Betrayed By Fiance But I Married A Billionaire Though 2

    He drove him home and pulled his brake when we were already close to the mansion gate. So I didn't have to call Andrew.     "You are really not upset with me?" He asked me again just as I was about to get off his car. I shook my head and forced a smile.   "Alright, bye dear" He said and I watched him drive away before entering the gate.       Robert sighted me before I could even click on the gate bell.     "What happened to Andrew?" He asked as he let me in.   "I didn't call him because..a colleague drop me off.." I lied to Robert. " But I would let him know" I said.  "What happened to you?" He asked, looking at my face.     "Not...thing" I replied already walking into the house.       I didn't bother saying Hi to Helen whom I knew that she was in the kitchen..as usual.     I ran upstairs till I got to my room.  Immediately I entered, I rushed to the mirror to look at my lips.. suddenly the whole scene recapped into my head that I didn't know when I let out a very loud scream.           Mark and Helen ran inside my room.  "I didn't know that you were at home Mark" I forced a smile as if all is well.     "And I didn't know when you came inside the house" Helen retorted.   "Why did you scream like that?" Mark asked me.     "I... I don't know" I said laughing weirdly and they were gazing at me as if I was not alright.        "Dr. Mark, don't you think Eve needs a medical check-up?" Helen told Mark and I shot her a hard look.     "I am fine Mark; just saw random flashbacks" I said. "Hmmmn it better be.  How is Liam doing?" Mark asked me.   "Liam?" I said... and I could see Liam's face, his smile..him walking towards me.     "Yes Liam" Mark said, waving at my face to get my attention.   "Liam is fine" I said and laughed hysterically again.."Hahaha"          Mark gave me a funny suspicious look then he left my room.     "You are not normal Eve" Helen said.   "I know right" I said as if I wanted to cry.. and she gave me a stern look too and exit.     "I'm not normal at all" I shouted and threw myself on the floor.   My heart was still beating very fast, the whole scene of him kissing me kept appearing that I even saw myself smiling and pouting out my lips for him to kiss.       I suddenly remember the time he pulled off his clothes and dive into the swimming pool...it suddenly feels like he did it for me to show me his s*xy abs, six-packs blah, blah, blah.     "Oh My God" I exclaimed..then my phone buzzed.     I reached out for it, only to see Liam on the home screen.     Liam everywhere...           "What have you done to me Liam?" I took a very deep breath and then let them all out before picking up his call.     "Hey" He said.. this voice..geez! My poor pondering heart!    "Hello" I muttered;   "Eve I know you are still upset about the kiss.."     "I am not upset. I... I just don't feel good probably because it was unexpected " I confided... No, I actually feel good; it may heart that is cooking up a whole wrong idea.     "Okay. That's good to know.." I knew he was about to hang up the call...so I cut in quickly.  "Liam, do you still love Clara?" I asked him. Yeah it seems like he really does.    "No, not at all" He responded.  "Are you saying no only to force yourself that you do not?" I asked again...     "What are you saying?"  "You still like Clara" I blurted.     "I do not" He said.   "Hmmm Okay" I said.     "Why did you ask Eve?" He asked me.  "I... I don't know. I thought we were now best friends like you proposed; so I just thought you should let me know..." I tried not to stammer.  "Oh Okay...see you in the office tomorrow right?" He said.     "Yeah, Bye"   We disconnected the call. This whole best friends thing is not working out for me... I don't want to agree with myself that I want more than just a best-friendship. But Liam, on the other hand, seems not to notice it and he keeps lying to himself that he is over Clara obviously he is not.          ***          During Dinner time;       When I, Mark, and Mr. Maya gathered as usual while Helen the cook decided to mind her own business in her room. She already said that she won't join us in the dining room unless she's invited...     Mr... Maya dropped his cutlery, drank some water, and ask;     "How is my son?"   I didn't say anything because he didn't specify whom he was talking to or which son he was referring to. And ever since Liam left the house, Mark hasn't been cool with him.     "Which son?" Mark asked him though.  "Liam. I am sure he is forever gonna stay at his place, living a bachelor's life" Mr. Maya said.     Funny how Liam's name makes my heart skips a beat.          "Why are you asking after Liam if this is all you have to say?" Mark almost yells.   "And I wasn't talking to you Mark" Mr. Maya retorted.     "You should have been more specific " I mumbled.."Liam is fine" I told him. Mark scoffed; "See you acting as you care," Mark said to his father... who yawned and murmured " I do" He picked up his fork to continue eating but he dropped it and yawn again          "Even with your nonchalant attitude, we are still doing fine and I hope you would realize that very soon" Mark continue talking...     Mr. Maya suddenly began to snore...   "What an act! Hahaha," Mark made fun of him.     I was surprised to see Mr. Maya sleeping; I didn't even plan anything today because he didn't make any advances toward me.     He rested his head uncomfortably on the chair and began to sleep.     "Is he really sleeping?" Mark asked me.  I looked at his face; "Yeah"  "What the heck he isn't even done with his meal? Who sleeps off while eating?" Mark stood up and went to his father.   "I would take him to his room now," He said..trying to wake the old man up but he kept snoring...     Mark who wasn't cool with him earlier... pulled him to the floor and dragged him to his room.          **          "Helen" I hollered her name as I climbed the stairs.  She heard me at once and opened her door... I held her hand and went back into her room.  "What's the matter?" She asked me.     "Did you drug him? Mr. Maya?" I asked her.  "Of course" She replied.    "Jeez! He slept off while we were having dinner... It was weird.." I rushed my words.  "Then why are you panicking? He deserves it"  "You know he just returned a few minutes ago from wherever he went to, he never even made any attempt to have s*x with me " I said.     "Ohh...that's bad because the drug is gonna work for no reason" She giggled. "Aside, it worked too early. What if Mark finds out? He is an acting medical doctor you know?"     "Don't worry. He won't find out. Now stop panicking Eve" She said.   "Listen Mr. Maya deserves whatever that is happening to him and who knows he might be planning to have you in his bed later today which might be too later for you or even me to do anything about it " She said; patting my shoulder.     She absolutely succeeded in making me feel innocent.          *****     ****

