Chapter 16

“Billionaire Tycoon To Wed Daughter’s Babysitter.”

“Property Mogul To Marry Psychologist.”

“Billionaire Blake Stone Proposes To Babysitter.”

Blake was thrilled with the morning’s headlines. His engagement to Liya had made the front page throughout the world. The internet was abuzz with the news. Mrs. David had disconnected the phone lines, he’d switched his mobile phones off, and a group of reporters were camped on the sidewalk outside his mansion.

“Alicia doesn’t stand a chance in hell now!” Blake assured himself. He was especially pleased all of the morning’s publications mentioned Liya as a psychologist and she had an excellent track record when it came to working with children. They’d played into his hands unknowingly. Any judge would soften at the lengths Blake had gone to to keep custody of Sophia.

Blake expected Andrew to arrive any minute now to help him draft a press release. This was one task Blake had no intentions of handing over to his personal assistant. A knock on his study door signaled Andrew’s arrival.

“Good morning, Blake.” Andrew walked in, his briefcase in one hand, his laptop bag slung over on shoulder.

“Good morning, Andrew.”

“The newspapers can’t get enough of your engagement. Congratulations on the success of your plan.” Andrew beamed at him. “This really takes a lot of pressure off me for the custody hearing.”

“None of this would have been possible without your brilliant suggestion,” he reminded Andrew. “I’m so glad such a simple plan turned Alicia’s plans backfired thanks to my recent engagement.”

“I have to admit I surprise myself at time with my strokes of genius.” Andrew couldn’t resist gloating.

Blake let him have his moment. “You surprised me too,” Blake admitted, “I didn’t believe your plan would work. Liya is a brilliant and bright young woman. It isn’t easy to fool her.”

“You’re right. She must really be taken with you to have not seen through us,” Andrew said.

Andrew poured himself a cup of coffee.

“You came through when I needed you,” Blake admitted, “I won’t lose Sophia to Alicia. I would have tried anything to dent Alicia’s chance of even getting her case heard. Your plan worked like a charm. The restaurant managed to get us a prime spot where just about everyone had a fantastic view of us. Your tabloid friend came through. And I managed to get a ring minutes before the jewelry store closed. It’s amazing how everything fell into place at the last minute. “

“I’m glad we didn’t have any last minute glitches.” Andrew sipped his coffee.

“Me too. Although I must admit that I was rather nervous because there was a very real possibility that Liya could have said no.”

“That’s true. The thought crossed my mind, as well. I’m glad she didn’t. And in honor of that I’ve taken the day off to join you in your celebrations.”

“This isn’t the end of the road for me just yet. Liya must never learn our engagement’s a farce.” Blake sighed heavily. “I dread to think of the consequences should that ever happen.”

“It won’t. Luck has favored us. Liya happened to be in the right place at the right time when you first met. Liya’s excellent track record with children will certainly work in our favor. Judge Williamson will definitely rule in our favor when he learns that. Pity Alicia and her meager legal team.” Andrew laughed.

“That’s music to my ears.” Blake’s tone turned serious. “This charade must be our secret and our secret only. If word of my engagement of convenience ever leaks out, my plan will backfire. Sophia’s life will be ruined.” Blake shuddered. “I dread to think of what Alicia will put my little girl through if she ever gets custody of her.”

***

Liya was stunned at the media coverage her engagement received. She had to get over the attention. She’d known Blake was one of the most sought after bachelors in the world when she’d agreed to marry him. She stared at her reflection in the mirror. She’d gone from being totally unknown to having reporters write about her as if they’d known her all their lives. She dared sneak a look outside and drew the curtains immediately when the paparazzi snapped into action instantly. Was this what celebrities experienced? The fairy-tale-like effect wore off the instant one lost their privacy.

“This is crazy,” Liya murmured. She ignored the fiasco outside and rushed to check on Sophia. Sophia stirred just as Liya entered her bedroom.

“Good morning, Liya.”

“Good morning, Princess.” Liya ignored the ludicrous camp on the sidewalk outside the mansion.

“What’s going on outside?” Sophia asked when she heard the voices outside. “Does daddy have visitors?”

