The Daring Billionaire’s Wife novel (Vanessa and Dominic) novel Chapter 177

Liam

What should've only been a weekend has now been a whole month, all while helping Aileen find her biological parents with the limited information she has, but nothing has come out of it so far.

Even after learning of her background, it hasn't stopped me from getting closer to her.

My parents keep bugging me about staying away from Aileen, but no one can make me stay away from her, especially now and tonight, they have no choice but to finally meet her.

While I've kept my word about not fucking her, it's one of the hardest things I've ever done. Each time I'm close to her, I just want to touch her and make her mine and I'm not the only one, but I made a promise to her.

She should've left a month ago since she had no money, but I've let her stay at one of my apartments for as long as she wants. She initially didn't want to but soon agreed to it. She's not the type to easily accept such an offer, which has made me wonder just how much she suffered at the hands of her adoptive parents.

I've noticed her typing harshly a few times and it's obvious that it's someone from back home. She's always dismissive afterwards, but I know it gets to her.

The continued success of Project J-25 means more work and I should be focused right now but made adjustments to my schedule just so we could get to know each other and it was worth it. I've come to realize she's not afraid to speak her mind and I rarely come across such girls as they're afraid of my reaction, but she's different and that makes me want her even more.

After a meeting at the office, I drive back to the apartment, putting my phone on speaker while I speak to Josh.

"It's not fair that you get to be out there enjoying yourself and I have to cover for you most of the time!" he says from the other end of the line.

"It's not like I'm gone all day. I still show up at work. You know I can't just leave Aileen alone."

"You could always leave her with me."

"Forget it."

"Come on! When will I even meet her? You've kept her away from me this whole time!"

"I don't think she'd be able to handle the likes of you."

"You're just scared she'll fall for me."

I scoff. "Someone as smooth as me struggled to get to where my relationship is with her today and you think it'll be that easy for you?"

"You're really making this work with her, huh?"

"Of course I am."

"It's just hard to believe that the mighty playboy Liam, has let his guard down for a simple small town girl."

"She likes me, too. Why do you think she's my girlfriend? That's why it had to be her. And don't call me a playboy. That's not who I am."

"For now. You know certain habits never die."

"What makes you think it's the case?"

"That's what Stephanie says."

I clench my jaw. "I see you two are still in touch."

"I'm not the one who broke her heart. You did. Do you have any regrets?"

"Not at all. She'll come back or just call me when she feels like it. I did nothing wrong when I spoke to her that day."

"How about you put that same amount of energy into talking to Kate? What's taking you so long?"

"I guess I've been trying to find the best way to tell her."

"For a month? Come on! Have you been secretly fucking her? Is that why you haven't yet spoken to her?"

"What? No. You know what? To hell with trying to find the best way to tell her."

"That's what I'm talking about!"

I abruptly end the call, dialing Kate's number then keeping my eyes on the road.

"Hello, handsome. I haven't heard from you in a long time." Her tone is low and flirtatious.

"I've had a lot going on, which is why I'm calling you."

"Hmm, why do you sound so serious? Need me to help you relieve that stress?"

"I'm getting married soon."

"Oh... anyone I know?"

"No one knows her, but now that she's going to be my wife, she's all I need. Whatever this was, it's over."

She forces a chuckle. "Are you fucking kidding me? Do you think you can just use me and then d-"

Having said what I had to, I cut the call, only for her to call me back and I decline each time. We both know it's been nothing serious, but her reaction leaves me in disbelief. Whatever the case, I said what I had to.