Black Pearl in Raging Fire

15. No one can bully you

This time it was Liam who was dazed.

Adriel couldn't bear to see his expression and burst out laughing. Liam clicked his tongue and backed away, but Adriel grabbed his hand and knocked him onto the bed easily. With both hands at Liam's sides, Adriel looked at him from above in a teasing manner.

"Where are you going in a hurry? Don't you have to look after me?" Adriel said in a hoarse voice.

Liam gave him a nonchalant look.

Adriel got used to his reaction and smiled in satisfaction. He woke up suddenly, so his body still couldn't stand it, the next second his head fell on Liam's neck.

"Move."

Adriel's warm breath tickled Liam's neck, the man didn't move.

Since there was still no movement after a while, Liam managed to slip out and get up from the bed. He realized that Adriel had withdrawn the IV drip and blood was dripping from the needle.

Sighing, he poured the water in the glass.

"Get up and drink."

Adriel shifted his position to a side. "Can't you help me drink mouth to mouth?"

Seeing him showing a smirk, he could tell the man was quite healthy now. It's just that his skin still looked bad and his lips were deathly pale, moving Liam's little heart.

"How can I do it if you lie down?" His eyes didn't meet Adriel as he said this.

"... Huh?" Adriel was slow to digest.

Under that confused look, Liam suppressed the reluctance in his heart. He thought, after all it was just a kiss, it wasn't like they had never done it before.

In the end he drank a sip of water, then pulled Adriel's arm to sit up, and brought his face closer. The soft lips that hesitated came into contact with the other party's dry lips, opened his mouth and sent out water.

Adriel, "..."

It was only a moment after the water was successfully delivered. Adriel swallowed his water cooperatively. Liam backed away and no one noticed the red tips of his ears other than Adriel.

"I'll bring some food for you."

Liam went outside, ostensibly to escape.

It took half a minute for Adriel to realize what was happening and burst out laughing.

Outside the room, Liam still heard his laughter until he went to the kitchen. He took the porridge that Shari had heated up. Shari of course saw that the tips of his ears were red, but didn't dare ask.

"Sir, do you need anything else?" she asked.

The doctor said Adriel would wake up quickly, in fact Adriel would sleep most of the day. It was now nearly three in the afternoon and Shari had not come home.

Liam said, "Get me the medicine box. After that you can come back. He's fine now."

At least Adriel does look fine, even seducing him!

Shari administered the medkit without saying much. After she left, Liam returned to Adriel's room and saw him sitting on the edge of the bed.

Liam silently put the tray on the table, then took a new band aid from the medicine box. He put the band aid on Adriel's hand with a serious face.

He said, "Eat while it's warm. I'll prepare your meds. How's your stomach?"

The ringing of the phone interrupted the answer Adriel was about to give. Liam looked over at the table and saw Jonas' name on the phone screen.

"Give it to me."

Liam gave it.

"What is it?" Adriel brushed his hair back and answered the phone.

"Boss, I heard that you were sick again and I remembered about today's reservation. How are you felling now? Does the reservation have to be cancelled?"

While hearing this, Adriel glanced at Liam. "Why cancel? I'll go."

Liam didn't hear what Jonas said on the phone, but hearing Adriel's words, he seemed to be able to guess.

......... Date.

Reo said that Adriel is going on a date tonight and he was angry because he has a stomach ache.

So who would he go on a date with? He didn't even cancel it no matter that he almost fainted earlier.

This man is really something!

Liam had long realized that he was just a toy. Adriel asked him to marry him only as a guarantee for his help to Liam's family. It is not surprising that there is no love between the two of them. Adriel will even date whoever and whenever he wants.

He would turn around as soon as the phone call ended. Adriel suddenly called out to him.

"Wear the clothes I bought you. Wait for me at six in the living room."

Liam was stunned.

Adriel grinned, said, "We're going somewhere. I've invited a few people. Don't you want to get to know my friends?"

Liam was getting confused. "Aren't you going on a date?"

"Date, huh? Did Reo say that?"

That was not the answer Liam wanted.

"Anyway we're going. You can think of this as a date or whatever. Put on a good performance tonight in front of everyone." Adriel took the porridge and started eating.

Liam finally turned around. "Do I agree to go?"

"You already know you have no choice. It's not up to you." Adriel answered lazily.

Liam snorted coldly. He went to the cabinet to get some medicine and slammed it on the counter. Then left without saying anything.

Adriel saw his annoyance and smiled amusedly.

At six o'clock, Liam was sitting in the living room playing on his phone. He was very handsome in a new dress taken from one of the paper bags he had given him for his birthday from Adriel. At first he would pick up clothes at random, but then Adriel told him in a text about a certain brand he bought and asked him to wear it.

Liam didn't think much and put it on. But when he saw Adriel coming out of his room, Liam finally noticed that they were wearing couple clothes.

They wore two tone blazer suits. The mix of blue and khaki colors, as well as the basic material of wool fabric made the blazer look luxurious and trendy at the same time.