Eve's POV     "Good morning"         Good morning" I waved at the other staffs as I headed to my office only to meet Liam standing there, with his hands on his waist. I froze; as I recalled yesterday.          "Good Morning " He waved to my face smiling.   "Good...good morning " I stammered and I headed to my seat.   "I was expecting you" He said.     "Why?" I asked him.   "Just because. Damn! You have a lot of work to do" He said whacking the books on my table.     "I would be expecting you in my office then.." He said and moved away when he got to his door.He turned back and said.     "I just don't know why I love to see you around me" With that, he left.         "Tell me you like me instead and stop joking indirectly with my feelings" I mumbled as I switched on the computer and began to work.          Suddenly my phone beeped, I picked it up only to find out that it was from a strange number.     ~"Hello" I said into it, after picking it up.  ~"Am I speaking to Mrs Eve? I'm Doctor Thomas  This number was registered as the guardian of a patient here"  ~ "What patient?"     ~"Mr Joe. Are you Eve Joe?"   ~"Yeah... I... He is my father. Why is he my father at your hospital?" I stood up panicking.   ~"He has been here for a while but all of sudden, you stopped footing his bills...why?"  ~"His bills? I stopped? I don't know what you are talking about what about Mr Maya?" I asked them.  ~"I don't know who that is either but your father is in a critical condition, we stopped attending to him immediately we didn't get any response from the guardian" ~"Please" I bursts into tears, " Do not leave my father"  ~"I'm sorry Mrs Eve. There are a lot of charges you need to pay for at the moment... And I'm sorry to let you know that the longer you do not show up with the bills, the earlier your father might need a heart transplant" the doctor said.     ~"What?" I exclaimed; "What hospital?" I asked and he told me the address.     ~"I'ld be there soon.." I flinched, I didn't know what to start with or pick up first.          Liam came out of his office at the right time.     "Liam...can you..can you..." I stuttered, breathing very fast and panicking.     "Calm down Eve. What is it?"     "My father. He is in the hospital. He needs me; he needs money.. I..i need to go see my father." I trembling.    "I'ld drive you there" He said..          ***      We got to the hospital; one and a half hour, it was suppose to be close to there hours drive but Liam sped.     The receptionist led us to the doctor's office.          "I am Eve Joe; I received a call from here.." I began to introduce myself before he could even ask.   "Yeah, I was the one that called you" He responded giving me a sheet.     I scan through it in a jiffy, I spotted my father's name and the bill he was owing.      "Can...I... Can I see my father now?" I asked him.   "I am sorry Miss Eve, you can't your father is not in a good shape now" The man replied.     "Then commence the treatment!" Liam shouted..     "We can't start anything; until you pay up the bills at least the initial ones first" The Doctor said and Liam groaned..     I opened my purse quickly and shoved out my card; "There is a bank, down the lane; nearby" The Doctor said.     "Start already. She's gonna go withdraw some money" Liam told him.    "Hmmm" The man only hummed.          **** "I don't know why it's not working" Eve panicked; struggling with her debit card.     "What do you mean it's not working?" Liam asked her.    "It's showing that there is no money in the card" I said.   "What? My Dad always have excuse money in his card" Liam said.     I tried it again; but it's the same thing.          "Oh My God what will I do?" I startled.     "Come, let's return to the hospital" Liam said; holding my hands.          **       "She couldn't withdraw some money" Liam told the Doctor as soon as we returned to the hospital. "I said; no treatment can commence if they is no money. If you can't pay the current bills, pay for the former ones.... This man has been here since.." the doctor repeated but Liam interrupted him.     "I'll foot the bills. I'ld pay for both the current and the former bills. Will you commence the treatment now?" Liam asked him.     "Liam... You will foot the bills? " It's a whole lot of money. My salary can't even foot the bills.  "Leave it for me" He said and faced the doctor.. "I'll pay through your bank account details. Now be fast about it" He told him.      "I'll inform my colleagues and the treatment will commence now. meanwhile you still can,'t see the patient... please stay outside" He said then walked away in a jiffy.   "Thank you Liam" I said to him while we waited at the reception" .     "Don't mention" He said wiping my tears and I sniffed.   "Your dad didn't keep his promise. I left my father unto his care" I told him.     "I'm sorry about that" Liam said.. "I'm gonna kill that man by the time I get home" He mouthed yet I heard him.       "Or it could be my fault, I didn't bother to check up on my father. I wanted to but I was occupied with Job and all what I thought by the time I visit him, I'll be financially stable and he'll be happy to see me but..but reversed it is" I rushed my words and tears kept on flowing down my cheeks.     "Any of this is not your fault Eve" He said.   "The doctor said that the last time the bills was settled was last week; I signed the marriage contract last week. Is that why your changed towards me?" I asked him.     "I....." Liam muttered and sighed heavily.." Eve I am sorry" He said again.          "Why are you apologising?"  "My father intentionally made you go through this pain"         "And...and there is no money in the card he gave to me"     "He deducted everything"     "What??"    "I knew father was up to something, he won't wanna loose in a game of two" he pulling me to his arms.          "So he decided not to fulfil any of his promises immediately I signed the marriage contract? " "Yeah, knowing full well that you have no other choice but to continue to live with him. I saw this coming...now it's too late before I could tell you. I am sorry Eve" He said again.     I'm duped... a fresh tears started to roll down my eyes.         ********     ****          

   ***     "He is awake" I told Liam.  Ever since the doctor had permitted us to go into the ward; after the surgery was done... I have been staring at my father..and he just opened his eyes.     "Eve" My Dad tried to speak and I held his hand.  "You can't sit yet sir" Liam said to him  when he tried to sit upright.    "Eve, how is your husband?" My father asked.   "Don't call him my husband" I frowned.       "Mr Maya.." He wanted to say but I interrupted him.     "This is Mr Maya's son; Liam" I introduced.   "Do you feel okay?" Liam asked him and he nodded.  "I'ld excuse you and your father now" Liam said and left the ward.       "Dad" I fondle with his finger as I began to weep again secretly.  "I have not seen Mr Maya around, and how have you been?" He asked me.     I wiped my face and forced a smile..    "I am fine Dad, as you can see" I lied; "Mr Maya..he told son to come here with me. Mr Maya has really been a good man"         "I told you, you won't regret getting married to him" My Dad said touching my cheeks.   "Are you really Okay Dad?"     "Of course.. I just need a little rest. I have been here for a very long time and they have been taking good care of...the doctor said he is not gonna release anytime soon" My father said.   "Why?" I questioned.  " Mr Maya told him not until I have full recovered"        "Oh so Mr Maya did that yet he won't foot your bills anymore" I mumbled.   "What did you say?" He didn't hear me.  "Nothing. Then how come the Doctor doesn't know who Mr Maya is?"    "He never come here himself, he always sends someone"     "Oh!" How cruel Mr Maya is.  I sniffed, so that I would not cry again..  "Mr Maya is such a good man. He gave me a job and I am doing fine at his place" I lied again, so that he will feel better.. it's really nice to see my father smiling.          **     After spending some time in the ward with Dad, I came out to meet Liam whom I left waiting outside.        "Will you be able to go home ? Or should I wait here with you?" Liam asked me.     "My father wants me to leave, he thinks I'm doing fine just because I told him that I have a job. I also lied to him so that it would trigger his ailment.."  "Will you stay with him?"     "I wish. I'll come back tomorrow to see him as early as possible"     "I'll come with you" He said.     I stopped walking and looked at him.     "I'm really thankful for today Liam, I owe you alot"     "You owe me nothing Eve" He said..     "Right! Your father put me in this position" I retorted.     "I am glad he never had you in his bed"          **     Liam drove into the gate; "I thought you just wanted to drop me off"      "No, I need to see my damn father" He said as he got of the car before me.     "Liam, how have you been?" He asked. Liam smiled at him as went inside quickily.         "Liam"  We met Helen and Mark  in the living room. They mentioned his name at the same time.     "Is father at home?"     "He didn't even go to work, he has been sleeping... He woke up only few minutes ago" Mark reported.    "Oh good!" Liam remarked and moved to his father's room.     "What are you doing Liam?" I walked faster to catch up with him..      Mr Maya came out of his before Liam even got there.     "Oh Liam. You are back to father's house" Mr Maya said.          "What did you do Eve's father?" Liam confronted him.     "What do you mean?" Mr Maya pretended not to understand   "You are wicked, and you know it!" Liam remarked.     "Wicked how?"          "Liam, what happened to Eve's father?" "He is ill and this man here promised to take good care of him, that's one of the reasons why Eve agreed to be with him. But as soon as Audrey signed the marriage contract, he stopped footing the hospital bills"  Liam rushed his words..     "What...?" Helen and Mark uttered at the same time.     "So why are you making a fuss about it?" Mr Maya laughed, he didn't even show any sign of remose.          "You are cruel and what did you do to her bank account?" Liam asked his father, he won't even calm down or let me talk.     "My bank account?"     "Father!" He screamed.   "Oh My God Liam. I have missed you so much" Mr Maya said; "Now Listen, Eve is my wife. She has a job now, I mean she is working in my company, so she should be able to settle her problems and even Carter for her family. It's still an indirect help coming from me"           I couldn't believe my ears     I stamped my feet against the floor as I ran upstair and Helen ran behind me to comfort me but I told that I wanted to be alone at that moment. I knew I was already stucked in this marriage; I just wanna let go of everything and be single and free but no, I don't wanna go back to that poor background. I have had enough since he is not keeping his promising; the only thing that can help me going his the job and I haven't earned much; talk more of leaving the marriage... Once I'm good to go; I'll fly out of the country if it's possible.  Or I might even need a better means of breaking the marriage contract I had with him because I know for sure that he won't just sign a devoice paper which can't be easy for me to get; I also know that he might treat me worst if I talk back at him. But somehow I was glad deep down that he didn't have his way on me and I hope that he is not gonna find out soon.        I could still hear Liam even from my room, he was still yell at his father. Right! His father is at fault but I don't know why he keeps standing up for me...making he and his father quarrel whenever he is around. I think I'm a big burden upon this family and upon myself.        "Are you okay now Eve?" Helen knocked on my door. "Come in" I murmured, she did.     "Are you Okay?" She asked me again.  "He literally showed me an exact example of 'You can't eat your cake and have you'" I told her.  "But you should be glad that he never had s*x with you in return" She said and I nodded slowly; "Liam just left, he said he'll come back to pick you up tomorrow morning" Helen said.   "He followed me to the hospital. we are going backto check up on my father again. Thanks to Liam, he footed the bills" I explained to Helen.. and she was so surprised."I don't know what I would have done" I added.     "I'm sorry about what's happening to you Eve. Trust me, you'll break over it very soon" She said, pulling me closer to give me a hug and I tried to put on a smile.   "So Liam generously footed the bills. Is that all?" She asked me.     "What do you mean?"     "Uhm, nothing" Helen said, smiling at me. Liam is so generous and..and..probably when my Dad has fully recovered, he'll occupy my mind again.. For now; I'm very much worried about my father that I'm now regretting why I didn't stay back with him at the hospital.          *****     ***               

 The next morning, I informed Helen that I was already leaving for the hospital because Liam just called me on the phone and that he was waiting outside the gate. I actually told him not to come into the house because I knew that he was definitely gonna cause trouble with his father.     Speaking of his father, Mr. Maya... I met him in the living room when I climbed down the stairs.             "How is your father?" Mr. Maya smiled as he spoke to me. It's obviously a very wicked smile.     I didn't want to speak with him, instead, I looked at him with hatred and disgust.   "C'mon Eve, Why did I then give you a job if you don't wanna cater for your family by yourself. I still kept my promise after all" He came closer to me and put his hands on my shoulder which I slowly took them off and spoke coldly;     "Mr. Maya, I'm in no mood for jokes... I'm visiting my father today" I told him.    "Oh yeah, you need to do that quickly, get back to your usual self then we can have some time for ourselves tonight" He said grinning his teeth and I felt like smacking him right on the face.     I just had to control myself; I didn't say anything. I only bow my head a little.          "I'll take my leave" I told him then went out of the house.  "Hey Eve, I heard about what happened to your father" Andrew said...opening the car door.   "I won't be taking the car. Which means that you won't be driving me" I said to him as I passed by him and headed to the gate which Robert opened for me.      *     "I brought some fruits and beverages for your father" Liam said.     "Oh My God, Liam. Thank you so much"     "It's nothing... It's part of the little I can help. So what did my father say?"     "Nothing, no sign of remorse" I shook my head.          Liam sighed and said "It's Okay" then he started to drive.  We didn't really say anything throughout the journey to the hospital, although I was sort of watching him through the corner of my eyes.          ***          " Eve dear, you refused to go to work today just because of me. I told you I'm good...can't you see it" My Dad struggled to sit upright when we came in.     