Chapter 10
1022 Words
Mr. Parker chuckled at the sight of Liam, he took a step back and raised his hand in the air to show he meant no harm. He tapped Olivia on the back softly, acting like this was just a usual father-and-daughter conversation, but Liam wasn't buying it. He could see through Mr. Parker that he was up to no good.
"I am just having a conversation with my daughter," Mr. Parker said. "Or, is there something wrong with me having a conversation with my daughter?" Mr. Parker asked noticing the look of disdain from Liam.
"A conversation that would warrant you to cause harm to your daughter doesn't look like a conversation to me," Liam responded. "Get up, Olivia, we are leaving."
Olivia stared at Liam and then her father, she didn't know if it would be right to leave just like that.
"Leaving?" Mr. Parker raised an eyebrow at Liam. "Oh, no. Mr. Alex, you can't just leave like that. I mean with the way Mr. Carter left it would only be best that we all start over again on good terms of course," Mr. Parker suggested extending his hand for a handshake.
If this man standing before him, Alex, was truly related to Carter's family then it was still a win for him. Olivia could get married to him, get on his good side, and get Ashley to marry Aero.
Liam stared at Mr. Parker's extended hand, this man was truly unbelievable. How desperate could he be? He extended his hand regardless and took the handshake in a firm grip.
"I hope moving forward we can discuss your marriage with my daughter," Mr. Parker said.
"Marriage?" Liam raised an eyebrow at Mr. Parker acting ignorant.
"I believe you want to marry my daughter, Mr. Carter acknowledged it and I mean she is my daughter whatever makes her happy, will make me happy," Mr. Parker smiled.
Liam's eyes narrowed at Mr. Parker's words, his grip on the handshake tightening just a bit. "Marriage is a big step," Liam said carefully, trying to keep the conversation light despite the odd turn it had taken. "Olivia and I have discussed such things but we have decided to see how things will turn out, for now, we are just friends." He lied, wanting to see Mr. Parker's reaction.
Mr. Parker's smile faltered for a moment before it returned, slightly forced. "Of course, of course," he replied quickly, releasing Liam's hand. "Just friends, yes. But you know, things can change, can't they? People grow closer, especially when they spend a lot of time together like you both have been doing."
Olivia, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke up. She felt sorry for dragging Alex into her family mess, "Dad, Alex is right. We're just friends. Let's not rush into anything." Her voice was steady, but Liam could hear the undercurrent of unease.
Mr. Parker looked from Olivia to Liam, his expression calculating. If Liam wasn't here, he would have slapped those nonsense words out of his daughter's mouth, "Well, I only want what's best for you, Olivia," he said, his tone softening. "If friendship is what you want, then friendship it shall be."
He glanced at Liam, trying to read his reaction. "I hope you'll still visit us, Alex. It's always good to have friends around, right? Especially ones who look out for each other."
"Of course," Liam agreed, though he was cautious. He could sense that Mr. Parker was planning something, but it was hard to pinpoint what. "Friends are important."
"Indeed they are," Mr. Parker said with a nod. "Well, I believe Olivia would still feel comfortable staying with you," Mr. Parker said. He barely allowed Liam to respond before turning to face Olivia. "Remember, Olivia, your father is always here for you."
Olivia swallowed slowly at his words, to an outsider, it would seem that Mr. Parker truly cared for her but Olivia knew those words far too well, he was threatening her. Threatening her to behave herself and not ruin things for him, or face his wrath instead.
She managed to give him a slight nod trying hard not to give away how nervous she was but Liam could see it written all over her body.
He could see her fingers fidgeting on her purse, her knees rubbing together, and her half smile that barely reached her eyes. He took a deep breath trying to control the anger seething through him, how dare he threaten her in front of him, it was taking everything in him, not to blow up his cover.
He managed to smile at Mr. Parker, "We shall leave then."
"Of course," Mr. Parker responded, masking his irritation with a curt nod. "Take care of her, Alex."
Liam led Olivia away, his mind racing with thoughts of how to protect her from her own father's manipulations. As they walked towards the door, Olivia's grip on Liam's arm tightened. "I am sorry about that," she whispered, her voice shaky. "I didn't mean to -"
"It's fine," Liam reassured her, squeezing her hand gently. "I have dealt with worse situations."
Once outside, Liam glanced back at the house, feeling the weight of Mr. Parker's gaze from a window. It was clear now that Mr. Parker had plans—plans that likely involved using Olivia as a pawn in some larger schemes.
Liam knew he had to be cautious, to watch every move and counter Mr. Parker's tactics with careful planning.
As they reached Liam's car, Olivia seemed to hesitate, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and relief. "I was wondering if we could discuss the marriage once we get back to your house."
"Of course, I was also going to say the same thing, especially now that your father has brought it up," Liam said, opening the passenger door for her.
Olivia nodded, climbing into the car. Liam closed the door gently before he circled the car and he started the engine. "Seatbelt please," he said making a turn out of the estate.
"R-Right," Olivia nodded nervously pulling the seatbelt and securing it in place.
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