bird since I can remember. I hated it, I was more of a night owl like my Father. I rubbed my eyes, a sensation going through my body. “Good morning, Mother.” I said, my voice scratching against my vocal cords. My mother's lips parted, as if she was gonna say something, yet.. she didn‘t. She took a deep breath, exhaling soon after. “I’m sorry, honey—” She muttered, patting the white bedsheets that had my bare legs under them. My head tilted in confusion. “Please come downstairs.” She refrained from making eye contact, standing up and clearing her throat. I stood up, slipping on some type of pants, following with putting on some slippers. What was going on? My mother has never acted like this, never so.. gloomy. My eyes met with my father's. I pulled out a chair, setting my bottom on it. My father's interlaced hands rested on the table. “You remember Liam, right?” My father asked. How couldn't I forget him? Liam was my rival, the person I have hated most since I was 9. We've hated each other for a decade, but what does this conversation have to do with him? And what is so important about him? “Of course.” “Your mother and I have made a deal. We need money right now and more attention.. the Rodriguez family decided to help..” Don't tell me this is going where I think it's going. “Since they are billionares.. we decided they were a perfect match.” I looked at both of my parents, my eyes erupting in anger. “I'm sorry, Cariño. ” My mother muttered, reaching her hand out, expecting me to take it. Instead, I moved my hand away farther. Since when have they ever thought about me? They always think about how something will affect them. I didn't even have to speak. My face spoke for me. “You don't have a say in this agreement.” My father added, as if it added more information to the situation. Most would think, “Oh, it isn't a big deal.” Not when you have been enemies for a decade, and annoy each other every second we get. “We're having dinner tonight.. to finalize the decision.” I pulled out my chair, storming uo the stairs. “Cariño, wait!—” I cut her off from her apology by closing my door. My facial expressions turned from anger to disgust. Time passed slowly. it became dark outside, and the Moon's light illuminated on the grass. I put on a long time. silky red dress that definitely stood out. I have no idea why I decided to dress up for Liam. My heels were long and white, making me taller by 3 inches. Our doorbell rang, and I walked downstairs, Liam stood at the very bottom. I took these very few seconds to focus on his features. He had chestnut brown hair and tattoos dragging down his neck to his hip. His heart-shaped lips looked good today, kissable even. No, I can't think that about Liam. My father's voice snapped me out of his thoughts, and my fist gripped tighter on the staircase. I bit the inside of my cheek before walking into the dining room. Liam pulled out my chair and smirked. Liam had always been cocky. He knew exactly how to get everything he wanted. He sat next to me, my father started speaking but I didn't pay attention. Liam clouded my mind, the ring on my finger. A small diamond that proved I was his.. for life. “As everyone at this tabke knows, my daughter and Katie's son are gonna get engaged tomorrow—” I started to get anxious, and Liam put his hand on my thigh, pushing it down so I could stop bouncing it. All I felt was butterflies. Why? I'm not too sure, I shook his hand off me and leaned forward. I sighed and looked at my father. He didn't even have to speak. The words were shown in his eyes. After speaking, Liam walked uo to my room next to me. “f**k you.” I muttered, pushing him over. “Is that an offer?”