“No. Those are reporters.” Liya sighed, hoping Sophia would understand.

“Reporters?” Sophia’s face lit up. “I bet they’re as excited as I am ‘cos you and Daddy are getting married. Reporters following my dad around.”

Liya smiled at Sophia’s enthusiasm. “I bet they are but they also need to understand that we won’t always want them to take our pictures.”

Sophia nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah. I wouldn’t want reporters snapping pictures of me in the bathroom.”

Liya laughed. “Neither would I, Princess. Neither would I.” She filled Sophia’s bath with water. Taking care of Sophia came so naturally to her, she felt like she’d been doing it for a lifetime.

“Are we going anywhere today?” Sophia asked while Liya dressed her.

“I need to get a little shopping done.”

“Can I go shopping with you?” she asked.

Liya smiled at the child. She wanted to accompany her everywhere as if she was afraid of losing her.

“Sure. I need to ask your father first. I’ll be right back.”

Liya paused outside Blake’s study when she heard voices. She was about to turn away when she heard someone inside mention her name.

“You couldn’t have come up with a more brilliant suggestion, Andrew. Alicia doesn’t stand a chance of winning custody of Sophia now.” Blake sounded triumphant.

Liya’s heart missed a beat. Eavesdropping hadn’t been her intention until she’d heard her name. Why was Blake discussing her with Andrew in such a cold, businesslike voice? Shouldn’t her newly engaged fiancée speak of her with more warmth and love in his voice?

Blake’s conversation with Andrew played over and over in her head. Had she heard correctly? What if she’d been mistaken?

Blood rushed to Liya’s head. She zoned out for a few seconds. Her breathing quickened. She left before either Blake or Andrew noticed her. Tears stung her eyes as she sank to the floor in the guest bedroom.

Her engagement was nothing but a farce? Blake didn’t really care about her? Liya shook her head as if to dispel her thoughts. She should have trusted her instincts when my doubts kicked in. She should have known this sudden engagement was too good to be true. Blake could have any woman he wanted. Why would he settle for someone like her? She’d been far too naive. Men like Blake Stone were used to making business deals. They could probably sleep with a different woman every day of the week. She dried her tears quickly. She had to leave before Sophia grew too emotionally attached to her. But before she left she planned on giving Blake a piece of her mind. How dare he lie to her? Had she known about his ulterior motives, she’d never have accepted his job offer. He’d just used her to outsmart his former lover. Liya could not control the sudden rush of emotion or tears. She grabbed a bag and shoved her clothes inside. She did not hear someone enter her room while she packed in between crying.

“Liya?” Sophia tugged her hand. “Why are you packing? Where are you going?”

Liya jolted back to reality. She wiped her face roughly with her hands.

“Why are you crying?” Sophia’s voice trembled. “Aren’t you glad you’re going to be my mom?”

Liya tried to speak but her voice failed her.

“Liya, please don’t go,” Sophia said before leaving the guestroom.

Blake appeared in the guest bedroom within seconds. He burst in without knocking. Liya continued packing.

“What is the meaning off all this?” Blake demanded, his tone ice-cold.

“I was considering moving out until our wedding, Blake.” She met his steely gaze bravely. “The sudden media attention overwhelmed me and I have very traditional beliefs about weddings. I was considering moving out until our marriage ceremony—” Liya gently pried Sophia out of Blake’s arms. “I’m sorry I upset you, Angel.” She kissed Sophia’s forehead. Sophia wound her arms sound Liya’s neck. “I will never let you leave, Sophia. Never. Ever.”

“Angel promise?” Sophia asked softly.

“Angel promise.”

“I will get rid of the paparazzi, Liya. There’s absolutely no need for you move out.”

“Thank you, Blake. Now if you will excuse us – Princess and I have some shopping to catch up on.”

Liya didn’t miss the relief in Blake’s eyes. She’d given him a nasty scare, she knew that. She’d changed her mind when she’d seen Sophia’s distress. She wouldn’t break Sophia’s heart — not when she knew the little girl’s history.

She’d get even with Blake for trapping her in a fake engagement, she vowed, he’d had no right to trick her into marriage.