I smiled and quickly helped him up as I gave him a gentle hug.      "You are indeed hale and healthy. You just need to fully recover" I said.   "Eve was so worried that you might need a heart transpiration. We are so glad you are fine now"  Liam added and I shot him a stare, how did he know that was what I was worried about?  "That's right, you both can go back to your workplace. Eve, happy your husband happy, and don't forget to reach out to me and send me money"  My Dad said, I chucked anyways... "I will" I assured him.          "Here" Liam dropped the basket of fruits on the bedside table. "Father, Liam bought....I... I mean... Mr. Maya and his son, Liam got you this" I lied because I figured out that Dad is always excited at the mention of Mr. Maya. He really thinks he is the good man he claimed to be when he came asking for my hand in marriage.     Liam looked at me because of the lie I just told again, so I stylishly blinked my eyes at him, so that he would act along too.     And he did, he also smiled... "Uhmm..my father is very busy at the office, so he can't come down here to see you. That's why he sent both of us. I'm very sure that he would be glad to know how well you are doing now" Liam told my Dad, who kept smiling widely.  Just then, the doctor came in, with some nurses and some medical pieces of stuff... And he told Liam and me to leave the ward while he attend to my father.          So instead of waiting at the reception or taking seats outside the ward, we began to pace slowly from the ward wall to the opposite wall. When I'm at the ward wall, he'll be at the opposite wall and vice versa... not until we bumped into each other. We were supposed to say 'sorry' but we giggled instead. Maybe I'm just too happy and he noticed it.    We stopped pacing around as we faced each other properly.     "I'm glad, you are so happy" Liam said.   "And thanks to you too. I don't ever want to imagine what would have happened to my father assuming you didn't come through for me" I told him.         "Uhm... My father is not human...I mean a human being with no human feelings. You can't be with him forever" He said and I didn't know when I nodded. "Okay so what will you do?" He syllabized the words.    "Nothing" I answered. "No Eve, you are gonna do something. Or are you planning to abscond? "  He got it right.     "Huh...Errr" I blinked nervously. I shouldn't deny it, didn't he promise to keep all of my secrets?     "Yes" I responded coldly; not looking at his face but I didn't get any word from him..so I glared at his face.       "Errrm... It's... It is the best thing for you...and your father" He stuttered and I nodded coldly; "  But..but there are people who don't want you to just suddenly disappear especially after they have gotten used to you. I just wanna let you know that there are some people who like you and they do not want you to just leave like that most especially without saying goodbye... Imagine if...if I come to the office every day and I didn't see you around" Liam rushed his words and I noticed that he was trying really hard not to stutter again  My heart beat faster, I hope he was tryna insinuate something and I hope it was what I want from him; nevertheless, I summoned up the courage to continue staring into his eyes and asked him; "Do you like me?"          "Sure" He replied almost immediately. That response sounds normal and general.      I asked further;  "I... I mean not that kind of like; Like... Like Like..." He was looking at me like he didn't understand what I meant and I was also avoiding making use of the word 'Love'. I also didn't want to be the first to open up about my feelings for him.     So I just said... " No, don't worry, Just Forget it" I told him nervously.          "Yeah, I like you" He repeated.     "Yeah I get" I replied coldly.      "That like like...Like, the one you are talking about" He said smiling.     "Uhn?" My eyes almost bulged out of the socket and my heart almost jumped out also... "What...what..are you saying?" I stammered.   "I don't know if I'm just realizing it or I have been the one trying not to believe that I do... that I like you regarding the...the kind of...uhm.. plight you found yourself into"He said stammering.          I understood what he was talking about.      The stepmother and stepson stuff.    The truth is, I was also trying to kill my feelings for him right from the time I started liking him even the day I knew I might like him... It's absurd yet the feeling wasn't ready to die especially when he kissed me...          ******     ****

Eve's POV      The doctor assured us that my father will be well taken care of and he told us to leave since there's something we needed to attend to ~ like work. He promised to inform me whenever it's time to discharged my Dad, nevertheless; we could still check up on him. Which I'm definitely gonna do.          Liam drove the two of us to the office and he wouldn't stop smiling while I was nervous about what's gonna happen to us ~ regarding the stepmom and son stuff..         "Yes, I like you too and I'll let it remain like that " I said; yeah the least we can do is to let it remain at the point of 'Like', we can also lie to ourselves that the feelings we are having is a mere family bond.      "Wanna know why I am so happy?" He asked me instead..     "Why?" I murmured.  "Because I fell in love again shortly after Clara left me" He responded.     What? Love?   I cleared my throat nervously and rested my head on the car window.     "I know what you're thinking" He said, I sighed and looked at him.   "Yes, you do" I muttered..  "Listen Even, you had no choice than to marry my father but you do not like him not even one bit but here we are, we like eachother" He said, I sat properly and looked at him.          "Let...let it remain like that, as time goes on..the feelings will..errrm fade away" I told him.     "Nahh it won't, I love really hard Eve even when I'm supposed to learn from what Clara did to me" He glimpsed at me and smiled then he returned his glance at where he was driving too. "Everything is going to be fine, you don't have to worry at all He said, then he held my hand and it sent a very cold shiver down my vein.   "We have to be worried Liam. This is...forbidden" I uttered, looking at him and taking my hands off slowly. He glimpsed at me again but he stopped smiling this time.  "You said it yourself that you didn't want to accept the fact that you may have feelings for me regarding our related family relationship" I continued..     "Yeah... I... To be honest, I don't know what to do" He finally said, I continued looking at him worriedly, he didn't say anything else. Obviously, we were both nervous.          ***           We arrived at the office just after the recess period was over. Everyone greeted Liam and paid their usual respect. I also waved at my three closest colleagues before moving to our place of work but  I don't know why all eyes were on us. When we were out of their sights, Liam tried to hold my hand while we were walking, I glared at him but he smiled. I shook my head and released my hand from his, I'm sure he understands what my cold gestured means. We can't start anything or not just yet.      He cleared his throat awkwardly when we got to my own office;   "It's good to be back here" He said and I nodded.    "I see we gotta lot of works to do, we might eventually need a P.A" He added. Yeah, there was so many files on my table..when I'm done with it, i'ld submit it to him for sorting as usual. "So I'll be waiting for you in my office" He smiled again. I watched him walk into his office before taking my seat.        Yet, I couldn't bring myself to start working immediately. I placed my head on the table thinking about everything. Although I was glad that our feelings were mutual but what are we gonna do to it since I'm married to his father?  What about the people aware of my marriage, what will they say when they find out that Liam loves me and I do too? What about Mr Maya himself?     I sighed heavily then I tried to put aside the distressing thoughts. One thing I know, if it's meant to be; it will be.   I switched on my computer and began to work.   When I was done with typing and formatting as usual, I stood up to go give him the files.          "Come on in Eve" He said before I could even knock on the door. I walked in; only to see him at the small parlor part of the office, and he was holding two cups. He looked at me and smiled; I tried to avoid looking into his eyes, so i walked to his official seat to drop the file on the desk.     "I made coffee for us" He offered raising the two cups up.    "Liam" I muttered his name as I came to meet him.  "Come on, you've been so stressed lately. Don't try to turn me down just because we have butterflies in our belly" He said.    "Butterflies in our belly?" I chuckled a little.   "Have it" He stretched his hand and handed it over to me.     "Thank you" I told him as I received it and turned to go.   "It's coffee and talk not, coffee and leave" He said, then sat on a armchair. He tapped his side..beckoning me to come sit next to him.     I rolled my eyes a little before going to sit beside him anyways, then I sipped the coffee slowly..   "He doesn't have to know" He spoke.     "What?" I stopped sipping and looked at him.  "He doesn't have to know about us" He responded..then continued; "When two opposite svx confessed their feelings to each other, do you know what they do?" He asked.     I was short of words..so I just had to call out his name softly; "Liam"   He smiled as he tucked the fallen strands on my hair to the back of my ear.     "You are not cheating on him, you are only following your heart. Besides, didn't you say you wanna run away from him as soon as you have the chance to. You can just divorce him instead, he is no good for you; he has never been" He said, I was only gazing at him.. "You might have noticed it, I've been overreacting during the times I quarreled my father, it's because I just can't bare the way he treats you"     "Divorce" I muttered as I took another nervous sip "I wanna do that but it's not as easy as you just mentioned it and it might as well bounce back on me..." He interrupted me   "No it won't. Even the financial assistance you married my father because of, he has quitted and he literally showed you his true colours. What are you still waiting for? Anytime you may need help, I promise that i'll always be there" He said with his hand on the left side of his chest.  "Yet I can't just file a divorce or not just yet. Mr Maya is not even gonna sign it" I told him..   "Gosh I made you sign those stupid marriage contract paper" He regretted as he dropped his coffee on the table and sighed.          "Okay.." I said slowly, he glanced at me. "We won't let him know" I agreed and he put on a smile.  "Let's see how it goes, my father might even be the one to send youoff but mind you, I got your back always and you are mind" He said and I blushed secretly.          I allowed him to hold and fondled my hand then he moved closer to me, I wasn't really nervous anymore instead I was happy that we are risking this lovey dovey decision.   We couldn't stop staring at each other, he was still smiling at me and my cheeks redden. He gazed at my lips then leaned forward to..to kiss me? We have forgotten about the coffee in my hand, so when he leaned over, it spilled on his shirt and distracted us.     "Oh My God" I exclaimed and dropped the coffee on the table.    "Don't worry, I have my suitcase here" He chuckled and coughed awkwardly.     "Oh.. Okay" I smiled in a shy manner and stood up to leave.  "I'll go to my office now" I told him.  I've only taken a step away from him when he gently pulled me back ~ making me fall on him, he reached for my lips and kissed me. Although, it was sort of sudden yet I reciprocated so passionately and then he took over.          ****     ***

    Eve's POV          During the closing hour, Liam wanted to drop me off at home as usual but I told him that I needed to call on my driver since that's why he was employed; and lately he hasn't been picking me up from work.     We were together and we hugged passionately for some moment,  he let go of me only when the driver came.      I was unusually so excited, indeed being with someone you truly love makes you happy. Oh My God! I have a boyfriend!          Even when I got home, Robert and Helen could notice that something was wrong. Though, I tried to hide it, just say Hi and go to my room but it didn't work on Helen.   "You are smiling " She asked. I thought I just hid..so I forced myself to stop smiling and frown instead.     "No, I didn't say you shouldn't smile. What is the good news? I'm all ears She asked me.   "Uhmm..err" I scratched my hair.. searching for a lie she'll buy.       "My father has recovered"I told her. At least, it's also part of the reasons why I'm happy. And the love confession stuff started when Liam and I were still at the hospital.     " Oh wow... You are just returning from the hospital right?" She asked...   "Uhm no, he insisted Liam and I should leave just like he said yesterday. So we head straight to the office but I'm so glad that he has recovered now," I told her and she smiled. I smiled again.   "Eve, what is that spark?" She came closer scrutinizing my face. Spark? I was only smiling. This girl is she a love human detector.        "What spark?" I blinked my eyes several times then moved backward.  "You seemed to be very happy"   "But I just told you the reason, Why father.." She cut in...     " You must be a daddy's pet" she said.  "Yeah I am...hahaha" I gave a weird laugh as I started back-climbing the stairs before she'll notice another thing about my facial expression.          Just then... we began to hear some s*xual moans...  "What's that?" I asked her.     "Shii" She put her finger on her lips.  "From Mr. Maya's room?" I mouthed and pointed at the door.  "He has a visitor, or should I say a whore is here?'     "He brings them into the house?" I asked.   "Yeah but he stopped after you came, looks like he has continued again. He only returned from the office a few hours ago and he came home with this one" She said...          Just then the lady and Mr. Maya came out of the office, this whore doesn't look young. She should even be a mother yet what she dressed almost half nakedly.     We didn't say anything as they passed in front of us but Mr. Maya grinned at me and placed his hand over the slut's shoulder.     "That Maniac!" I snarled after they have left the house.   "Their moans filled the whole house"   "Eww eww. I don't wanna hear about it" I said running upstairs.        