Chapter 27

Liya’s heart lurched. It hadn’t been her intention to eavesdrop on Blake and Andrew’s conversation. Again. It was simply a case of passing by at the wrong time. Sophia had just finished playing in the pool and needed to be changed. She’d left her in the pool house while she went to fetch a fresh change of clothes from Sophia’s bedroom. Liya had to pass Blake’s study to get to Sophia’s bedroom. The door to Blake’s study was slightly ajar and Liya heard the two men clearly.

So Blake had an announcement. Her heart shattered. It’s no secret he wanted out of this engagement as soon as possible. Great sex or not, Blake had made up his mind. She shouldn’t have expected otherwise. Would he finally reveal the truth about his engagement? What else could he possibly have to announce? He probably planed on coming clean and revealing the truth to everyone. He wasn’t the type of businessman who liked to associate himself with lies. Tears blurred her vision. Somehow she managed to tiptoe quietly before either of the men heard her. Pain shot through her chest. It would’ve been easier if she hadn’t fallen in love with Blake. Somehow it had happened. She couldn’t turn back time and change the events that had led up to this moment.

She brushed away her tears before she bumped into anyone. She had to pull herself together before this evening’s function. It was only a matter of time before Blake told her about it, and she’d have to pretend she knew nothing about it.

“Liya!” Blake called from behind her.

She took a few deep breaths before turning around. “Yes, Blake?”

“I have something to tell you.”

She clasped her hands in front of her chest while he closed the short distance between them.

“We’ll be attending an important function tonight,” he said, once he was standing in front of her. “I’ve arranged for one of my favorite designers to bring a few dresses over. You can choose as many as you want.”

“Thank you.”

“Sophia will be joining you. Would you mind choosing something appropriate for her? I’m not sure if she will be up to joining us at the function because she’s had a long day. Just in case, I’d like for you to choose her clothes for her.”

A range of emotions filled her chest. Tears filled her eyes again. “I don’t mind at all. In fact, I’m honored to be choosing Sophia’s clothes.” It felt like she was part of the family.

“I’m off to a meeting. I’ll be home in time to change and leave for the event.”

“Okay.” She was still on an emotional high and couldn’t think of anything else to say.

The designer arrived a few minutes after Blake left for his meeting. Liya had never seen so many designer gowns in one place at the same time. She eventually settled for a shimmering gold, body hugging maxi dress. She chose a classic A-line dress in a pale pink just in case Blake didn’t approve of her first choice. Sophia opted for a fluffy, pink gown, and chose a simple A-line dress that matched Liya’s second choice.

Liya changed into her gold gown as soon as the designer left. Time had flown at record speed.

“You look like a princess, Liya,” Sophia said. She yawned. “I need to sleep.”

Liya patted Sophia’s hair. “Thank you. Now let’s get you to bed.”

Liya walked Sophia to her bedroom and tucked her in. Blake had been right. She wouldn’t have made it to accompany them tonight.

“Have fun,” Sophia said before dozing off.

“I’ll try too.” Liya swallowed the lump in her throat. Sophia was so sweet and innocent. She had no idea Liya wasn’t going to be a part of her life forever. In fact, now could possibly be the last time the child would see her. Her mind refused to calm down. She rushed back to the guest room and applied her makeup.

“Are you ready, Liya?” Blake stuck his head into Sophia’s bedroom.

“Yes,” she half whispered.

“Shall we?” He held out his hand. He’d already changed into a tuxedo. He’d gelled him hair back and sprayed a delicious smelling cologne. She took his hand and walked with him out of the mansion.

Blake chose to use his Lamborghini. The car subtly conveyed a message about how powerful he was. They were quiet on the way to the glamorous golf estate where the event was taking place. Liya’s heart pounded against her chest. Would Blake really go ahead and reveal his fake engagement in public? How would the media react? She trembled a little. A part of her wished Blake wouldn’t publicly announce that his engagement was a farce. No amount of positive self-talk would prepare her for this evening. She wished she didn’t have to go but here she was. She might as well face whatever transpired tonight.

