Chapter 3: The Proposition
621 Words
Liam was drinking his coffee across from Emily. "So, Emily, I have a proposal for you."
Emily's eyebrow went up. "What kind of proposal?"
Liam leaned forward and met her gaze. "I want you to be my fake fiancée."
Emily's eyes went wide with surprise. "What?" Why?"
Liam grinned. "I need to improve my public image, and I think you're the perfect person to help me."
Emily squinted her eyes. "And why do you think I'm the perfect person for the job?"
With a self-assured look on his face, Liam reclined in his chair. "Because you're nice, intelligent, and attractive. You're the ideal bundle.
Liam's eyes seemed to stare right into Emily's, and she felt a flutter in her chest. She couldn't help but wonder if he was merely attempting to win her over or if he was always this sweet.
Emily said, "I'm flattered," while attempting to seem composed. "But I'm not sure if I'm interested in pretending to be your fiancée."
Liam's smile remained constant. His words, "I understand your reservations," However, I promise that this will be a win-win situation for both parties. You'll get the opportunity to meet powerful individuals, go to high-society parties, and promote your event planning company.
As Emily considered the options, her eyes grew wide. This might be a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
"And what do you get out of this?" Trying to seem doubtful, Emily asked.
Her eyes were fixed on Liam's. "To assist me in boosting my reputation, I got a lovely, smart, and endearing fiancée. Naturally, I also get to spend more time with you.
Liam's eyes seemed to stare right into Emily's, causing her cheeks to flush. She couldn't help but question whether he was genuinely interested in her or if he was merely attempting to control her.
Emily finally answered, "I'll think about it," attempting to sound casual.
Liam's smile remained constant. He said, "I knew you'd see it my way," with a confident tone.
Emily couldn't help but feel uneasy as they finished their coffee and went their separate ways. She sensed that she was taking on more than she could handle.
Emily's phone rang as she was making her way back to her office. After a moment of hesitation, she responded.
"Hello?" Emily said in a hesitant tone.
The authoritative voice of Liam's assistant remarked, "Emily, it's Rachel." "I need to talk to you about something."
Emily squinted her eyes. "What is it?"
Rachel paused, then said something. It has to do with Liam's history. You ought to be aware of anything."
Emily felt her heart race faster. What could she possibly learn from Rachel?
Emily responded, "Tell me," in a stern voice.
Before she spoke, Rachel inhaled deeply. Emily, Liam's fiancée, didn't simply pass away. She was killed. And the main suspect was Liam.
Emily's eyes went wide with surprise. What?
Emily felt a shiver go down her spine as the realization set in. She had just consented to pose as the fiancée of a potentially murderous man.
Emily wondered if she had just struck a bargain with the devil himself as she hung up the phone.
Emily's phone rang abruptly once more. After a moment of hesitation, she responded.
"Hello?" Emily said in a hesitant tone.
"Emily, it's Liam," he stated in a silky voice. "I forgot to tell you something earlier."
Emily squinted her eyes. "What is it?"
Liam said in a low, threatening voice. "Tonight, I will send you a car. At 8, be prepared.
The line then stopped working.
As Emily pondered what Liam had in store for her, her heart was pounding. Was she in danger?
Emily became aware that she was by herself as she surveyed her workspace.
To be continued…
- Writer
