The Scent Of Marriage

Liam scanned the mansion. To say it was grand would be an understatement. He could practically see magic dust falling from the ceiling and his eyes twinkled.

However, this wasn't the time to ogle, he had to blend into his character.

"Sit!" An order came and he tried to walk towards the sofa to sit, however, "What are you doing? You're not a guest, sit on the ground!" Liam lowered his head and obeyed.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. Soon, an old looking couple came from upstairs. They looked at each other with loving gazes as they smiled and approached them.

"What are you doing on the floor?" The man asked, both looked shocked.

"He is the one I told you about. He can't dirty your sofas," the woman seated comfortably on the sofa said. Liam peered at her under his long lashes and forced back a sigh. How he wished that woman wasn't his mother!

The old woman turned her head to her husband before speaking, "Son, stand please." She was speaking to Liam. He slowly and unsurely stood. Well, hadn't his mother said these people were his masters now?

Liam sat on the furthest edge of a sofa opposite his mother. "Mrs. Frost, did you bring the documents?" The old man asked.

Liam's mother took out some papers and handed them to the old couple. Liam had his head lowered the whole time. One of the reasons was that he didn't want to see his mother's face. Even though he hated to admit it, his looks were similar to hers.

Mrs. Frost had shoulder length brown hair that matched Liam. Their eyes were different though, with Liam's being a unique green color while Mrs. Frost's was black.

"Honey, I don't think our sofas are worth being seated on by people who sell people for a living," the old woman suddenly said. Mrs. Frost was shocked as the man nodded in agreement.

"Good thing you're leaving now Mrs. Frost. The air is full of your odour," the old man claimed as he stood and looked at Liam's mother with a face that said, 'Get. Out.'

All plans of Mrs. Frost wanting to spend some more time to eat their meals vanished as she she scoffed and left. Truly, her strong perfume had really invaded the place.

"Hello, son. I'm Sofia Telever and this is my husband, Jake Telever," the old woman introduced herself to Liam.

Liam immediately stood and bowed respectfully, "Hello Mr. And Mrs. Telever. My name is Liam Frost." His accent foreign to the two but it only made him cooler.

"You must come from the north of the island," Sofia said, recognizing the accent.

"Yes, madam."

Before they could speak further, another figure could be seen. It was a woman, much younger than the couple, maybe Liam's age. Her steps, laced with confidence, were reverberating in the silent room.

Her aura and eyes were as cold as the CEOs in novels. All in all, she was very good looking. Her long white hair was held up with few loose strands stuck to her face. Her cold blue eyes were just that, cold.

Her temperament made it difficult to call her female. Even her looks didn't signify feminity. What was more, she didn't look manly either!

"Where were you?" Sofia asked through gritted teeth.

"Grandma, you worry too much! I was only out like any other person my age," the woman said lifting one corner of her lips.

"Sit Valeria, your grandma and I have something to tell you," Jake said.

Valeria eyed them before her eyes shifted to Liam. They lingered there making him deeply uncomfortable before she sat next to him deliberately.

"Behave, Valeria," Jake warned when she got too close to the poor man. She muttered something inaudibly before she moved away from Liam. "Good. Now, what we want to say..."

"I don't think it's a good idea anymore," Sofia told her husband.

"We've already decided," he turned to Valeria, "You are getting married to Liam."

The room was silent for a while before Valeria smiled, "Sure." Liam's eyes shook a bit before he lowered his head. He didn't want to get married but what could he say?

"That's not all," Sofia spoke up, eying her granddaughter, "This will be serious. You cannot cheat, treat him unfairly or do anything out of the odds!"

Valeria clutched her chest as if she was pained, "I would never!"

"This is serious Valeria!" Sofia stood, "Your behavior is too much!"

"Punishment will be given if you break any rule," Jake added. Valeria's mocking smile was finally wiped off before she stood and left the room.

Sofia sighed and turned to Liam, "We're sorry for that dear. I know it's rude for us to get you married without your consent but..." She didn't finish but Liam understood. Inwardly, he was screaming but outwardly, he smiled politely. "Come, let me show you where you'll sleep."

...

"What are you doing here?" Valeria asked coldly.