chapter 8

Lucy stood outside Marcus's apartment, her heart racing with anticipation. She had been thinking about her plan for days, and she knew that Marcus was the key to making it happen. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Marcus answered, a look of surprise on his face. "Lucy, you're Lucy Carter's right? he asked, his voice neutral.

yeah, exactly, new CEO of Carter's cooperation she replied.

I know! what are you doing here . he asked.

Lucy smiled, trying to appear nonchalant. "I just wanted to talk to you about something," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Can I come in?"

Marcus hesitated for a moment, but then stepped aside to let her in. She walked into the apartment, her eyes scanning the room as she looked for the perfect place to sit. "So, what's this about?" Marcus asked, his voice still neutral. Lucy took a deep breath, her heart racing with excitement. "I want to talk to you about Liam," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And how we can take him down."

Marcus's eyes narrowed, a look of interest crossing his face. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice low and menacing. Lucy smiled, a plan forming in her mind. "I mean, we can take him down together," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "We can make sure that he loses everything that's important to him." Marcus's eyes gleamed with excitement, and Lucy knew that she had him right where she wanted him. "Tell me more," he said, his voice low and menacing.

I want Liam to be mine, and when he loses everything he has, he would come running to me I would have everything he wants, then he would want me and not cassy, because cassy would have nothing to offer.

And why will I want to help you Carry out that plan? , Liam is my cousin, why will I want to bring him down for you. he replied.

I did research on you before coming here, I know how you always wanted to take over as CEO of mega cooperative, so is simple, when the deal is done, you take over as CEO of mega cooperative why I keep Liam to myself.

hmmm! and how do we intend to do that, because Liam is now taking the company seriously, I wanted to take over when he doesn't have interest in maga cooperative but now he does and isn't Liam married to your twin sister, I read an article of you taking the company which rightfully is supposed to be Cassy's and now you want her husband too, thought I was evil but am no match for you. he said.

Liam was supposed to be mine in the first place so am just claiming what is mine and my dad gave Carter's cooperation to me, because he knew i was the better choice, " are you in or not"

what exactly to you need my help for? Marcus asked.

you have a position in Liam company , all you have to do is pretend we're couple that way I can get close to you and to the company and most importantly to Liam, I have a plan is definitely involves me getting close to Liam, which also involves you, you are my key to that .

how are you supposed to get close to Liam with me, am not even close with him myself. Marcus asked with so much curiosity.

Lucy's smile grow Wilder,you don't have to be the one close I will. she replied

" okay", we pretend we're dating , kul! what happens to Cassy's then . he asked.

Don't worry I have a plan for her too , is just the beginning, let's see how much they can keep up, we would discuss the details on the plan later so deal? lucy asked.

deal! Marcus replied

Good, I knew I was talking to the right person I'll email you, she said as she takes her leave . leaving Marcus with a crippy smile on his face.

I was taking a nap when Liam gently shook me awake, smiling as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. "Hey, sleepyhead," he whispered. " I brought some amazing outfits for you to try on." my eyes widened as I sat up, taking in the array of clothes and jewelry "Wow," I breathed. "These are stunning." what's the occasion?

he smiled, pleased with himself. "I'm glad you like them," he said. "I want you to look absolutely breathtaking tonight. We have a big event to attend, and I want you to make a lasting impression." my eyes sparkled with excitement as I began to sift through the clothes and jewelry. "What's the event?" I asked, holding up a beautiful silver necklace.

"It's the company's annual gala," he explained. "CEO of different company would be attending and staff and share holders of our company will be there, and I want you to shine."and also a perfect opportunity for you to review yourself as my wife and PA. my face lit up with determination. okay that's a good start " I won't let you down,I promised, beginning to try on different outfits. I haven't really attended events like this in the past so am confuse on what outfit would fit.

you don't have to worry about that, that is why I brought staff here to help, they'll help you pick out every thing, don't worry, he replied. the staff help in picking just the right outfit and jewelry for the occasion , they help in fixing my makeup as well.

when it was time i emerged in a stunning red gown, my hair styled perfectly and my makeup flawless and with the right jewelries to match up everything. when I was done I looked like the whole dress, make-up and jewelries where made for me, because they fits perfectly .

Lem's eyes widened in awe as he took in the sight of me. "You look absolutely breathtaking," he breathed. "I'm the luckiest man alive."

I smiled, my eyes sparkling with happiness. "Thank you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I feel like a princess."

he smiled, offering me his arm. "You are my princess," he said. "And tonight, you'll be the belle of the ball."

He led me outside to the waiting car. The night air was crisp and cool, and the sound of chirping crickets filled the air. my eyes widened as I took in the sight of the luxurious car waiting for us. It was a sleek, red Ferrari, decorated with intricate designs and sparkling with diamonds. The car was a masterpiece, and I couldn't help but gasp in awe.

Liam smiled, pleased with himself. "I wanted to make a statement tonight," he said, "And I think this car does just that."

