Secrets of a Hidden Marriage

Chapter 34: A Question Too Personal

Allie took a deep breath as she ended the call, her fingers trembling slightly. The weight of the situation pressed against her, but a flicker of determination lit up her eyes. Everything was falling into place, just as she had anticipated.

That phone call to Liam Hart wasn’t easy, but it had to be done.

She quickly gathered her things and headed to the Shoreline Tower, one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the heart of New York. The building, a testament to modern architecture, gleamed under the late afternoon sun, its reflection casting long shadows across the bustling city streets.

Allie was no stranger to this place. She strode into the grand lobby with purpose and took the elevator straight to the sixtieth floor—Liam’s office.

In the waiting lounge, the news team was already buzzing. Kane, her senior colleague, spotted her at the door and rushed over with visible relief.

“Allie! Finally, you’re here,” Kane exclaimed, handing her a neatly organized folder. “Here’s the draft for the interview.

Mr. Hart’s time has been rescheduled to 4:30. You’ve got about an hour to prep. You’re our ace on this. No pressure, though.”

Allie smiled reassuringly, though her pulse quickened. “Don’t worry, Kane. I’ll give it my all.”

As she spoke, her gaze drifted across the room.

That’s when she saw Cher Waverly.

Cher sat in the corner, flanked by two team members who appeared to be consoling her. Tears shimmered on her face, but as she caught sight of Allie, her expression shifted—grief melting into something darker. For a fleeting moment, resentment flashed in Cher’s eyes before she masked it with a pitiful, doe-eyed expression.

Allie’s stomach churned. She had once been fooled by Cher’s delicate facade, but not anymore.

For the next hour, Allie focused intently on the interview draft, refining questions and rehearsing potential answers in her head. Despite the nerves creeping in, she felt a strange sense of calm. Perhaps it was the thought of Liam himself—the one person who seemed to steady her tumultuous thoughts.

At exactly 4:30, she stepped into Liam’s expansive office, cameras and microphones in tow. The interview commenced, and despite her initial apprehension, Allie slipped into her role seamlessly. Her questions were sharp, her tone poised, and Liam’s responses—calculated and compelling—commanded the room.

As the interview concluded, Allie stood to thank him, only to feel a tug at her feet. The microphone cable had snagged her heel, sending her stumbling forward.

“Allie, watch out!” Liam’s voice was sharp, his reflexes faster. He grabbed her wrist, steadying her before she could fall.

“You’re always so careless,” he muttered, his voice tinged with a mixture of annoyance and concern. “You haven’t

changed a bit.”

Allie flushed, gently pulling her hand free as she glanced around the room. The crew was busy packing up equipment, seemingly oblivious to the interaction.

But not Cher.

From her spot near the door, Cher’s sharp eyes took in every detail. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and her hands clenched into fists.

Just as the team was preparing to leave, Cher made her move. She strode confidently toward Liam, her voice sweet yet loud enough to command everyone’s attention.

“Mr. Hart,” she began with a saccharine smile, “since we have this rare opportunity, may I ask a question on behalf of every woman in new york?”

Liam raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. “Go ahead.”

“Do you have a girlfriend?” Cher’s tone was playful, but her gaze flickered to Allie, daring her to respond.

The room fell silent. All eyes turned to Liam, breaths held in anticipation.

Allie froze. She knew exactly what Cher was doing—forcing Liam’s hand, trying to make him reveal something. Her heart pounded as countless scenarios raced through her mind.

Liam’s expression remained unchanged. He let the question hang in the air, his cool gaze sweeping across the room before finally landing on Cher.

If Liam said yes, it would at least confirm that his relationship with Allie was extraordinary.

If he said no, it would imply that even if they shared something special, Allie’s place in his heart wasn’t significant. Cher seemed to be rooting for the latter outcome.

After all, Liam had once claimed in front of her and Nick that he was Allie’s boyfriend. But Cher couldn’t tell if it had been genuine or just an act. Now, in front of everyone, if Liam denied it, it would prove that, despite their closeness, Liam was simply playing around.