DO WE HAVE A PROBLEM?

Even when we paused at a tastefully decorated room as we continued to move through the mansion, I couldn't stop my shocked eyes from studying the explicit sight it held.

Wadsworth escorted me inside, made sure I was relaxed on a couch, then excused himself and left.

After exploring the little I could while sitting for a few minutes, my inquisitiveness got the best of me and I occupied myself with the beautiful artwork hung on the wall.

I kept staring until I heard it, the familiar sexy voice I could recognize even in my sleep called out my name from behind and I turned to face him.

The deep blue eyes mine held were owned by the one person I hoped to never see on my arrival, yet his presence was inevitable as long as I was in Anderson's inhabitant. 

He had his usual calm, cold expression even as he stared at me indifferently. "We meet again, Abigail, sooner than I had expected." His pleasant, enticing deep voice graced my ears, leaving me with a weird feeling.

Even with his intimidating aura, I didn't flinch as we held each other's eyes for a brief second before mine traveled to the rest of his body. 

He was putting on a black shirt, the same as last night, and his buttons, two were also unbuttoned.

Is showing his firm chest a habit for him?

His hands were tucked into the pockets of his black pants, revealing a beautiful customized diamond watch. "LA," the inscription on it lingered in my head for a few seconds.

My eyes moved back up to his broad shoulders, visible from his black shirt, and then to his face. If he looked this good now, I wonder if he looked as good when he's just awakening from his sleep, with messy hair...

I quickly waved away the stupid thought.

"It's good to see you, Mr. Anderson, or should I say, Liam?"

"We're not that familiar to drop the courtesies."

My eyes lit in surprise. "Oh! My bad, Mr. Anderson. I thought it wouldn't be necessary anymore since I'd be acting to be your wife."

"You won't be acting, Miss Roosevelt."

"But the contract-"

"It clearly states you'll fulfill all the responsibilities of a wife, not acting. You won't be enjoying all the privileges of being an Anderson for some stupid act.+

All the responsibilities of a wife?

Why did hearing this make me uneasy for unknown reasons?

My brows furrowed. "Of course, Mr. Anderson."

I turned back to the artwork, even if I was aware of his eyes on my body as I wished silently for him not to pay attention to me. Lack of his attention meant I wouldn't have to speak to him any longer until Mirabel probably got here, and I can kill for that. I don't feel like having any conversation with him cause it just reminds me of everything that happened yesterday.

My wish was futile cause he called my attention back to himself, shortly after I made the wish.

"Why are you here, Miss Roosevelt?"

Kill me!

My eyes met his once more. "I was invited by your mother for breakfast."

"Breakfast?" He spoke to himself, rather than asking a question. "Interesting. But why do I feel Miss Roosevelt isn't happy about the invitation."

"I don't know why you feel that way, Mr. Anderson, but I'm happy to have breakfast with every member of your family."

"Including me?"

I bit my bottom lips. Why the hell is this fool asking me this?

Am I supposed to be happy after everything he's done to me from the moment we laid eyes on each other?

I feigned a smile. "Of course."

His lips curved, "you say one thing, and your eyes another. Tell me, Miss Roosevelt, do we have a problem?"

"What do you think, dick face? I knew you were sick but I didn't know amnesia was one of your illnesses. Not to worry, I can remind you of every single dreadful word you said to me yesterday so you can stop your useless debate on whether or not we have a problem," these are the words I initially wanted to say but my job prevents it. I was supposed to woo him, not create more disdain from him to myself.

I sighed softly, not loud enough for him to hear but I think he did cause he suddenly had that grimaced grin on his face. Something about that grin riled me up and for the first time since I met him, I felt like yanking it off his face.

"I'm sorry if my eyes had given you the wrong impression, Mr. Anderson."

"I'm pretty sure it didn't."

Liam and I both turned to the entrance of the room where the voice came from and saw Mirabel standing a few feet away. She smiled when she saw the stunned expression on my face and she approached us.

Well, I was wondering when she got here but more importantly, how was she on her two feet, walking? If I remember correctly, she was in a wheelchair when I first saw her.

"When did you get here?" Liam spoke first, placing a soft kiss on her cheeks.

"Not too long ago." Her eyes traveled to mine and her smile broadened. 

"Mum," I greeted as she embraced me with a smile. 

"Sorry for keeping you waiting. It's a good thing Liam kept you company." Her eyes moved back and forth between me and Liam before stopping on me. "You look delightful as always."

I smiled. "Thanks, mum."

Liam said nothing as his eyes moved nonchalantly between us, I knew cause even if my gaze was on Mirabel, I was conscious of his presence and stared at him through my side-eye.

He succeeded in gaining Mirabel's attention when he said, "I'll be taking my leave now," and she turned to him.

"You're not having breakfast with us?"

"I'll see you later." He placed another kiss on her cheeks before walking out of the room.

My eyes trailed him until he was out of sight, and when I looked at Mirabel, she had a sly grin on her face. 

I knew the meaning of the grin but I played dumb.

"Liam's very kind and caring."

Kind?

Caring?

I growled inwardly. He's the exact opposite of that with his barbaric tongue.

She added, "most times, he can be unbearable," she smiled as if remembering an incident in the past, "but he's also as sweet as he's unbearable." She took my hands in hers softly, "I hope you too can last together even when I'm no more."

I looked into her icy blue eyes.

She wanted a promise, a reassurance, and for some weird reason, that made me feel bad cause I was in no position to do that. Liam didn't want this, likewise I. We have a year's contract that binds us, but that is it. We're to part in different ways thereafter.

"My lady-"

Perfect timing!

Our attention was pulled to the average-looking butler, Wadsworth who stood at the entrance of the room.

I thanked him inwardly as Mirabel's attention was pulled to him. He just saved me from making a promise to the woman who for some weird reason I felt drawn to.

"Yes, Wadsworth. What's the problem this time?"

"The director awaits your presence in the dining room."

"I completely forgot." She turned back to me, "Let's go have breakfast, my dear."

I nodded and we both left the room with Wadsworth leading the way.