I nodded, my eyes still fixed on the car. "It's stunning," I breathed.

The staff, dressed in their finest attire, stood at attention, waiting to escort us to the event. and together we walked towards the car, the staff leading the way. As we approached the car, the driver, dressed in a sleek black suit, opened the door and welcomed us inside. Liam helped me into the car, and then slid in beside me. The interior of the car was just as luxurious as the exterior, with soft, cream-colored leather seats and a dashboard adorned with diamonds. I couldn't help but feel like royalty as we drove off into the night. As we drove, Laim took my hand, his eyes locked on mine.

"You look stunning tonight," he said, his voice low and husky.

I smiled, my heart racing with excitement. "Thank you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

As we arrived at the event center, my eyes widened in awe. The entire venue was transformed into a fairytale-like setting, with stunning decorations and beautiful lighting and the decorators had outdone themselves.

Everywhere I looked, there were intricate arrangements of flowers, sparkling chandeliers, and elegant candelabras. The tables were set with fine china, crystal glasses, and crisp white linens. The staff members were dressed in their finest attire, and they moved efficiently, serving drinks and canapés to the guests as they arrived.

As we made our way through the crowds, I noticed that everyone there was dressed in stunning outfits and jewelries. "you look the prettiest". Laim whispered in my ear. thank you, I smile and felt so fulfilled.

he led me to our table, where we were greeted by a few familiar faces. As we took our seats, the staff serve us a drink. As the night wore on, the guests began to mingle and socialize. Laim was approached by a few of his business partners, who offered him a glass of lemon-flavored champagne. Lem took a sip, nodding in approval at the refreshing taste.

"Excellent choice," he said, smiling at the guest. "This is exactly what I needed to take the edge off."

The guest smiled, pleased with himself. "I'm glad you like it," he said. "I was thinking of introducing a new line of lemon-flavored drinks to the company. What do you think?"

Lem's eyes lit up with interest. "That's a great idea," he said. "I think it could be a real hit. Let's talk more about it."

The two of them launched into a discussion about the potential benefits and drawbacks of introducing a new product line. I listened for a while, nodding along as they spoke.

After a few minutes, Laim excuse me to go talk to a client , I was sitting sipping my drink and enjoying the atmosphere , when someone approached me from behind. "You look absolutely stunning tonight."

I turned to see Marcus, Lem's cousin, standing behind me. He was smiling at me, his eyes gleaming with admiration.

"Thank you," I said, feeling a flutter in my chest. "You look good too yourself " I replied.

Marcus chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thank you, kind lady," he said. "May I have the pleasure of getting you a drink?"

No thank you, I already have one, I replied

okay, anyways am Marcus, Liam cousin, he said pulling his hands out from his pocket for a hand shake.

Am Cassy, I replied, shaking hands with him.

you must be Liam's wife, I would applaud him because he had eyes, am glad to finally placing a face to the name.

before we could talk further Liam walked in, " Marcus what are you doing with my wife? he said

just saying " hi" to my sister in-law and applauding you for having an eye, because she looks stunning.

Well thank you, Liam replied, if you don't mind we would excuse us. just before we could walk away

lucy came in.

what are you doing here? I asked her

I don't miss an event and I came to meet my fiance "Marcus". she replied.

Marcus! you guys are together? I asked

yeah, she replied as they both held hands and stare at each other gaze.

we have to go now, I have a speech to give with my wife by my side, Liam interrupted.

That's fine, maybe we could catch up next time and have some drinks, who knows, that could be a good start to fixing our relationship, knowing we didn't have a good one in the start. Marcus replied .

I would see to that, Liam said and he held my hand and we both walking to this stage.

Lem held my hand tightly as he led me onto the stage. The lights blinded me for a moment, but as my eyes adjusted, I saw the sea of faces before me. The audience was filled with unfamiliar faces, all of whom were staring at her with interest.

Laim took the microphone and cleared his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues and friends," he began. "Welcome to tonight's event. I'm honored to stand before you tonight, and I'm even more honored to introduce the love of my life, my wife, Cassy."

The audience erupted into applause as he turned to me and smiled. "Not only is she my beautiful wife, but she's also my new personal assistant," he continued. "I'm thrilled to have her by my side, both in my personal and professional life."

As the audience applauded again, I felt a surge of pride and happiness. I smiled at Liam, feeling grateful for his love and support.

But as I scanned the audience, I noticed a few whispering among themselves. " wonder why they have a secret wedding, heard her dad gave their family company to the younger one and she was left with nothing, guess laim married her out of pity. my heart sank as I felt a pang of insecurity, but I shouldn't let them get to me, I looked up at Lem, wondering if there was any truth in what they said, did he actually married me out of pity ". But he just smiled at me, his eyes filled with love and adoration.

"I love you " he whispered, his voice barely audible over the applause.

I smiled back at him, feeling a sense of relief wash over me . I knew that I had Lem's love and trust, and that's all that mattered.