My phone rang just after I changed into a simple dress. I looked at the phone screen, only to see that it was Liam. Well, I was expecting his call because he promised. I smiled, remembering everything between us. Gosh! I love love him.    I picked up the phone...    ~  "Hello love" He said.  ~  "Love?" I asked, rolling my eyes and blushing as if he could see me.  ~"Oh! Do you want me to say Hello Like? "He said giggling.." Remember the day you were asking me if I like like like you" He said and I laughed. ~ "Oh please stop it Liam, don't make me feel like I confessed my feeling to you first" I said and he giggled... ~ "How are you dear?" He asked me.  ~"I'm good. like we didn't just see each other an hour ago" I sneered and he laughed.  ~"You know... I'm regretting why I didn't let you come with me"  ~ "To your place again?" ~"Yeah to my place. Yet I'm seeing your faces around me but I can't get myself something to eat" He said. ~ "Oh food...Damn! I need to teach you how to cook, or will you call on Helen?"    ~"No Eve" He spoke like a baby and I chuckled. ~ "But you are hungry right?"    ~ "I ordered a meal already," He said; "So what are you up to?" He changed the topic.  ~   "I just had a cold shower, I might have to hang around with Helen" I told him. "What about you?" ~  "Me and my laptop... There are some things for me to review. Being a CEO is not that easy" He said.  ~ "Oh Liam, you need to go rest" I told him.   ~  "There you go again, you panic a lot" He said and I giggled...          We didn't say anything for a while, yet we didn't the hung call. We were only hearing each other's breath. But I was smiling because I knew we just wanted to hear each other's voices. Oops! This feeling is too much.   ~ "Is there anything you wanna let me know?" He asked me. ~   "Uhm, not at all" I responded. ~    "Okay? See you tomorrow babe " He said.   ~  "I love you Liam" I blurted.    ~"Did you say that word?" He asked and I didn't say anything. Instead, I hummed; "What did you just say Eve?"   ~ "You heard me Liam" I mumbled and he laughed.   ~  "Say it again"    ~  "Bye?" I said instead.   ~  " Wait Even, there is something about the word, that makes you feel somehow. I can even sense it from here" Liam said.  He's right, He is my first boyfriend..that's why.     I didn't say anything...         ~ "I love you?" He said..and I blushed and summon up the courage to reply back. ~ "I love you too, I love you very much " I responded...    ~ "Oh whoa!"     I hung up the call immediately, placing the phone on my chest but my cheeks redden excessively.          "Who do you love very much?" Helen opened the door.    "Were you eavesdropping? How long have you been at the door?" I asked instead.     "I was just got here now and I heard you say ' I love you very much. See you are blushing, now answer my question" She said.    " I was talking to someone" I muttered.   "I have always known that you have a boyfriend Eve! Why are you hiding him?" She scolded.   "No, I do not have a boyfriend or..I..." I was mute for a while but she folded her hands, waiting for me to speak. "I just found someone I love very much" I told her.     "Oh My God, I'm so happy for you. Who is he?"   "Uhm Helen, that. I can't tell you yet" I said.     "But why?"  I only shook my head and she sneered and said;  "It's not like Mark didn't hear you"          "What Mark? Is he at home?"   And he has been staying in Liam's room lately which means I must have heard me. But I didn't raise my voice.  "He went down the stairs just now" She said. "Nah he didn't hear me, Mark is not the kind of person that eavesdrops on someone else's call"   "Oh you mean, I'm that kind of person" She asked.     "I didn't say that" I shook my head. "But why don't you just believe that the person I may be saying ' I love you to might be a girlfriend or my Dad, or someone general not a boyfriend" I said.  "You didn't mention that. Besides, I can see it in your eyes. See your cheeks are red"     "Well.." I touch my cheeks with my palm.   "You are in love Eve, no doubt and it's either you've been dating this guy before you moved here or you met him at your workplace..because that's the only place you go to"     "Uhm" I rolled my eyes and moved away from her.  "Robert knows that I am a pretty good guesser. So mark my words" She said. "And if you met this lucky guy at your office, Liam will know the person which means that; sooner or later, it gotta get to my own ears. I'mma ask him if you are not gonna tell me yourself" She said. She stood akimbo, with her hands still folded, acting like my mother...so I must definitely confide in her about my love life.     "I will let you know Helen... not just yet" I mumbled.        "Eve" Mr. Maya's voice and he was already close to my room.     "Jeez, he is back" Helen whispered...    Mr Maya opened the door and came in.     "Helen, can you please excuse my wife and I?" He told her.     "I was gonna leave anyway," Helen said, sort of brusque, then she left my room. I winked at her to keep the door opened widely which she did but Mr Maya shut it after she left.          "What is it?" I asked him.  "I was horny, I couldn't wait till you get back"    "I am not mad, after all you have satisfied the urges" I replied back.  "Well, you permitted me remember?" He said.   "Why are you here Mr. Maya?" I asked him and he grinned.      "Today, I felt like I was active again, after a very long time" He said as he came closer to me.   "What...what do you mean?" I mumbled.  "I am absolutely not aware of whenever we have s*x" He challenged me and I scoffed then changed my tone to a weak one as I put up with an disappointed act.     "Are you denying the fact that you disvirgined me?"   "No, it only seemed like we usually have s*x in my dream not in real life" He said. I wanted to burst into laughter but I controlled myself. "Is it like that to you, do you ever dream of us making out in the dream?" He asked me.    "That's nonsense. It's no dream Maya" I said..but he came closer me.        I moved backward a little.    "What do you want Mr. Maya because I'm so stressed out right now, you didn't even ask after my father or work or something"   "We have a bedroom appointment this night" He cut in sharply then he turned and walked to the door.     "Shameless man. You think you'ld have your way to turn me into your own s*x toy" I caused him under my breath.          Anyways, there is always a way out. The pills!  I'll never let you have me in your bed and I'll continue doing this till I finally get away from you.          *****        *****