Even though they wear the same color, the style of the blazer was different. It seemed adapted to the shape of the body, which was custom made. The blazer Liam wore was just above his thighs; with an accent belt. Meanwhile, what Adriel wore was a knee-length blazer with two large pockets, perfect for his broad shoulders.

Seeing Liam's blank face, Adriel grinned with satisfaction. "Am I so handsome that you can't even blink your eyes?"

Liam averted his eyes, not saying anything.

Adriel took the sports car that was in the deepest garage and dazzled under the lights. One can guess how expensive the car is.

Picking this type of car was clearly meant to impress Liam. Unfortunately Liam didn't care and entered nonchalantly.

"Where are we going?" Liam felt the car shake as the engine started.

"You'll know when we get there." The smile on Adriel's lips was mysterious. "Wear your seatbelt properly."

Liam, who originally installed it, had to check it again to hear that words. He sneered, this man deliberately answered his question incoherently.

Throughout the trip, the air conditioner was turned on with the right temperature and cool. Music played softly, occasionally Adriel hummed to follow the lyrics. His voice wasn't loud or soft, and it wasn't embarrassing to hear.

Liam looked out the window, noticed that Adriel was driving steadily, not too fast and there weren't any traffic jams on the roads, which was a good feeling. The soft sound of music, the warm air and the beautiful night almost lulled him to sleep. But almost immediately his eyes became sharp when he remembered Adriel's condition and peeked at him.

Adriel's face wasn't as pale as before, was he really all right?

Maybe he was worrying too much?

An hour later, they arrived at a nightclub. The place had opened at this hour and the holographic lights in the lobby were bright, but the place was deserted. Adriel immediately took him in.

The staff on duty brought them to the third floor. On the way the staff informed him that everyone was present, until they arrived at the private banquet.

"Are you nervous?" Adriel held his hand.

Liam tried to pull his hand free but failed. "No."

"Chill out, I know you're nervous. But don't worry, no one would dare to bully you here, because you are my wife." Adriel grinned.

Liam, "..."

The staff finally pushed the door open. Different from the atmosphere outside, inside the banquet was very noisy. Everyone was silent as soon as they saw who entered the door and greeted them.

Liam's expression changed when he saw some people he knew.

"Liam, you've finally arrived." Louis had champagne in his hand, smiling.

Liam wanted to ask who invited him, but Adriel put his arm around his shoulder. "Oh, Mr. Maikel, is it true you were the earliest today? The staff told me."

Louis smiled as usual. "I can't be late for my friend's wedding celebration party."

Liam, "Wedding celebration?"

Fran came closer and laughed. "Yo, finally the king of today's party has appeared. Come on, let's start the show, we've all been waiting for you!"

Ignoring Fran, Liam glanced at Adriel "Wedding celebration, what does that mean?"

Actually Liam could roughly guess, but he wanted Adriel to explain.

Fran, "Oops, this is a real surprise for you, man. Mr. Kingston arranged this party for your wedding. It's only natural that you wouldn't know. The others also came."

When Liam heard this his gaze fell on the lounge and a few people he knew in the circle were also present. There were also some people he didn't know. The place wasn't too crowded, but it was enough to fill the banquet.

His eyes wandered around the private banquette, which had a large karaoke screen. It's just that it is much wider with complete facilities. Several people have been singing in front of the screen, there was a buffet table, a lounge, a small bar counter with a bartender and a door leading to the smoking balcony.

"Come, stop being surprised. Come on, eat with the others," Fran said.

"The others are waiting for you to give gifts." Louis replied.

So this is really his wedding celebration party?

Liam glanced at Adriel and found the man's proud face, waiting for praise.

"What do you think?"

"... Not bad." Liam's face was flat.

As Fran lead the way, Adriel didn't mind and lead Liam to follow him. Unbeknownst to him, Louis's gaze was a little gloomy given their closeness, especially with the two people's matching outfits, but he managed to hide his jealousy well.

In the lounge, Amanda was chatting with an unknown man, her happy face a bit forced at the sight.

"Oh, Liam, congrats on your wedding. Even though it's a belated greeting, I loved coming here to celebrate." She stood up and smiled coldly. "Look, I also brought the others."

Liam has seen it too. The people who came were friends in the circle of charity seminars he had attended several times. Because of their benevolence towards orphans and needy people, they have the same vision and mission and can be friends. But even though they were friends, Liam was an introvert and didn't really get along with them except Louis and Fran.

Also, Liam remembered some of those people are homophobic.

Their faces obviously couldn't hide the disdain the moment they saw him. Luckily they didn't foul mouth in front of many people.

Liam's eyes turned to Amanda and saw her slightly dismissive smile. She went to Louis' side and put her arm around him. "Whoa! Louis, look at their outfits. Those are couple outfits! Don't they look great together?"

Louis didn't speak.

"And look at this party, it's fantastic! Renting a clubhouse and setting up a free one-night stand must cost a lot of money. It's a shame, but it sure is." Amanda glanced at Liam, then looked down slightly pretending to whisper, "Liam, your man is filthy rich. Where did you find him? I heard you were arranged!"

What kind of whisper is it that everyone can hear?

