Chapter 48

Chapter 48 Liam's POV Everyone left except for my parents who stayed the night with me. Crystal went home. She needed a good night sleep after days of worries and miseries. It gave me time to be alone with my parents also. I had to talk to them, especially Mom. I would not tolerate her ignoring Crystal. I started explaining to my parents about what Alice did—using Josh to set up Crystal and the lies she told me. She wanted to wreck my relationship with Crystal because she had a crush on me. Dad was neutral but Mom would not believe me, no matter what explanation I gaveher. She still sided with Alice. Before our discussion turned into an argument, I stopped. So it went on and on for days. "It's not easy to just forgive and forget what happened." Mom said, her eyes blazing with anger. "Your best friend died. I saw you very miserable and could not move, it affected your whole being. You became a different person...angry, bitter and strange, that sometimes I could not understand you anymore. And Alice, she nearly took her own life because of sorrow." "Because she was guilty of her own sins. She surely blamed herself for Josh's death." "How could you say that? She loves Josh so much. You saw how miserable she was. She could not get over his death. I was there, and I was one of those people who helped her stand up again." Mom would not give up. She had a comeback for every accusation I threw at Alice. "I was the one she loves, and I believe that I still am. She used Josh to get near me. And she is using you until now for the same reason." "That's bullshit! Why don't you just accept that Crystal flirted with Josh? She was a two-timing little spoiled brat and could not be content with a single man." "She is not! Don't you dare call her names. Alice brainwashed you, kept telling you lies so you'll keep on hating Crystal." "She's the reason why Josh died!" Mom shouted at me. "What the hell! You also blamed Crystal for that? That crazy bitch Alice really poisoned your brain!" "Don't say that to Alice. She's a very nice, sweet, and kind woman compared to that... girlfriend of yours. Why her anyway? There are a lot of women in this world, Liam." "Don't compare Alice to Crystal, it's like comparing a devil to an angel. Stay away from her, I don't want her in our lives. She ruined thirteen years of my life. I could have been happier in those years with Crystal." I let out an exasperated sigh. "And why Crystal? I love her so much. She's all I wanted to spend the rest of my life with." "You're so blinded. I cannot believe you're marrying that spoiled brat bitch." "Enough! I won't tolerate you calling her names. Have some respect for my future wife or else I'm going to forget that you're my mother." "See! You're the one brainwashed by that woman. You're siding with her instead of your own mother. How could you! Wait till your father hears about this." I groaned, feeling so frustrated. She was so hardheaded. She was mumbling something, saying that I was ungrateful. "Why can't you just marry Alice? You're a genius but you're not using your brain in choosing the right woman to marry." "Alice. Always Alice. Why can't you let it go? I don't have feelings for her." "She's a lovely girl, you won't find it hard to fall in love with her. Just give it a try." "You can't force anyone to love someone. So, stop it. There's nothing you can do about it. Whether you like it or not, I'm going to marry Crystal. She's the only woman I love. So, if I were you, give her a chance. You'll realize that she's not the bad person that you think she is." "No way." I nodded my head. "Okay, fine. So be it. You disappoint me of all people, Mother. I thought you would support me in my decisions. I'm a grown up man and capable of doing what I want in life, and that includes choosing the right woman for me. It hurts me that as my mother, you won't believe me, you keep on siding Alice." "How could you say that? I'm your mother." "Then act like one, before I forget that you're my mother!" I bursted at her and she knew that I meant it. That same day, Mom started to talk to Crystal. I knew she was doing it only by force. But at least, it was a start. I was confident that slowly, the misunderstanding would be settled. It just needed time to heal all wounds. Crystal's POV The next two months, we were busy preparing the wedding. It would be a simple wedding at the forest in Connecticut where Liam and I first met. The reception would follow in the same five-star hotel where Lisa and Alessandro had their wedding reception. We thought it was funny and memorable to hold it there, where we kissed in front of everyone. Next time, they would see us kiss as a couple. Mom, Emerald, Claire, and Lisa helped me in preparing for the wedding. They also helped me pick my wedding dress. I chose a spaghetti-strapped, french satin light bridal dress. The bodice and straps were adorned with tiny diamonds and crystals that would glitter in the sun. Emerald's wedding planner organized the rest. It would have a magical forest theme, and the wedding was set at the same time Liam and I met, in late afternoon. Surely, my nightmares in the forest would totally be gone and replaced with only sweet romantic happy memories. Liam got better every day. The cast on his leg was gone, and he could walk well. He was back grinding in the hospital. He had pending heart surgeries to do. Many people relied on him and trusted him to save their lives or their loved ones. I understood Liam and his devotion to his job. That was what he loved to do, and I totally supported him with that. He did the same to me. He knew how busy I am, running a company. Many employees and their families relied on the Happy Heart company. As the captain of the ship, I had to keep it going and make it a big success. The more successful it is, the more people would get help. As our wedding came nearer, Liam and I became more impatient. One week before the wedding date, he bursted in my office without warning and kissed me breathless. "Why don't we just elope?" Liam joked between kisses. "That would be exciting." I was pressed on my high-back chair behind my office table. He was looming over me, and kissing me deeply. His tongue conquered my mouth, licking and tasting me like a starving man. I was delirious and restless as I duelled with his tongue. I could not get enough of his sweet manly clean taste, I was longing for more. His hand caressed my knee and slowly moved upward, sneaking under the hem of my dress. "You smell so good. I want you so badly, now." "Then let's do it. Right here, right now." I was willing and so ready for him. "Feel me." He took my hand and pressed it on his manhood. He was hard as stone. His length was so thick and strong. I could smell the scent of his arousal, so sensual, hot, and sexy...seducing me and intensifying my need for him. "Oh shit..." He groaned when I rubbed him with gentle fingers. "Let's open this." With impatient fingers I opened his fly. His hands immediately grabbed my wrists, stopping me. "No...no. This is a crazy idea. I'm sorry, my love, I shouldn't have started it. We should wait for the wedding." "Seriously? Dr. Brooks, you had me so frustrated already. How many times have you come here this week and seduced me, then suddenly telling me to stop? Stop treating me like a fragile innocent nun! I swear, I won't let go this time." My hands grabbed the hem of his pants. "No, let's wait, my love, and make our wedding night special." "Dammit, Liam. Give me a break. I already turned thirty years old last month. At least, give this to me as a birthday gift. I don't want to be a thirty-year-old virgin anymore." "Crystal, stop it." His hands managed to remove my hands from his pants and pressed them on the armrest." He was laughing so hard, his eyes welled with tears as he looked at me. "That's not funny." I glared at him. "You're so funny, my love." "I'm glad you're amused. Ha-ha." I let out a sarcastic laugh. "Let's make our first night really special, okay? It's going to be your first time, and I want to make it so memorable for you." "Okay, fine." I gave him a disappointed look. The door immediately opened and Dad came in holding a Manila envelope. "I saw you come in, Liam. You might as well sign this prenuptial agreement, including you Crystal." Dad said, smiling at us. I was so startled. I fixed my hair and straightened my dress. Liam did the same, but discreetly, and fastened the buttons of his jacket. My goodness, Liam forgot to lock the door again. Dad could have seen us on the act of making love, and that would be so terrible.