“Are rou cold?” Blake asked when she shivered. He turned on the heater without waiting for her response. He shifted quickly in his seat and reached for his jacket from the back seat.

“Thanks.” Liya felt compelled to wrap Blake’s jacket around her even though she wasn’t cold. She tried not to feel anything when the scent of his cologne and aftershave filled her nostrils. She was grateful when a mansion decorated in fairy lights from roof to floor came into view. The mansion looked like a palace out of a fairy tale.

“Wow, this place is amazing.”

“James does have a penchant for going overboard,” Blake said.

“James?” Liya couldn’t stop stressing over what the evening held. Had she spaced out when Blake had mentioned who James was?

“Yeah. James Sands. He’s a very close friend of mine. We’ve known each other for years,” Blake said. “I’m really glad James’s investment paid off.”

“Investment?” she repeated before she could stop herself.

“I haven’t told you about James?”

“No.”

“He started out farming sugar cane. When the recession hit he turned to property development. He set aside a few acres for farming though.” Blake gestured briefly to his right. “He added quad bike trails on his farm to supplement his income and, he saved himself from going bankrupt.”

“He is an inspiration,” Liya said. It took all of her strength to keep her voice from steady. Blake was probably trying to make small talk to relax her before he dumped her in public.

“He pulled himself out a real rut. He refused to give up. When other businessmen advised him to sell up and move on, James chose to stick it out and see his ideas through.” Journalists who’d been invited to the event were openly snapping pictures of the place.

Her previous nerves returned when Blake pulled into a reserved parking bay close to the spectacular red-carpet entrance. She still had no idea what to expect tonight.

This was it, time to brace herself for your finale. She sucked in her breath.

“James never starts his functions until I arrive,” Blake bragged.

Liya barely heard Blake through her thick cloud of thoughts.

“Liya?”

“Sorry, I’m a little nervous.”

“Don’t be. James is a good friend. You’re not going to be uncomfortable at all.”

It wasn’t James she was worried about. She sucked in a deep breath before following Blake inside the mansion. Inside chandeliers glittered over tables laden with decadent dishes. The smell of food mingled with designer eau da parfum added to Liya’s nausea. Soft strains of music intensified the throbbing in her temples instead of soothing her.

“Blake, you old dog!” James said when he spotted Blake.

Liya snapped out of her thoughts. James was taller than Blake. His shirt strained over his arms like his biceps were struggling to break free.

“Hello, James.”

James’s gaze strayed to Liya. He eyed her appreciate lively. “Is this your lovely fiancé?”

“Yes, James. I’d like you to meet Liya.”

Liya blushed. Her shyness vanished when Blake’s arms snaked protectively around her waist. The heat from his hands seeped through the thin fabric of her dress.

“Where’s Lara tonight?” Blake asked him.

“She quit.” James’s smile vanished. He fidgeted nervously with his watch then pretended to be reading something on his cellphone.

“Again?” Blake asked.

James turned away. “Yeah. I’ll catch up with you later, Blake.” Lara, whoever she was, seemed like a sore point to him.

Liya was suddenly aware of hundreds of pairs of eyes staring at her and appraising her when Blake disappeared into the crowd for a moment. She felt exposed and suddenly wished hadn’t accompanied Blake to this event. Blake, on the other hand, was in his element mingling with other billionaire businessmen, and enjoying the attention. Women ogled Blake openly before assessing whether Liya was worthy of the billionaire tycoon. Liya tensed under their scrutiny.

She was grateful when she spotted Blake making his way to her, with two glasses in his hand. “Liya? Are you okay?” he handed her one of the glasses.

“I’m fine,” she said. She sniffed the drink.

“It’s non-alcoholic wine,” Blake told her.