Eve's POV     The next day, I put on the red bodycon gown that I bought earlier when I went to the supermarket, it matched well with the medium heels that I usually wear to the office.  I also put on make-up and brushed up my eyelashes. Oh My God! I knew I was looking differently and stunning maybe because it's not my usual kind of dressing.     I admired myself through the mirror, I looked so gorgeous, and the bodycon gown revealed a perfect shape that I didn't know I had.     I smiled to myself, hung my small bag on my shoulder, and walked out of my room only to meet Mark on the way.         "Whao Eve, I love your outfit" Mark complimented.     "Thank you" I smiled cheerfully then allowed him to climb down the stairs then I went after him.      "Is that you Eve?" Helen said as she came out of the kitchen "Your driver is here" She announced even before raising her head to look at me.     "Oh My God" Her mouth dropped.   "Don't flatter me. I am already flattered" I said.   "Where did you get this beautiful dress? It's not close to cheap at all" She exclaimed.   "Uhm..I... I kinda bought it" I told her... And she went around me; admiring the dress.  "You are looking so beautiful Eve, wait are you wearing make-up?" She suspected...  "Just a little blush" I told her.  "Oh Eve, that guy is gonna drop dead when he sees you at the office today" Helen said.     "Shii" I shushed her immediately. Although Mr. Maya was not here, Mark heard her and he giggled.   "It's Mark, he is not gonna tell his father. Every one of us here wants the best for you, not that old fool" She whispered into my ears and I smiled.        "Did you say Andrew is here?" I asked her.     "Yeah, he came a few minutes ago"     "Oh, then I gotta go" I said but she obstructed my way.  "Why are you in a rush? you haven't even had breakfast" She said.     "Ohh... I have to go now Helen" I said, looking at my hand, I've forgotten I only had bangles on.   "Look at the wall clock... You still have some minutes" She insisted I waited.  "Helen is right. Besides Liam is the managing director and he is never gonna scold you for coming to work late" Mark added and I sighed softly. I actually wanna rush down to the office because I can't wait to see Liam.        "Mr. Maya won't wake up till the next two hours. You don't have to worry, he won't catch you" Helen whispered as she pushed me gently to the dining table then she made me sit down. Anyways, I didn't complain anymore, she served me a sandwich and juice... I ate gently yet hastily. Immediately I was done, I bid only Mark and Robert then I sneaked out of the house before Helen would find out and might even have something to hold me back.          **          I got to the office, all eyes were on me. Yeah, I got a lot of sweet compliments from my colleagues even George and the rest then they persuaded me to get into my office quickly because Liam is around and he already asked after me. They thought it was work stuff or maybe I must have stepped on his nerves. Little did they know what was going on with us.           "Hey, love" Liam was sitting in my office.   "Uhm Good morning" I told him...feeling sort of shy.  He stood up and came closer to me. He accessed my dressing just as I expected. I blushed and then turned around for him.  "My Oh My!" He exclaimed as wrapped his hands over my waist. "No Liam, just compliment me. Someone might just walk in" I said removing his hand off my waist.   "I'm not denying anything if we get caught" He said wrapping his hands around my waist again as he pulled me closer to him. "Words can't express how beautiful you are Eve. Oops! beautiful is an understatement" He flattered me and my cheeks redden.    "You have a nice taste in outfits, you chose this dress for me do you remember? and you are looking bad yourself" I complimented him too and he smiled.        There was still no distance between us, yeah we remained in that intimate position. I can even perceive his mint fragrance and smell his sweet breath and hear his steady heartbeat.     Since he was taller than me, I raised my head up to stare into those lovely eyes of his and he was looking down to glance into mine. I placed my fingers on his cheeks, fondled with it a little before standing on my toes to kiss him. It was a brief kiss or more of a peck on his mushy lips.          "See who is afraid of being caught" Liam smiled and I giggled then disengaged from him.  "We need to get to work now Liam" I said moving to my seat.    "Work or me?" He folded his hand and obstructed me.     "Work" I blurted, hiding my smile then I passed by his side to my seat.  "Oh" He mouthed... I looked away and switched on my computer~ pretending to be serious and engrossed. But he leaned on the table and faced me properly.          "We are having a lunch date today" He said and I smiled.     "Uhmmmn... Okay" I responded   He held my neck seductively and tucked my both sides hairs all to the back of my ears. Then he crouched forward and kissed me on my forehead then he murmured; " I love you" My cheeks reddened again. Liam is so romantic and loves really hard but I think I love him more.     I smiled and watched him return to his office... Immediately opened the door, I called his name and showed him the heart symbol with my fingers. He did the same before going in.          My face flickered but I started to work, I just wanted to finish up already, so that I could go to his office as usual..but when I was almost done with what I had to do; Liam came out of his office...I looked at him with a 'what's it?' expression. He only smirked and began to walk toward me. I bit my lips slowly wondering what he was up to this time. He made me stand up from my seat then he gently pushed me to his office.         "All works but no play makes us dull" Liam said as he shut the door.     "I'm not dull" I rolled my eyes.   "Oh bored. I'm bored" He said intertwining his fingers with mine. He moved really close to me and ended up resting my back on the wall... "Let's go out now" He said.  "It's not even lunch break yet" I told him; releasing my hands from him so that I can move freely. But he turned and stood in front of me again.     "Who says I'm waiting for a lunch break?" He said; "C'mon Eve, it's our first lunch date and we are not going to the office restaurant. I know a new Chinese restaurant that we can try out." He said.       "And I can't wait; probably because it's my first time on a date" I told him.   "You haven't been on a date? " He asked and I nodded gently. "Am I your first boyfriend?" He looked surprised.     "I'm Twenty" I told him.  "Doesn't matter" He said... "Wait! You are twenty?"     "Don't you know?" I glared at him.   "I...sort of, you know..you uhm don't look it. I know you are young though" He stuttered and I frowned.   "I know you are twenty-six. Am I too young for you then?" I asked him in a moue "Oh no no," He said as he swept my hair with his hand.... "You are too young for him. You see, that's why we are meant to be together" He said and I smiled.     "So shall we?" He proposed making a curve with his hand.  "I'll only intertwin my arm with yours when we are in the elevator" I said, adjusting his tie and he pouted his lips... I chuckled.          *****     ***            

