Chapter 9: Half Of A Break

Lanae

As we said our goodbyes to John and Marissa, The weight of the lies I had to tell and still yet to tell, had began to weigh on me.

"Get ready" Stanley's voice cut through the silence, startling me. He stood at the entrance, his gaze cold and calculating. "This won't be the last time we play this charade."

I met his gaze "I'm well aware of the terms, Stanley. I know what I signed up for." I shot back

A faint smirk played on his lips, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. "Let's hope you can keep up the act. We wouldn't want any slip-ups, now would we?"

I clenched my jaw "Rest assured, I can handle my part, let's hope you can play your part as well"

Stephan, who had been standing nearby, interjected with a slight frown. "That's enough, Stanley. We all have our roles to play."

Stanley's gaze lingered on me for a moment longer than he usually looked at me before he turned and walked away.

I exhaled slowly, trying to shake off the tension that had settled within me. "Thanks, Stephan. I appreciate your support."

He gave me a reassuring nod. "Don't let him get to you. He's always been like that."

I forced a small smile "I won't. I know what I have to do"

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern.

I mustered a weak smile and nodded, not wanting to burden him with the weight of how guilty I feel, but this is solely for my family and to clear the troubles my old man had piled up. "I'll be fine. Just need a moment to gather myself."

He stopped in his tracks, studying me intently. "Lanae, I know this isn't easy for you. But if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."

I nodded, grateful for his understanding. "Thank you, Stephan. I appreciate it."

Silence settled between us, punctuated only by the soft hum of the air conditioning.

"I should probably freshen up" I said, breaking the silence. "It's been a long day."

He nodded, offering a gentle smile. "Take your time. I'll be in the study if you need anything."

Making my way up the stairs and for my room, clicking the locks, making sure I was locked in. I felt a sense of relief wash over me and dread. I hadn't spoken to Liam all day, he'll be pissed shitless

I quickly reached for my phone, and with shaky fingers, I dialed Liam's number. The phone rang twice before he picked up, I was expecting to hear his usually yelling at me but this was surprising as he was calm and relaxed "Lanae, where are you? Are you okay?"

I hesitated for a moment, my mind racing with the words I couldn't say. I couldn't tell him the truth, not about the fake marriage that's actually a real one. Just for money. If he gets to know of this, he'll probably say why didn't I ask him or somn' "I'm... I'm at work" I managed to say.

"At this hour? What's going on? Do you need me to come pick you up?" Liam's voice hardened, his overprotectiveness on the brink of erupting.

"No, no, it's fine. There's... there's a huge party here. I'm helping out. There's a space for me to sleep, so I'll stay here."

"I don't like the sound of this. Are you sure you're safe?" He asked as I heard shuffling in the background.

"Yes, I'm safe. It's just... it's just a busy night. I'll be fine" I reassured him, trying to steady my trembling voice, because he always knows when I'm lying "What's all that noise in the background? And how's Ty Ty?"

"It's your Ty Ty who can't wait to talk to you" he said with a grunt before passing the phone over to Ty.

"Hey Nae" he greeted "last time I really remember, you said you'd come home with icecream"

"It was really an impromptu event, and I had no choice but to handle it if I still want to keep my Job"

"Well I can't wait to see you tomorrow, there's a lot we need to do! To irritate Liam more"

"I'm too young to die Ty, have you seen that man's face? The death glares, like it says I can end you there right now in so many ways" I said as we both ended up laughing.

"I know, you should actually see him when he has that face on and making the end for someone in so many ways" he blurted out laughing

"What?" Liam? End someone? Is he a killer?

The line was silent as I heard a loud thud "Hello?"

"Well your friend just got back from a party and he's drunk as shit and he just dropped, he says the darnest of things when he's wasted" Liam said.

Relief washing over me "Alright Liam, don't miss me too much, I'll see you tomorrow"

"Another thing I've got to tell you, we're off to work tomorrow. I need to return back to work so I might be away for a month or two"

"But you only just got here Liam"

"I could leave Ty as a consolation price but he's got work too yunno"

"I'll be fine, you guys can go work"

He let out a heavy sigh "Alright, but call me if you need anything. I mean it, Lanae. I'll be there in a heartbeat, even if it that father of yours trys anything stupid, feel free to stay at my place"

"Sure. Thank you, I appreciate it, but I'm not some charity case" I was brutally sarcastic, ending the call and turning off my phone.

If we wants to leave, he should have even done so without telling me.

"Goodnight, Lanae. Take care of yourself," he said, his voice softening once again.

As I placed the phone on the nightstand, a sense of guilt gnawed at me, knowing that I had to keep the truth hidden from the one person who had always been there for me, including this Liam I hated right now for leaving.

I walked into the bathroom, doing my business and getting dress in a big tee and shirts getting under the covers, giving into the darkness that engulfed me.