Chapter 5: Liam is my cousin.

Eleanor slowly opened her eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin. She stretched her arms and legs, enjoying the comfort of her big luxurious bed.

As she looked towards the window, she could see the sun shining brightly outside and hear the sound of birds chirping.

Just as she was about to get up, she heard footsteps approaching her door. She furrowed her brows, wondering who could be up so early. Before she could even think of getting out of bed, there was a sudden knock on her door.

"Eleanor, are you awake?" a voice called from the other side. She quickly got out of bed, adjusted her clothes, and made her way to the door.

"I'm coming," she replied, her voice still groggy from sleep.

She opened the door to see Liam standing at her doorstep. He greeted her with a smile. "Good morning, Eleanor. Hope you slept well?"

Eleanor nodded slightly, still wondering why Liam was acting nice all of a sudden.

Liam fell silent for a moment, then he spoke again. "Well, I'm here to let you know that I'm off to work."

Without another word, he turned and left for work.

Eleanor stood there, her eyes widened in shock and confusion. She wondered what could've led to Liam's sudden change of attitude. After a few moment, she sighed and went down to the dining room as she figured Agatha must have served breakfast.

As she sat down, Agatha placed a steaming plate of spaghetti carbonara in front of her, the aroma of creamy savory chicken enveloping her. She ate in silence, her mind still wandering on the sudden turn her life had taken.

A few minutes later, she finished her food and left for her room.

*******

It was a typical busy day at Liam's company when a familiar figure stepped in front of his secretary's desk, Selene.

Selene's eyes widened when she saw Mia standing before her.

"Mia?" Selene said, "It's been a while, what can I help you with?"

Mia gave a casual smile. "I'm here to see Liam if he's available."

"Yes, I'll let Mr Chase know you're here. Please take a seat."

Mia flashed a coy smile, "Thank you, Selene. It's good to see you."

She nodded awkwardly and headed to Liam's office. She cleared her throat, "Sir, you have a visitor. Mia is here to see you."

Liam didn't seem fazed, "Send her in." She nodded and stepped aside to let Mia through.

Mia walked into his office gracefully. "Hey Liam, it's been a while." She said firmly.

"Mia, it's been a while. What brings you here?" his tone was low.

She smiled, her gaze pierced at him. "I was passing by and I thought to stop by and say hello."

As she tried to sit down, she accidentally stumbled her foot on a loose floor tile and screamed as she fell to the floor. She sprained an ankle. Liam carried her and placed her on the chair. His face was neutral.

Meanwhile, Eleanor stood frustrated outside Liam's office, feeling frustrated as Selene blocked her way.

"I'm sorry Miss, but you don't have an appointment with my boss and he's currently in a meeting," Selene repeated.

"I am Liam's wife, and he's expecting me." Eleanor said firmly as she displayed the ring on her finger.

Selene's eyes widened in shock when Eleanor revealed her identity. "Mrs Chase, I had no idea. Please go in."

Eleanor froze at what she saw when she entered his office. Liam held Mia's foot. His face was calm.

Her jaw dropped as she looked at her best friend, Mia.

"What is going on here?" She asked.

Mia withdrew her leg from Liam's grasp, her face was masked with innocence.

Mia remained cool, "I was passing by, and I decided to stop by and greet Liam."

Mia continued. "I sprained an ankle, so he was helping me apply an ointment." She explained.

"What are you doing here?" Liam asked as he looked up, his face returned to its usual cold form.

Eleanor's gaze went from Mia to Liam. "I brought an important document for you. You forgot them at home." 

Just then, Liam's assistant, Cleo, entered the office.

Liam turned to him, "Cleo, escort Mia back home safely." He stretched the last word. His gaze was still on Mia.

As Cleo held Mia by the arm gently, Eleanor watched in silence.

Mia broke the silence. "I think I'll have to go now." She gave a small smile as she was led away.

Liam turned to Eleanor, "Next time, call me before you come to my office," he warned. He turned and left.

Eleanor didn't respond. As she made her way out of the building, she heard the whispers of the workers. She slowed her pace and listened to them.

"She doesn't seem to have a lot of money, but I bet her family has connections."

"Otherwise, why would Mr Chase marry her?"

By the time she reached the entrance door, her eyes were brimming with tears. Her heart pounded as she heard those words.

As she tried to push the door open, she collided with a familiar figure standing outside the door.

"Sebastian!" Eleanor exclaimed, startled.

Sebastian's eyes widened, equally surprised. "Eleanor, we meet again. Are you okay?" his piercing green eyes searched hers, looking for any sign of distress.

Eleanor's heart raced as she tried to compose herself. "I'm fine," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Are you sure? You seem a little off."

Eleanor shook her head, forcing a smile. "It's nothing, really. Just lost in thought, I guess."

Sebastian studied her for a moment longer before nodding. "Okay. What are you doing here?"

"I came to deliver an important document to my husband," Eleanor replied, regaining her composure.

Sebastian's gaze lingered on her, curiousity sparking. "Wait, you are married to Liam?"

Eleanor nodded slightly.

Sebastian's expression transformed from curiosity to shock. 

"Liam is my cousin."