Chapter 4: Out In Public

Kendis POV

After a tortuous and threatening two hours, I was dressed and poised with a calm composure learning that Brown's family was coming here to visit.

That was the reason why Liam suddenly wanted to see me after three days of our wedding.

"Stay on your best behavior if you don't want to trouble your mom with the debt collectors."

I hissed loudly with the helplessness of my situation.

Liam glared as soon as he heard the distant car honk.

"They are here." He said dangerously.

I knew I had no choice after all.

"My dearest daughter, Kendis." His mother came rushing to me; embracing me in a tight hug.

I was taken aback but immediately returned her sweet gesture.

"You look gorgeous, honey." She said and pecked my cheeks.

Her sweet behavior was warming. She is a kind woman and no one would doubt that.

"Thank you Mrs–" Suddenly, Liam glared at me as everyone glanced my way.

I cleared my throat and laughed nervously.

"Thanks Mom." I added, avoiding their gazes.

"Nevermind sweetheart. I know it will take some time." She patted my head and I was grateful that Liam had such a sweet mom; unlike him.

"Mom, let me bring you your coffee." I said and she was delighted.

"So you know what we like?" She asked excitedly like a kid.

Her happiness was visible like a crystal as the couple shared a glance before a gleam of happiness shone in her brown eyes.

"Of course. Who do you think your son is?" Liam added and I smiled as Fiona laughed with him.

The morning was surprisingly easy and great. The few hours they were here until lunch naturally eased me.

Before they went, Fiona pulled me aside and held my hands.

"Darling, I am so happy Liam chose you. However, if you ever feel threatened by his bossy nature, do tell me, okay? After all, I am your mom now." She cupped my face and smiled secretly.

I cannot help but smile at her.

If only you knew how lousy his attitude is…

Musing, I assured her as we bid them goodbye.

No longer had I taken a sigh of relief when a hot warm air brushed my ear.

Waaaahhhh!

"What the hell?" I shouted, trying to comfort my racing heart.

"What did you talk about?" He questioned unfazed.

ENOUGH!

Without uttering a word, I turned and headed in letting his calls bounce off my ears.

***

For the past few days the Brown family was bustling with associates. I had no idea what was happening but quietly kept helping them in whatever way I could. It was the fifth day when I could finally see everyone ease a bit.

"Are you sure about this?" Rick questioned for the umpteempth time.

"Yes, dad! I assure you. I am willing to shoulder the entire responsibility." Liam spoke and I glanced sideways at him.

No matter how stupid he acts but there was a passion in his eyes regarding the family business.

"Finally! I am proud of you, son." Fiona said and reached for the wine that I was offering her right now.

"Thank you so much, darling. Are we ready to make a toast?" She excitedly hinted at me to pick a glass for myself.

We toasted and I set the glass down to see their happy faces. Eventually, later today, Rick was stepping down as CEO and appointing Liam at the Headquarters. I smiled seeing them and wondered if he could really do the company justice.

However, my internal monologue stopped when I realized we had to leave for the same soon. The press has arrived. I could feel the jitteriness in my stomach. Seemingly, it's a big day; I feel nervous too.

Especially knowing that I have to play the 'loving wife' card in front of the others–the media and the board.

I don't know what dress to put on; it was stressing me out. Liam surely doesn't like me a bit and not my dressing sense.

"Um, excuse me, Mrs. Brown. I'm here on orders of Mr. Brown." My eyes lifted and I frowned seeing a man with feminine touch to him.

I mean it was obvious he was gay but what if I was just assuming it. Then again, what should I do with him?

"Oh! How generous of Liam… Good work son." Fiona shrieked happily, showing her son thumbs up while Liam flashed a forced smile.

"Honey, this is Jones Matt; our personal stylist. Let him help you out." Liam flashed a grin, coming close and sneaking an arm over my shoulder.

Thump!

His actions astounded me, rendering me speechless. The way his body was flushed against my arm, I could feel his scent for the first time seeping through my nostrils. Suddenly, blood was pumped to my face, abnormally.

"Uhh!" I coughed nervously, squirming out of his uncomfortably-close distance and excused myself to avoid his glare.

"We should hurry then, right Mr. Matt?" I questioned but thankfully, Jones was smart.

Reading between the lines he pulled me away and I was surprised when he asked me to call him by his first name. He chatted a lot, instantly becoming one of my favorite people.

"Thanks, about earlier." I murmured to which he waved his hand.

"I thought it looked awkward. Mr. Brown wasn't as clingy as he was with the other girl, even though you're his wife." His words somehow felt awful.

"You mean Candice?" I asked and he sighed.

"Yes. Wasn't she his fiancee? I knew there was something behind that sweet face of hers. But when I saw the news of them getting married, I actually never thought it was you and not her. That surprised me." He said and I bit my cheek inwardly.

"So you didn't know?" I asked and he shook his head.

"How come your names match?" He asked and I glanced his way thoughtfully.

"Maybe some other time." I murmured not wanting to let my grief take over me.

Gladly, Jones dolled me up quite impressively. When I went down the stairs, I hoped Liam would like it. I don't even know why but inwardly, I was hoping for his approval nod.

But who was I kidding? He didn't even glance thoroughly and let me hold his arm as he guided me to his car.

Nevermind, at least he is a gentleman for now.

Or so I thought–

"Gosh! Why are you wearing such a long dress? It's coming under my foot." He grumbled the moment the car's door was shut.

"Excuse me?" I questioned his audacity to which he clicked his tongue that annoyed me immediately.

"I'm not in the mood to argue." He said in a dismissal tone that hurt me; a tiny bit.

Not that I was waiting to pick up a fight still…

My face fell and I decided it was better off for my blood pressure anyway. The moment the car halted, Liam walked out to open the car's door for me.

I almost rolled my eyes but stopped seeing a camera in view. Shit! I have to be careful.

As we started walking ahead, Liam reached for my hand and interlocked our fingers before continuing our walk.

I swear on god, my heart stopped the same second; of course, momentarily.

His warm hand was gripping gently my 'constant' sweating palm. At one point he glanced and let go of it before forcefully holding it back. Once we were inside the elevator, he pulled out his hanky and gave it to me.

"Gross! Wipe that palm." He ordered but I said nothing and followed.

"Oh Lord, do I really have to hold it again?" Liam was grumbling to himself but it hurt me.

"No, you don't! I didn't even ask you in the first place." I snapped at him and was relieved when we reached our destined floor before he could answer back.

This time also he was about to reach for my hand but I was not going to let him belittle me again. So, I immediately grabbed his forearm and flashed a bright smile to his surprised face.

*Click*

My eyes widened when I found a few journalists taking pictures. Luckily, Liam put his palm up to say 'It's enough'. Even the press was sensible. They didn't harass much. Unaware, I was shivering due to fear. Liam could feel so he squeezed the hand that was holding tightly on his arm.

"Relax, you are with me." He murmured but I cared less.

He doesn't know my fears. I am not worried about public attention rather the troubles my mom would face if this gets out. Liam wouldn't know… And he wouldn't care; after all, I am nothing to him–except a deal.

The worry was starting to show on my face. I gripped Liam's arm tightly, unaware. Only when Liam set my grip free did I realize that I have to hold myself together.

"Focus." Liam's authorized tone made me look his way.

Thump!

Weirdly, his intent gaze did something to me. As if I was his center of the universe; his emerald colored eyes reflected my image well. I gulped and glanced away feeling awkward when he brushed my cheek with his thumb.

Badump!

Why?

Click!

I am so stupid! Obviously it is because we are out in public…

What was I even starting to feel like some teenager? Idiotic me.