    Eve's POV     I don't know where this courage came from all of a sudden or maybe I understand the true meaning of 'dating' now.   I was free to do whatever I wanted to do with him since we were distance away from the company...Liam on the other hand, do not just care if any of colleagues sees us together. We had lunch together, took some lovely pictures. We had alot of fun.          Later, he suggested that it was time to drive back to the office but he drove pass the office instead.    "Where are we going to Liam?" I asked him.  "My place" He replied.. "But...but.."  "They can take care of themselves at the office. I'm the CEO afterall" He said with his hand over my neck and the other turning the steering.     "Just say you are taking me to your place, so that I can work for you?" I asked him, sarcastically.     "What Eve no, so that we can have some time together before you go back to that man's place" He said.. referring to his father as that man.     "I know right"  I sighed then relaxed on his shoulder.      When we arrived in front of his apartment.     "Wait. Hold on here" He said then quickly came out of the car.   At first, I thought something was wrong..not until he came to the other side to open the car door for me and I smiled.     "Thank you" I told him as I got off.     Then we went into his apartment together.          **         "Feels so good to be back here again" I said; admiring the place like it's new to me.   "Do you miss my place?" He said; wrapping his hands around my waist again. I think he is now find of it or is my pretty shape so charming.     "Uhm kind of" I answered him and he smiled then kissed me on my neck slowly.    I moaned slowly. I don't know why I suddenly became so sensitive to his touch and his sweet frangrace. (Just like unexpectedly Mr Maya almost charmed me with his touch but I make sure it's never gonna happen again). I guess I'm feeling this way again with Liam because I actual love him so much. I continued to moan slowly as he kissed my neck, and I was even the one who pulled him tighter to me then I slid my hand slowly on his back but then he stopped immediately and looked at me.    "I'm sorry Eve" He said slowly disengaging from me.  "It..it's fine. What was I thinking?" I stammered, feeling a little bit disappointed. "We only started this relationship and it's.." I interrupted him.   "I just didn't want your father to finally have his way" I told him.  "Oh" He smiled abit.      "Should I cook for you?" I changed the topic so as to brighten up the calm serene.     "We just had lunch plus I don't want you to work for me". He said..  "Jeez I was only teasing you when I mentioned that" I said pinching his cheeks. "Or are you turning down my offer?" I pretended to sad.     "Oh no.. you can prepare the dinner now if you insist then. He said kissing me on the cheeks.   "Right away. Then I'll back in few minutes to spend some time with you" I said.. he paved the way for me to go into the kitchen.          I had only started rinsing my hands in the sink when he grabbed me by my waist. I didn't even know when he came in.   "You can as well spend some time with me here in the kitchen" He said. I smiled as I turned around to face him .. He already pulled off his shirts...and I saw those abs and six packs again.     "Do you wanna cook with me or you want me to teach you how to cook?" I asked placing my palm on his hot chest.     "Uhmm.."    His phone rang from the living room; cutting him off.   "I'll be right back" He said as he rushed to get it.      I blushed then continue what I was doing.   I could only hear his distant conversation, I didn't really hear what he was saying to the caller.          Soon he came back.  "Guess who just called me now" He asked me.   "I don't want to but I already trust you too well that I know it's not a side chick" I said.     "Sidechick? Haha"  He giggled.     I also know he has none because I haven't seen him with another girl aside from Clara and they are over now.   "That was Mrs Pitts" He told me.  "Mrs Pitts?" I stopped what I was doing and looked at him.    "Why? What happened? Another meeting?" I asked.    "Uhm, not yet. She only asked if I have contacted her daughter"   "Oh Janet"   "And you know that I only got her number on your behalf " He added and I nodded. "Have you spoken with Janet?"     "No" I shook my head.." I was gonna do that before the Dad's illness came up. I'll call her soon" I said.    "But why is Mrs Pitt worried that you haven't contacted her daughter?"    "I don't know" He blunted.     "Uhm" I looked at him and smirked..then somehow,my glance stopped at his really hot six packs. I touched it; "Gosh" I rolled my eyes and stopped immediately... then stirred the meal I was cooking.     "Wait, did you fall for me because of this?" He came closer to me.   "What on earth?" I blurted.   "Oh let me rephrase the question then. Did you fall for me after seeing this?" He pointed at packs below his navel then I spotted the little hairs then I began to drool again..     He came behind me, packed my hair to the back as he held me my waist with his hand and lean a little on me.   "Are you almost done cooking?" He asked me in my ear.     "Almost " I responded.   He continued to stay that way but he slid his hand slowly on my hipline. Gosh... I'm so attracted to his touch but I tried to resist the urge.          There was a sudden knock on the door.    "Are you expecting a visitor?" I asked him.  "Not at all" He said as he slowly disengaged from me then left the kitchen.    "Hey" that was Mark's voice.  "Mark? What a surprise visit, what are you doing here?" I heard Liam asked him.     Gosh Mark? What will I do?     There's no way I can escape without going out of the kitchen, which means that Mark will definitely see me.      "I came to see you of course, because I..uhm miss a big brother" Mark said; "I have been to the office.."   "Oh you have. I left the office earlier today" Liam told him.  "What about Eve, I didn't see her also" He said.   "Uh? Oh Eve.. I uhm she must have gone out" Liam stammered.  "Oh I see" Mark remarked..:" What's that smell?" He began to sniff his nose.     "What ...what smell?"        "I can perceive a delicious sauce" Mark said.     Ah!  "Are you cooking?" Mark asked him.   "Yes..yes I am" He responded.  "You can't even cook? Let me see what it is?" Mark said .. that's how he bumped in into the kitchen.     I was just right there ~ shocked to even say the least.    Liam came over.     "Ah.. Hi Mark" I said nervously. "Uhmm... Mark, she actually came to help me with the cooking. You know I don't enjoying eating out" Liam tried to explain to hum but Mark bursted into laugh.     "He ...he is right" I stammered.   "Yes he is right" Mark said then looked at his brother and I suspiciously.  "Is there anything going on between the two of you?" He asked.. we didn't say anything.   "Gosh the food" A slight burnt aroma passed through my nostrils. I quickly turned of the gas.          "What..what are you talking about Mark?" Liam said to him.   "Hmmn" He folded one hand and placed the other under his jaw, stilling looking at us suspciously.    "There's nothing between us Mark" I tried not to stammered then I looked at Liam and said ... "I'm done with the cooking. I'll take my leave now" I bowed my head.     "Oh that's right. Okay. Thanks for helping me out" Liam played along.    And I wanted to pass by them to leave the kitchen.    "Wait Eve" Mark stopped me.  I stopped walking and looked at him.    He turned to Liam..and said; "Why was I even asking if there's anything going on between the both of you. Of course I know there's something going on" Mark said and my eyes almost bulged out of the socket.          "What, Mark..." His brother exclaimed.  "Don't even try to deny it, I heard her speaking to you last night" He said and I opened my mouth in awe.    He turned to me and said; "Eve does this ring a bell - 'I love you Liam?'" He mimicked my voice and I was dumbfounded.    I glared at Liam who pulled his hair to the back... probably meaning that we should quit lying and just tell him the truth. Since he already found out.          *****     ****