LOVE's LITTLE LIE

CHAPTER TWO.

 MERGER: THE ALLIANCE.

ALEXANDER's POV.

 As my mother and I entered the grand ballroom o the Wilde family birthday extravaganza, all eyes turned to us, but my gaze was focused on little miss entitled princess.

 As if on cue, she glided over with a smile that seemed to be getting on my nerves easily these days. "Mr Smith, Mrs Smith, so glad you could make it," Lia purred. "We hav been awaiting your arrival."

 My lips tightened into a thin line. "I am here aren't I? Shall we just get this little princess tea party over with?"

 Lia arched her eyebrow. "Why, Mr Smith," Lia said, stepping a bit closer. "Whatever happened to common courtesy? After all, I did invite you to my party."

 I sneered. "Invite is a strong word, Miss Wilde. It sounded more like an order to me."

 Mum cleared her throat, hoping to make peace but Lia ignored her, taking another step forward ." And I suppose you do not want to have any fun while you are here?" She asked, a small smile playing at her lips.

My eyes narrowed. "Fun, fun is a subjective term, Miss Wilde. Your definition of fun is probably quite different from mine. I would rather sit at home and watch Plankton try to steal the secret formula from Mr Krabs, than attend any event, hosted by you."

 Lia smirked. "Oh, I do not know. I think we could have some fun. Especially when it comes to raising money for charity. After all, I heard your company lost quite the load of money in the last two months."

 I was filled with rage. "And I am sure your father did not tell you why we lost the money? I will be more than happy to tell you."

 I could see the confusion on her face. 

"What do mean ?" She asked.

"Well, your little expansion all happened because of me. Whatever the F U C K you thought you were doing was B U L L S H I T , I was the one pulling the strings. I had to stay up all night for two months, to help your father expand his company. Why do you think you had it all so easy peasy? Because I was the one doing everything. I had to pay a lot of experts to 'work' with you. Everyone you worked with, I paid them to do it. All the lands and assets you got, I pulled strings and got them for you. But do not worry, I am not saying this to hurt you. I am only saying this so you can get your facts right and next time you would know your place, before speaking to me."

 Lia's face lost its color. "I...I was being used the whole time? I made a fool of myself? I did not do this? Father doubted me again? And he went to you for help... I..for the first time in my life I felt I have done something great for the company. I was so happy to share my achievements with everyone...and turns out it's not even mine?" 

 I watched her pain with a smile on my face, now she would know how to speak to me.

"You! You had to tell me this, you are a monster. The least you could have done is tell me this some other time...but on my birthday?"

 My hand clenched into a fist, this woman was more entitled than I ever thought she was. Before I could add more salt to her injuries, my mother intervened. 

"Now , now , kids," she said, stepping between us, with a small smile. "Let us all try to behave ourselves , shall we? After all , this is a part and not a battleground."

 I shot my mother a scathing look, but I bit back the harsh words that were on the tip of my tongue. I turned my gaze back to Lia, my eyes narrowed.

"Fine, I will play your little game , Miss Wilde. But do not think this changes anything between us."

 Mr and Mrs Wilde, Lia's parents joined the group soon.

"Liam, it is good to see you," Mr Wilde said, his hand extended in a friendly gesture. "And you, Mrs Smith, how are you doing?"

 I shook Mr Wilde's hand, the corners of my mouth turning up a slight smile. "I am doing well, Mr Wilde, and you sir?" I must say, your daughter is quite the hostess."

 Mr Wilde laughed. "Yes she is. Quite the businesswoman, too. And you know, she has been instrumental in expanding our company."

 Lia's mother added, "Indeed. In fact, we were hoping to discuss a potential partnership with the Smiths." She turned her gaze towards me. "Liam, I know you and my daughter have not always seen eye to eye, but I believe we can work together for the greater good of both our businesses."

 I took a moment to respond,my gaze flicking between Lia and her parents.

 My eyes flickered revealing a hint of intrigue. "A partnership you say," I said, my time calm and more measured. "I am not sure I see how our businesses would complement each other, but I am open to hearing your proposal."

 MR Wilde smiled. "You would be surprised Liam. There are certain features between our companies that we believe could be quite profitable. And of course, there is the added benefit of strengthening our families bond."

 Lia spoke next, her voice low and measured. "I know you are reluctant, Liam, but I assure you, this partnership is worth considering." She paused, and looked into my eyes. "And there is more to it than just business, like my father said we can strengthen our family bonds."

"I see you two are getting the hang of it, but a merger would seem odd, don't you think." My mother chimed in.

"Let's get married," I said with a smirk and watched Lia's face lose its color.

 "This marriage is the beginning, I have more planned out for you.... "