LOVE's LITTLE LIE

CHAPTER FIVE.

 ROMEO AND JULIET OF THE BUSINESS WOLRD.

LIA's POV.

 I was dressed in my wedding gown, the beautiful and sparkly gown a sharp contrast to my gloomy face. As I gazed at myself in the mirror, i wondered if I was making the right decision.

 "No time for second thoughts, think of your father's companies , the people who depended on you, and your father's wide smile when you told him , that you were going to get married to Liam Smith." The voice in my head reminded me.

 Seconds turned into minutes, and soon, I arrived at the wedding venue, my heart pounding like crazy in my chest as I stepped out of the car. 

 "There is my princess, look breathtaking." Father said and I have him a weak smile.

 As I made my way to the altar with my father by my side, my mind wandered back to my last conversation with Liam. 

 My gaze fell on Liam, who stood at the altar, he was so handsome I was sure even with all the make up on my face, my beauty dulled in comparison to his.

 The ceremony started and the priest's gentle but loud voice cut through the silence of the church. 

"Lia Wilde and Liam Smith, do you take each other to be your lawfully wedded spouse, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, in riches and in poverty, in sickness and in good health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death so you apart?"

 I took a deep breath, the priests words still ringing in my head.

"I do," I mumbled in a voice that was barely audible.

"I do," Liam said, in a firm and determined voice.

"Anyone who is against the union of these two should come forth and speak, lest you hold your silence for ever." The priest said.

 Few seconds later, no one stepped forward and I let out a breath I did not know I was even holding in the first place.

 In the presence of none, I and Liam exchanged vows, my fingers trembling as I slid the ring onto Liam's finger.

 "I pronounce you, Husband and Wife. You may now kiss the bride." The priest announced.

 Liam have me a knowing look and leaned in, his lips mere inches away from mine.

 I closed my eyes and pressed my lips on his, Liam dominated the kiss and even though it was only for a few seconds, it felt like an eternity.

 It was at this moment, I knew that I had stepped away from the safe terrains of our relationship.

 Soon, it the ceremony was over and our was solemnized.

 Then it was time for the reception, I found myself lost in the crowd of well wishers and some of dad's business associates.

 Every single would congratulated me and some even went as far as revealing they knew we were In a secret relationship, which we masked with our fake acts of enmity. I just smiled, my eyes betraying the rage and turmoil going on inside of me. 

 Liam was by my side the entire time, his hand around my wait. "Keep smiling and remember our agreement," he whispered in my ear, his voice low and kind of menacing. "For better or for worse."

 His mother and my parents glided towards us, a wide smile on their faces. "Congratulations dear, we are so happy for you babies," my mother exclaimed. "Liam is a wonderful man, he will take good care of you. Welcome to the family Lia dear." His mother gushed and Liam blushed.

 "Congratulations son, welcome to the family." My father said, shaking Liam's hand.

"Thank you father." Liam said, a wide smile on his face.

 "Can I borrow her for a minute?" My father said and Liam smiled in approval.

 My father pulled me aside, his expression suddenly serious. "Lia, this was the right choice. You are carrying on the legacy of Wilde Enterprises,Lia. So mot let your feelings, any type be it pride or anger get in the way of what is best for the companies. Remember what we have always said, family comes first. Smith Group of companies is a very powerful ally. You know that right?"

 I nodded, my words getting stuck in my throat. "I know father."

 My father smiled and patted my arm. "Good. I have no doubt you will make us proud, as you always have."

 Just then, Mrs Smith glided toward us, her eyes resting on me. "Lia dear, how wonderful to have you in our family," She said, with a wide smile and her face beaming with pride. "I have a feeling that you are going to be a true asset to the Smith Group of Companies."

 I smiled back, my throat dry and tight. "Thank you, Mrs Smith. I will do my best."

 Mrs smith nodded. "Yes, I am sure you will. And please drop the formality dear, call me mother."

"Okay mum, Thank you." I said, with a smile that did not come from my heart.

 And with that, my father and his mother left me alone, and Liam glided towards me. The music played and the lights were on us.

 "Can I have this dance wifey?" Liam asked and extended his hand.

 My heart pounding, I took Liam's hand. 

 As we danced, I could not shake the feeling that something bad was about to happen, this was all too good to be true. 

 We had our own fair share of enemies and I was very sure that someone cooked something for us, something really spicy that could shake the very foundations of our Contract marriage and the companies too.

 Soon the dance was over and a business associate of Liam's borrowed him for some time.

 I stood quietly when a figure bumped into me and handed me a phone, "a gift." The figure said and quickly blended into the crowd of guest.

 I scanned the area hoping to catch a glimpse of who this figure was but he or she was gone.

 I looked at the device , my mind racing with thoughts.

 What is in this? And who was that person?