“Thanks,” she said. The thought of alcohol filled her with a fresh bout of nausea. She glanced at the women who were looking in her direction and openly mentioning her name.

“Ignore them.” He pulled Liya close before pressing a hot kiss on her forehead. “That should keep them talking all evening.”

Liya couldn’t resist smiling. “You knew they’re talking about me?”

“Yeah. That group has nothing better to do than gossip and you, it seems are their new topic of conversation.” He kissed her lips lightly. “Let them talk.”

“Can I offer you two love birds a refill?” James asked.

“I’m still good,” Liya said.

“James is a really nice guy,” Liya said, “Is he always this bubbly.”

“That’s how he covers up when Lara isn’t around.”

“Is Lara his girlfriend?”

“She’s his PA. Although I’ve always suspected there’s a little more to their relationship,” Blake said.

Liya’s heart beat a little faster. “You mean he loves her and hasn’t acknowledged it.”

“Yeah, I guess the two of them have always been in love with each other but they are both just too stubborn to admit it. Lara’s stuck by his side through thick and thin. James, on the other hand, has never really given Lara the credit she deserves.”

James sounded like most men romance writers wrote about. “In that case I don’t blame Lara for quitting,” she said.

“We may have underestimated Lara,” Blake said as a stunning brunette with voluminous curls, grey eyes, and a wide smile walked towards them. “Hello, Blake.”

“Hello, Lara. We were just talking about you.”

“All good things I hope.” Her vivid red boob-tube dress showed off her toned body to perfection.

“Definitely. I’m glad to see you.” Blake lowered his voice. “James seems a little lost without you.”

“Good.” Lara’s grey eyes softened. “James needs to grow up. The only reason I’m here is because he said you have a surprise for us.”

“Yes, it’s something that’s long overdue.”

Liya tensed. She was vaguely aware of Blake leading her to their table. She took her seat as if in a daze while James welcomed his guests.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all for joining us tonight. Before we continue with tonight’s festivities, my dear friend Blake has informed me he has an important announcement.”

Liya’s chest tightened when Blake rose and joined James in the center of the hall. She focused on her breathing and tried to dull out Blake’s voice. It was impossible when all her heart wanted was to absorb every decibel of his sexy voice. This was it, he was going to end it right here, right now. She zoned out for a moment.

“...I am sure most of you must have heard about my engagement by now,” Blake said when she managed to compose herself.

Liya held her breath when Blake paused to acknowledge the chorus of ‘yes’s’ from the guests.

“It hurt me deeply when my ex-girlfriend suggested my engagement was a publicity stunt for me to gain custody of my daughter. Many of you are aware of the rumors she has been spreading recently using her contacts at her favorite tabloids.”

Liya tried to keep the panic off her face when Blake made his way over to her.

“Tonight I want to let everyone know my beautiful fiancée and I will be putting those malicious rumors to rest for good.” Liya watched, stunned, as Blake dropped to his knees and held out a large velvet case.

“Liya Ahuja, I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me here, this weekend?”

Blake wasn’t announcing their engagement was just for show? Liya panicked. His eyes were filled with love for her. or perhaps she was imagining it. The room had fallen so silent she could hear her heart beat. She stared at the necklace and earring set Blake was holding out to her. Should she say yes? What if the weekend rolled around and Blake crushed her dreams again? What if tonight was yet another charade for the benefit of the media?

“Yes, she whispered, taking the case from him. She wanted nothing more than to go back to Blake’s mansion and ask him what was going on. She wondered how much more of the lies she could handle. Had he planned this elaborate show at his best friend’s private estate to throw off Alicia and the press? Her heart lurched at that last thought.

But what if Blake hadn’t been lying? What if there was really a wedding? What if he intended to go ahead and make her wife? The weekend was a few days away. How on earth would he arrange to have her wedding gown, invite guests, plan the menu and everything else that went with planning a wedding? Was she ready to get married at such short notice?

