The Daring Billionaire’s Wife novel (Vanessa and Dominic) novel Chapter 189

Aileen

As I stand beside Liam, he puts on his suit in a little bit of a hurry while engaged in conversation with me. It's not easy to pretend that everything's alright with me because he knows me so well but for now, I'll do what I can.

"So, any word from Stephanie?" I ask. "You've barely mentioned her."

He gives me a half smile, pulling on the necktie hanging around his neck. "I didn't know you'd be interested."

I get closer and take over to complete his look.

"I know she hates me," I say to him. "How could I not want to know about someone like her?"

He sighs. "She and I have barely spoken. She's made a few attempts but it hasn't really worked out, only because I was on my honeymoon."

"Is she going on this business trip with you?"

"Yeah, Josh, too."

I roll my eyes, drop my hands and get away from him.

"Hey," he chuckles. "They're my friends and we've always been a team. "Don't worry. Everything will be alright.

His reassurance comes with another smile where he shows off his pearly whites and I nod in understanding.

"And what about Kate?"

He rolls his eyes, seemingly irritated by the mention of her name. "Don't even go there. I'm definitely so different from who I used to be and it's all because of you. I intend to keep things as they are, okay? Come here."

He holds out his hand while standing in place and I shake my head, taking my time while approaching him.

Placing my hand in his before I'm close enough, I gasp when he suddenly pulls me closer, his hand firmly resting against my waist as he teases to lower it to my ass.

"Whoa! Easy, tiger." I giggle, placing my hand on his chest.

"I have to go now." His voice is quiet as he takes in the view of my face.

"You do realize that I'm going with you all the way outside, right?" I remind him.

"I know that, but I won't be able to do this, so let me. I should be back in a few days. We'll definitely make up for it." He suggestively licks his bottom lip.

I sigh, shaking my head at how soon this is happening and it's just the beginning. Deep down, I'm relieved that he's going away for a few days. I don't see myself being in the moment with him if he was to make love to me, not with everything on my mind. I first need to get some answers.

We hold hands as we head outside and I keep glancing at him, wondering what his reaction will be when he finds out the truth I've been hiding from him. What will he think of me? And what will the truth might mean for the press if they find out?

Trying not to think about it, I make the most of the last few seconds with him as we step outside, the bodyguards traveling with him already waiting.

"My mother-in-law called," I say to him.

He raises his eyebrows in curiosity. "She did?"

"Yeah, just a few minutes before you stepped out of the shower."

"Is there anything special you two talked about?"

"She wants to see me today so we can grab some food with Charlotte."

"I guess she can't wait to spend time with her daughter-in-law. It's only the first day we've returned."

I force a chuckle, aware that Mrs Richards would see me differently if she was to find out about my biological parents.

"She also spoke to my parents and it turns out they've been bothering her while we were away since they couldn't reach me."

He furrows his eyebrows. "What? For how long has this been going on?"

"It's been a few days now."

"Then why didn't she mention it to me before?"

"I guess she didn't want to ruin our honeymoon. She said she was able to handle it all on her own."

He proudly nods. "Knowing my mother, I'm sure she definitely put them in their place."

"That's exactly what I thought but even with that, they'll never stop and that's why I'll take care of it. I know what they want and I'll let them have it. Only then will they stop all this."

"You know what? I'll stay out of this because that's your decision and because of the way your family makes you feel, you're free to do whatever you want. But if you need anything, just let me know.

"Of course." My lips curve into a smile.