Everyone who heard, looked at Liam with a strange look. Especially those who do not like same-s*x couples.

Fran joked. "So what? Are you jealous of him or are you just trying to spoil the mood with that cheap gossip?"

Amanda choked.

"Why do you always misunderstand my words? I'm just asking, what's wrong?" She pouted, pretending to feel wronged.

This was the wild gossip that Amanda said at that time; that he sold himself for the benefit of his family.

Selling himself would be looked down upon and he would even become gay. Then Amanda's implication of saying this was so that the people she brought with her also felt disgusted at Liam.

Amanda stared at Liam. "Liam, I'm just asking, that's fine, right? Did my question offend you?"

Liam, "..."

If he doesn't answer, he is considered offended. If he answers, it's assumed he's defending himself against something wrong.

What is the difference?

"Drop it, where does it matter? You just asked casually and that's only natural. So why don't you ask me and I will answer?" Adriel who had been silent until now answered calmly, the smile on his lips didn't reach his eyes.

Amanda, "..."

Adriel didn't let her interrupt and continued, "Ah. You said we were an arranged marriage, may I know where did you hear this from? Did you take the rumors before the truth and pass them on to others? Geez, is that good?"

Amanda choked as she heard this answer, but her attitude was still high. "Well, yeah, gossip travels fast you know. No matter where I hear that from, it makes no difference."

"What nonsense. I really have to know who this person is so I can tell him the truth, right?" Adriel sighed, feigning helplessness. "I've been chasing Liam for a long time and finally had my chance when his company needed help. Fools would think I was sneaky and they twist the facts the other way around; thinking I gave a hand and they sold Liam as collateral. The truth is I proposed to Liam and this help is my little gift."

Amanda's expression was so ugly, her hands clenched into fists, she smiled crookedly. "Is that so?"

Adriel on the other hand was very calm, still looking at Amanda like a joke.

"Of course. My wife is misunderstood because of the bullshit gossip created by the prawn-brained people out there. So here I am, out to tell the truth."

Amanda, who was spreading gossip, indirectly felt Adriel's words stab her right in the heart.

When Adriel said this, everyone's eyes fell on him. Karaoke music played without lyrics, but Adriel's voice was still very clear when he started talking and the atmosphere was a bit strange.

......... Liam's previously expressionless face suddenly scrunched up.

Riza sat at the end of the mini bar, also heard this and almost laughed out loud.

"Yeah, it's my fault because I heard the wrong gossip." Amanda gritted her teeth.

Adriel sighed. "So you know you're wrong, huh? Why don't you apologize to my wife?"

"... Huh?" she looked up.

"What, you admit you're wrong and you don't want to apologize?" Adriel raised his eyebrows. "Look, everyone is waiting for you to apologize."

Amanda's brow furrowed and the hatred in her heart immediately exploded. What? How could she be the one apologizing? What's her mistake?

She just wanted Liam to be humiliated for selling himself for the benefit of his family. She wanted Liam to be looked down upon by others. She should have succeeded. After she succeeds, Louis will think that Liam really isn't someone worth approaching and accepting of his kindness.

Why is everything turning like this?

Liam glanced at Amanda whose face was red and her hands clenched tightly, knowing that the woman was very angry and embarrassed. He said, "It's fine. There's nothing to fuss about, it's just a misunderstanding."

Even though he didn't like Amanda's way, but he didn't want to deal with her hatred in the future.

"The hell? You were bullied by someone else and you said it was okay?" Adriel gave him a strange look.

Liam, "..."

Adriel was dissatisfied. "I told you no one would be able to bully you as long as I, your husband, was here. Tch! Some people just don't know how rotten their f*****g mouths are and how cunning their shitty brains are to want to bring others down."

The corners of Liam's lips curled up at these words. He glanced at Amanda, who was also unexpectedly peeking at him, but she immediately looked away.

Liam's eyes turned to Adriel with a faint smile. "Don't be angry. It's fine."

This smile made Adriel stiff for a moment. It was the first time he had actually seen that smile and he cleared his throat. His hand that was on Liam's shoulder, moved to his cheek and pinched it.

"My wife is generous. But it's this generosity that makes him easy to walk on. Geez."

Fran was a bit tense even though he wasn't the one being cornered. He knew that Amanda was deliberately looking for trouble to humiliate Liam.

But isn't this golden husband very vengeful.

A light of hatred flashed silently in Adriel's eyes as he stared at Amanda and several of Liam's friends who sat watching.

He said brightly, "Okay, okay. Since my wife said it was a misunderstanding, that's what it is."

His gaze swept over Riza who raised the glass, and he immediately tapped Liam on the shoulder.

"Okay, you guys can have a drink first. I'll accompany you all for a drink at the climax of the event. Have fun in here. Liam, come on."

Liam was dragged in a daze in another direction. His gaze didn't go to his friends, before he looked at Adriel in front of him.

"No need for thanks." Adriel said.

Liam, "..." Who's thanking you?

Then the man turned around with a sly smile. "Treat this as a down payment and I'll need you to do something for me later."

Hearing this, Liam felt uneasy.

... to be continued ...