LOVE's LITTLE LIE

CHAPTER THREE.

 A MERGER 

 Lia's POV.

 "I suggest we take this merger to the next level by getting married. A Contract marriage of course, one that clearly binds is together for business reasons only." Liam said, his smirk widening as he turned to face led, his eyes glinting with mischief.

 My jaw dropped, my eyes widening in shock. "You can not be serious. If this is a joke , then it is a very expensive one and need I remind you that not everything is a joke. Marry you? Liam ! I do not even like you!"

 Liam's grin only grew. "This is not about liking each other, Lia. It is about securing the future of our respective companies. It is a business arrangement and nothing else, do not get ahead of yourself."

I scoffed, my anger mounting. "If you think I would agree to something so...so.. crazy, you are delusional. I refuse to even consider it!"

 Mr Wilde stepped in. "Now, now,children. Le ya not be too quick in dismissing the idea of getting married. Marriage has long been used to cement business alliances, and as long as I know it has been very successful provided there are rules and regulations that will guide it. There should be an agreement, something like a prenuptial agreement or so. Perhaps if you both look at it from that angle... you might see things differently."

 "No father, I am not getting married to Liam. I do not love him, and I will only get married to the man of my dreams. Do not even think of using reverse psychology on me." I said, my voice firm and steady.

 Liam chuckled. "Reverse psychology, Miss Wilde? Really? Common, I did not realize I was dealing with a child."

 I glared at him. "At least I do not go around suggesting crazy and ridiculous solutions like getting married to solve business problems."

 "Oh, but you see Miss Wilde, that is where you are wrong. Marrying me is the most logical and reasonable solution to our problems. Think about it, you would gain access to my resources, my contacts and not to mention my expertise. Look at it Lia, it will be a win win situation for the both of us and our companies."

 I glared at him, hoping he would shut his trap but clearly this young man came prepared. 

"And dear Lia, do not forget the publicity, the buss. Imagine the headlines when we tie the knot. It will be the talk of the business world and entertainment world. More buzz, more sales, more sales, out companies expand. This is basic math, little miss princessa."

 "Why would anyone want to talk about us?" I scoffed. "They would only be laughing at us."

"Oh, that is where you are wrong kiddo. The world loves a good story, be it romance or gossip. All you have to do is make it a juicy one and they will do the rest. And that is exactly what we would be giving them, a juicy romance story, of enemies turned couples."

 I glared at him, if not for our parents' presence I would have smacked his face. 

"You know, like a classic story of enemies turned lovers, like we were destined for each other." Liam added.

 "Destiny?" I scoffed. "Please, the only thing we are destined for is a divorce."

 Liam smirked. "True, but that would defeat the whole purpose of our little arrangement now, would it not? And if I am even an inch closer to truth, you are too smart for that,Lia."

 I rolled my eyes. "Spare me your fake flattery, Liam. You do not think I would fall for that? Do you! If yes, then I am sorry but you must be more stupid than I thought you were."

Liam shrugged his shoulders. "It was worth a shot, don't you think, Entitled princessa. Look, I know we do not see eye to eye on most things, in fact we never see eye to eye. But that is why this could work. We will stay out of each other's business will being in each other's business. We balance each other out, in a way."

 "Balance you say Liam? You and I are oil and water. We can never ever ever ever balance or mix." I sneered.

 Liam shook his head. "Yet,oil and water do mix sometimes and when they do, they create something great...Leila delicious meal what say? Think about it, together we will be unstoppable."

"The only unstoppable I know would be the one Sia wrote." I countered.

"Don't you see, Lia? Together we would be unstoppable. You would get the respect you deserve in the business world, I will give you tips on how to actually run a company and your dad will stop doubting your abilities. And me...well I would get my own wife and stop being shipped with other female CEOs. Is that not worth taking a chance on?"

 I clenched my jaw. "You think that is what I need? Your approval? Your validation?"

 "Well, you do need my help in running your father's company. And is that not what we are after? This is not just about you or I. It is about creating something bigger for the both of us. For our parents, the companies? Think about it lia, do you want daddy to go after other CEOs and ask for help every little time you take on a project in the company? No right?"

"No..." I mumbled under my breath.

"Great. And think of it this way. It is not like I am going to spoon feed you Lia, you can keep doing things the same way you have always done them, always struggling to get ahead. You just have to give this a chance." Liam said, his voice gentle and soothing.

 I looked at him, having a battle of emotions in me. He was being nice, is this some trick to get to me? But Liam would not put in so much effort just to prank me, he has more important things to with his time.

"Will you marry me Miss Lia Wilde?"