OBSESSIVE LUST

CHAPTER 19

I was completely taken aback when I saw everyone suddenly bowing deeply in her direction. Their heads dipped low, as if she were some VIP or royalty. Even the young kid, who typically shrinks back in shyness, got up to his feet and bowed fully, and Liam did the same. My mind just froze for a moment. My heart pounded harder, and I felt a cold rush of panic as I tried to process what was happening.

Wait, what is happening exactly?

Before I could get a proper grip on it, she turned to me with effortless smile that made it seem like nothing happened. “Hi, my sister-in-law,” she said casually. She acted as if the scene we’d just witnessed hadn't been shocking or strange at all.

I stood there frozen, trying to puzzle out what exactly was going on. Sister-in-law?

Meanwhile, Liam moved closer and placed a hand on my shoulder. He looked serious now, matching her ease, and explained with quiet certainty, “She planned all of this.” All that staged bowing, the formal greetings.... it had all been arranged. A setup. The fact that they’d pulled this kind of elaborate stunt just to greet me? It made me furious, yet also kind of impressed. Damn these people and their theatrics.

I looked at Liam while my heart is racing, as I managed to stammer out my words. “It… it was a fake scene?” I managed to get out, voice trembling.

“Sorry, sis,” the woman said softly. “I didn’t mean to scare you like that.” Her eyes softened as he squeezed my arm comfortingly. “But… I have to admit, I’m pretty impressed. You handled it really well, especially considering how sudden it all was.” Her words sounded genuine, and I could tell she genuinely appreciated how I responded. “You didn’t hurt anyone or break anything, which is pretty amazing under the circumstances.”

“That’s my fiancée, of course,” Liam added proudly.

Her eyes sparkled even more at that, and she teasingly shot a grin my way. “Tss,” she said playfully, shaking her head. “You should feel proud. She’s very pretty, too,” she said. Her gaze lingered on me, emphasizing her words, as if making sure I understood how highly she thought of me.

Liam then abruptly shifted gears, turning toward the elevator door. “Come on, let’s go to my office,” he said. “We need to prepare for tonight’s event.” His voice was firm, as if it was just another routine day, except for whatever big event was coming up.

“You guys should be the ones preparing,” I said casually.

Liam sister narrowing her eyes at him. “Us? Wait, you didn’t tell her, Liam?” she asked, her tone sharp with curiosity.

“I haven’t… not yet,” Liam muttered, scratching the back of his neck, clearly caught between honesty and hesitation.

She sighed and rolled her eyes, then playfully smacked him on the arm. “You brat,” she muttered, pretending to scold him. Then, turning to me with a more serious expression, she explained, “The event tonight, it’s especially prepared for you. It’s a special welcome organized by the Kingswell siblings themselves.” Her voice softened with genuine pride. “His younger brothers, unfortunately, couldn’t make it because of their own business interests, but they helped us plan this celebration. It’s just for you, as a way of saying ‘welcome’ into this crazy family and the world we live in.”

A sudden jolt of surprise ran through me. For me? Was this entire gathering really aimed at welcoming me? It seemed almost too good to be true, yet there she stood, confirming it. The image of an elaborate event built around my arrival felt overwhelming.

I blinked rapidly, trying to piece together what she’d just said. “B-but… why? What for?” I asked, voice trembling again, still unable to fully believe what I was hearing. The idea of a full-blown event happening just for me, a stranger they’d only recently met. It felt surreal.

Her smile grew more tender as she added, “For you… and the baby,” she said softly, as if emphasizing the importance of her words.

My breath hitched in my throat. I felt a cold wave of shock because she must be mistaken. Did she think that the baby was Liam’s? Or was she simply making a general comment? I couldn’t tell. It wasn’t ttru.... This was not Liam's.

She continued, her voice full of pride. “Your baby with Liam is a very special gift to this company,” she said. “And it will be the very first and only heir of the Kingswell family. Isn’t that amazing?” She looked at me with a proud smile, as if I should be proud too.

Reluctantly, I tried to speak, but words twisted in my throat. “No, I—” I started, but Liam cut me off hurriedly. “Let’s just prepare,” Liam said quickly, cutting me off before I could say more. His tone was firm, as if he was eager to change the subject and avoid any further questions. He reached out and grasped my hand, gently but insistently, trying to steer me toward handling the situation quietly.

Everything about this moment felt bigger than I expected. The surprise, the staged theatrics, the secret plans..... none of it fit into my understanding of what was happening.

When we entered his office, her whole demeanor changed. Her brows furrowed as she scanned the place. “You’re not cleaning in here?” she asked, unimpressed.

“I’ve been a bit busy,” Liam replied.

“Busy? Dust and bacteria can affect the baby. Call someone to clean this office. We’ll be back before the event,” she said while holding onto my arm.

“Where are you taking her?” Liam asked.

“To get her ready. Don’t ask such nonsense. Just mind your business. Come on, Valerie. Auntie…” She took both my mom’s and my arm and led us out toward the parking lot.

The moment we got into the car, silence settled in. No one dared to speak. But as soon as we arrived at the clothing store, the atmosphere shifted.

“Good morning, ma’am,” one staff greeted her politely.

“Good morning, Ma’am Zeph,” another one said.

So… her name’s Zeph. Interesting.

“Sit here,” Zeph said, guiding me to the couch, then gestured for Mom to follow.

She walked away, probably to pick some dresses.

“I can assist you, Ma’am,” a staff member offered.

“No. Just hold these. I want to personally pick something for my sister-in-law,” she said with visible excitement.

She picked out a red dress, a royal blue one, and an emerald green piece. She had excellent taste. No surprise, considering she was an actress and a model.

“Here. Try these,” she said, handing them to me.

I tried them on one by one, but she eventually said, “A purple one will probably suit you best.”

She asked the staff for the purple gown displayed behind the glass frame. It had stunning features and elegant curves, something that would truly stand out at night.

“That will suit you. A color of royalty and nobility,” she commented, like she actually knew what she was talking about.

I tried it on, and she lit up. She even raised her phone to take a picture but then stopped herself.

“No. I want it to be a surprise. Everyone’s expecting red, so show up in purple. Let them talk,” she said excitedly then wink.

Back in the car, the silence didn’t return. We grew more comfortable with each other. She asked me questions, things no one had ever asked me before. Meanwhile, Mom was just on her phone, busy chatting with her other family.

Then, on our way back, my phone rang. I checked it but it was an unknown number.

Zeph nudged me. “Answer it.”

I hesitated, but picked up.

“Hello, Valerie,” said a familiar voice on the other end, cutting through the air. “I know now… about our baby. Please come back to me.”

It's Klein. His voice froze my whole body.

Zeph glanced at me then she slammed on the brakes and stopped the car.