The Daring Billionaire’s Wife by Lypstical

Liam

As soon as I arrive at my parents' residence, the staff stand in line to welcome me, but this isn't a warm welcome as I know what to expect when I speak to my parents.

I make my way inside, ready to fully explain myself as I know the challenge I'm about to face.

How could Stephanie tell them when I told her that I planned to do this myself? My father already sounded like he was against my decision, but I'm here now and by the time I leave this place, it'll be with my family's approval.

I get to the living room, my mother's glare so sharp that I can feel it from a distance. I'm certain that if Charlotte was here, she'd look at me the same way.

"Good morning," I say to both of them, taking a seat on the couch across from theirs.

"What's so good about this morning when you ruined it?" My mother sneers. "Of all the shocking things in this world we could've heard from Stephanie, this wasn't on the list! Are you out of your mind?"

"Mom, you have it all wrong. I made this decision with a clear mind."

"A clear mind?" My father chimes in, his tone and facial expression filled with disapproval. "You made the decision to marry someone you know absolutely nothing about."

"It's not like I'm marrying her today or something. I have my reasons for choosing her and-"

"We already know," my mother cuts me off. "Aileen claims she has no idea who we are, but do you really believe that? Don't you know how many ladies would jump at the opportunity to be with you? We've set you up on several dates before but those never worked out, which is why we thought it would still be Stephanie in the end since you two are so close."

"Mom-"

"No! She was heartbroken when she told us about this and I'm certain her parents will be disappointed."

"If you always wanted me to marry her, why did you make me go on those dates in the first place?"

"It was to establish a few business connections along the way. And because you never showed any romantic interest in Stephanie, we thought we'd let you choose from all the other ones we set up for you. But if I'm being honest, I always wanted it to be her." "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I don't like her that way."

My father scoffs. "How could you not like her when she's so classy and decent?"

I raise my eyebrows a little. If only I could openly tell them that Stephanie isn't who they think she is.

"Liam, should I remind you that even before your mother and I got married, we didn't like -"

"I know. You didn't like each other. I've heard it a million times. You only fell in love later on, but that's not what I want."

"Listen to me." My mother points a finger at me. "If you think we're about to accept a girl we know nothing about into this family, you're wrong. You can't just walk up to someone and decide that she's going to be your wife. What if she's a criminal?" "She's definitely not."

that for sure," my father says. "I hope that by the end of the day, you'll be

"But-"

his feet, loosening his necktie. "I need to get to work

the living room and I look over at my mother, who doest even want

her arms, facing the other

get up from my seat, taking a seat right beside her and reaching for her hand even if she doesn't

obviously disappointed that it's not Stephanie, but

mainly Stephanie, there are other girls from good families within our

the ones who want me

my choice. I'm certain that when you meet

"That's where you're wrong. Just get your head right and forget about whatever this is. I won't

"What if-" "Enough."

through to her. It's obvious that she's extremely disappointed. Aunt

onto my arm. "Now

settling down the way you all want me

She gasps. "Liam!"

refreshing about her." "The fact that she's pretending not to know who you

pretending and if she is, I'll definitely find out. For

no matter what I say, my mother only ever lashes out at me, but that still changes nothing. She raises her voice a few more times, listing all the things that could possibly go wrong but in my mind, I'm

to come to a mutual agreement, the argument comes an end with her still

hotel, I call Josh again but it's just like before. I

the reason I had to explain myself to my parents, I dial Stephanie's number and she immediately picks up. "Hey, what's

have to open your mouth when I told you

are you

"Aileen."

just wanted your parents to pump some

no right to tell

a close friend, I'm only looking

to my parents and they refused to

"As they should."

still going ahead with

fucking serious? Why would

like I said to my mom, Aileen is

don't know

just sped things up for me in my attempt to