Chapter 3 Why Don’t You Choose Me?

The silence was engulfing the room after their talk. Liam was sitting and gazing at her, his face was devoid of emotions. Ileana was trying to understand what next will be his move.

In her mind, Didem’s words started ringing, she clenched her fist, lowering her face and a helpless smile appeared on her face.

Liam, who was observing all her expressions closely, felt something off. Though he usually doesn't speak when not in the mood.

But that moment what made him go against his own rule he himself didn’t deduce it.

"What's your name?" Liam asked while picking up the juice.

"Ileana Smoore Tyler," Ileana spoke politely.

He was annoyed seeing her dull face, closing his eyes and resting his head back, he dismissed her.

"You may leave now."

Ileana hesitated and didn’t leave upon his dismissal.

He could feel her presence with a frustrated expression as he glowered at her.

She stared at him straight in the eye and asked, "Will you choose me?"

Liam’s lips curled, it seemed like her confidence piqued his interest.

"Why should I choose you? Give me a reason."

“Well, Mr. Liam, Isn’t it obvious that I’m not crying right now, sitting still in front of you!”

“Hahahahaha…You are indeed something,” Liam chuckled loudly, amused at her words.

"I'm very confident that only I deserve to be your seventh and last wife."

She claimed without hesitation as if she was not talking to a young master of the Collins’ Family but to a director of a company.

"Hahaha…My last wife, interesting?!" Liam snorted, "You know right, no woman has the audacity to act so arrogantly before me."

Ileana was clutching at her last hope. The deal was a gamble and if it pissed Liam she would be a laughing stock in the blink of an eye.

She prayed in her heart and said confidently, “Why don’t you try me once, yourself…unless you are really afraid that I have the ability to keep my words?!”

Liam snickered menacingly and seeing her not flinching made him give her a try.

“Well, I will give you a chance just because of your courage and confidence. Keep this in your mind, that it doesn’t matter who I choose. I, Liam Collins, will not love or be bound by any woman at all. If that suits you then I have nothing else to say.”

Upon finishing his words, he stood up and strode out of the room with pure arrogance and sheer aura.

Ileana released a sigh of relief as she had finally got the green flag. She thanked all her stars and prayed to the god in her heart in smooth handling of the situation. She then stood up and exited the room. Following behind him, she came back to the waiting room.

Everyone’s eyes were glued to the door in anticipation. The waiting candidates were impatient because Ileana was the one who stayed longer than the other.

When they saw Liam in their line of sight followed by Ileana, they all gasped. Some even shook their heads in utter despair.

It was a shock to the aristocrats and other candidates who thought worthy of themselves to be Collins.

The person in charge gave a baffled look when he witnessed Liam out of the reception room.

“Young Master, have you already decided?” he blubbered out of sheer confusion and shock.

Raising his chin, he pointed at Ileana, who was standing beside him, “Ummm…It’s her.”

Hearing his words, panic stricken faces were visible. Almost immediately, the waiting room exploded into a frenzy.

Choosing Ileana, brought up the public's attention, who were in utter shock and anger.

They all looked at her with disgust, as if she had robbed their gold cradle.

"What ability does she have to be chosen by you, Master Liam?" Someone wailed.

"Isn't she Ileana Smoore, Tyler’s illegitimate daughter? How can she be better than me? If I went in before her, I would be the chosen one!" Another jeered.

"That's right. How could she..." One was too shocked to finish her sentence.

They all were throwing daggers at her. Little did they know, they have been saved from future heart breaks.

The person in charge barged in to control the situation.

“Well, My Ladies! The Young Master’s choice can never be nor shouldn’t be questioned.”

The heartbroken ladies stopped making fuss and the room fell into silence.

“Everyone, please enter the banquet hall! This way…” he gestured to them to enter another chamber leading to the banquet hall.

Sending everyone else out, he turned to face Liam and Ileana.

He conveyed to Liam his mother’s message, “Young Master. Madam had asked to bring in the chosen candidate to meet her in the Main Hall. She will be waiting for you there.”

Without giving him any response, Liam turned arrogantly and strode towards the long lobby connecting the Main Hall.

Ileana thanked the person in charge and nodded to show her respect. Liam had already quite far from her so she ran to catch up with him. She was panting already, but taking deep breaths helped her in calming down. She was confident but just nervous. Thinking about how the meeting with the elder would go. As her purpose was clear she wasn’t afraid of any challenges.

Clutching the hemline of her dress she finally entered behind Liam.

Her face was pure, looking at the things in the Main Hall her eyes bulged out. They all were antique items, some were even new to her.

“So this is why they are known as The Collins Family.”

When Liam slid beside her gaze fell at an elegant, poised elder lady, who was waiting for them.

She had the aura of superiority, but the smile on her face was kind and sincere. Liam’s facial muscles matches hers, the only difference was of gender.

She finally spoke, “Is this the girl you chose?”

While taking his seat, Liam said dismissively, “Yes.”

Pamela stood up from her place, held Ileana’s hand, made her sit next to hers. Ileana was shocked and surprised at her gentle behavior. She had perceived her to be stern, strict just like Liam but it wasn’t the case. It was completely opposite of the stereotypical image of the evil mother-in-law.

With a smile, she asked looking at Ileana, “Which family are you from?”

“Madam, I’m the eldest daughter of Graham Tyler. My name is Ileana Smoore Tyler,” She replied with a hesitant but respectful manner.

Listening to her words Mrs. Collins looked at Liam then at Ileana. She asked with a questioning gaze, “Did you take after your mother’s name?”

“Yes Madam,” Ileana spoke, lowering her lashes.

Pamela was gratified with her answers, she asked further, “How old are you?”

“Ummm.. Twenty-four,” she gave her a shy smile. Feeling comfortable in Pamela’s company.

Seeing her timid reaction, she chuckled and asked, “Were you scared by my son earlier?”

“No, Master Liam is not as scary as I perceived him to be,” she batted her eyes in his direction purposely. Observing his reaction, no actually, anticipating.

Liam snorted with a smirk but didn’t refute back.

Pamela's eyes widened, getting Liam’s reaction. She was clearly taken aback but composed herself.

Looking back and forth towards her son and Ileana, she spoke. Surmounting her hands in an assuring manner she said, “Then I’ll leave my son under your care. Our family will not let you down, this, I can assure you as his mother.”

“Thank you, Madam,” Ileana spoke politely, nodded in assurance.

“Be ready, tomorrow, the wedding for both of you shall be held at the Parker’s Hotel, grand event hall,” Pamela added while sipping her tea.

Ileana was about to thank her, “Thank…” Suddenly Liam spoke.

Both of them looked in his direction, since the conversation started he didn’t utter a word. But as soon as the word wedding appeared he immediately interrupted.

“No,” spoke harshly, “It’s too troublesome, I don’t want to waste my time,” he deadpanned leaving no room.

Pamela retorted against his decision and spoke coldly, “"What do you mean by 'too troublesome'? This is Ileana's first marriage! We have to give her a proper ceremony! It's our obligation!"

Though she was old, being his mother and respectable woman. She stood firmly on her grounds with an indignant manner.

Liam stood up, didn’t say anything, glanced at Ileana and left.

Pamela glared at him, and comforted Ileana, “Don’t worry dear! He had a bad temper, but he is still a good child. Just don’t mind his words.”

Ileana nodded with a small smile because Pamela was kind to her.