Either scenario was stressful. She was grateful when the evening reached its end and Blake drove her home. She wound her fingers then unwound them as she tried to think of the best way to ask Blake if he really intended to go ahead with the wedding.

She stole a glance at him. His mouth was relaxed, his gaze fixed on the road. He held the steering wheel comfortably. Nothing about him suggested he was tense. Maybe she should just go ahead and ask him about the wedding. Getting the words past her lips was more difficult than she’d anticipated.

“Damn!” Blake whispered. He slammed the brakes before entering their street.

“What’s wrong?”

“Those reporters are already camping outside our house. I should have known better than to have driven home.” He sighed. “We should have spent the night at James’s place.”

“No!” Liya said surprising herself and Blake. “We did the right thing by coming home. we cannot keep running from the media, from anyone who suspects why you’re proposed to me, or even from the truth.”

Liya didn’t care when Blake’s eyes widened in shock. “Liya? What’s going on?”

“This is what happens when you lie Blake.” She pointed at the reporters. “The truth always chases after forcing you to until you acknowledge it.”

“What are you trying to say?” Blake asked, his tone growing colder and colder with each word.

“I am saying that there is no need for you to pretend. You and I both know that the stunt you pulled tonight was for the benefit of the media and for Alicia. You have no intention of marrying me.”

Blake gasped. “Liya, how dare you?”

“How dare I what? How dare I tell the truth?”

He held her gaze for a few seconds then turned away. “Liya, Sophia loves you. I see no reason to prolong this engagement.”

“Stop dragging Sophia into this. She isn’t the one marrying me. Tell me, have you thought about how soon after the marriage are you going to divorce me?”

“If and when that happens you will be compensated accordingly.”

He’d mentioned money again. Liya’s heart shattered. “Of course, everything is a transaction for you, isn’t it? Our engagement, our marriage, our divorce. Everything will always be a transaction to you.” Liya couldn’t stop her tears. “Compensated accordingly? I’m not another one of your business deals. And I don’t need your pity either.”

The cops arrived in the silence that followed afterwards and cleared the reporters. Blake sped down the street and into the lockup garage.

“I am not pitying you, Liya. Sophia loves you.”

But you don’t, she almost said out aloud.

“And I must admit I’ve become rather fond of you.”

Fond? Marriages weren’t built on fondness. “You really have become too full of yourself, Blake Stone. Do you even know how marriages work? Do you know what it takes to raise a child as a married couple? Do you think sex is enough to sustain a marriage?”

Blake glared at her. “Suddenly you’re an expert on marriage?”

“I am not an expert but I do know that raising a child in an unhappy marriage is far more damaging than raising a child as a single parent.”

She grasped his wrist. “Please call off the marriage, Blake. Don’t do this just to make Sophia or the courts or some judge happy. Call it off. You can put the blame on me.”

Blake pulled his hand away from her. “No,” he said, “I will never call off this marriage. Never.” He unlocked the car. “And I’m begging you not to. Please. I will do whatever you want me to. I’ll give you anything you want. Just please don’t back out of marrying me.” The harshness disappeared from his voice. “Please.”

Liya shook her head. “Why?” she asked.

Blake turned away, refusing to look at her. “I promise I will never give you a reason to be unhappy. I will never force you to have sex with me. I will never ask you to do anything you don’t want. Just please, I beg of you, don’t back out of our wedding.”

Something in his voice tugged at her heartstrings. For a brief instant it had seemed like Blake was an orphan just like her. Was he? He’d never mentioned his parents in all the time she’d known him. Neither had Sophia mentioned her grandparents.

“I won’t back out of the wedding,” she promised. She yawned. “Let’s discuss the wedding arrangements tomorrow. I’m exhausted.”

“Sure,” Blake said, jumping out of the car. He opened the passenger side door for her and helped her out.

Liya didn’t feel like continuing their conversation. “Good night, Blake,” she said, once they were inside the main house.

“Good night, Liya.”