Ch. 31..35: The Wife I Never Met chapter 31-35

Chapter 31

Now it was easy to mingle with Liam’s friends, the conversation flowed easily and they were talking about nothing in particular but through the whole conversation she was surprised at how well their personalities clicked.

She was never good at making friends, apart from Lisa and Stacey, she wasn’t really close to anyone. So this was truly a rare occasion she had a good impression of Noms. Although she had a doctorate in her field of study, she didn’t carry herself as one higher than others. And was very humble.

Soon after they were done with their lunch, Liam had to return to the company while Ciara went home.

And on her way home, Ciara decided to pass by the mall to buy some painting equipment. She wanted something she could do to pass time, especially since she’ll be alone throughout the evening.

After the car was parked she got off, she visited all the paint shops in the first two levels but she just couldn’t find the quality she needed. She then exited the last shop dejectedly, she really wanted to paint it’s been a while since she last painted. She missed the excitement she got from painting.

” You know there’s a lot of paint back home, right.?”

Ciara was shocked to hear the voice, she turned around to confirm if her ears were not deceiving her. It’s been years since the last time she heard this voice nor had a conversation with this person.

“Mom?”

She still couldn’t believe she could meet her mother at the mall after so many years of not communicating.

“ohw my child come back home. Will you?”.

“Mom, you know very well that I can’t do that.”

“why not?, is it because of your hobby. If so, you can always do that on your spare time. What’s most important is for you to join your dad’s company”.

“I…” Ciara was about say something but was interrupted by her mom.

“come, let’s find a place where we can sit and chat. It’s inconvenient to talk while standing.”

At that Ciara sighed hard but still follow her mom as she led the way to a coffee shop nearby. She felt like her parents never understood her, and just didn’t care about what she really wanted to do.

Hillary ordered coffee while Ciara went for her favorite Mango juice. It was said that the older generation did not mind whether the temperature was high or not, but would have their hot beverage irregardless.

After the drinks were served, Ciara spoke up first.

“Mom you can give up persuading me, it’s not a hobby but my career, so I’m not willing to give that up.”

Hillary was heart broken, she loved her daughter with all her heart and wished for her to return home but obviously there was this hindrance. Her husband is just as hard headed as Ciara so if Ciara does not compromise, there is no way on earth that he would change his mind. But still couldn’t bring herself to give up that easily.

“But it’s not like you are happy, I heard you were bullied in one of your movies. At least no one would try anything funny at the company.” but Ciara remained unmoved, her persuasion made no effect on Ciara. Now Hillary didn’t know what to say next and the only thing that left her lips was a long depressing sigh.

” Sigh!”.

…

After spending a few hours at the company, it was now finally time to head back to the Jones’ family home. Although Liam had told Ciara that there won’t be any outsider present, he just couldn’t shake off the feeling he had. With his mom’s unpredictability, it was likely for her to invite someone else.

As soon as the car was on park, he got out and headed in to the house, straight to the living room where everyone was gathered and engaging in fun conversations. As they were all laughing and seemed to be happy. He hugged his mom and shake dad’s hand before greeting everyone else in the room.

“Mom, dad… Good evening.”

Everyone present greeted him back casually, but only his youngest sister who was still in her teen years tood up enthusiastically and hugged him. They were the only singles present in the room, so they could relate. But apart from that, the little girl just adored this brother of hers. She would spend as much time as possible with him and would always be on his side.

“Liam how are things between you and Annie, I saw how you guys clicked it seem like you had fun that day. Do you like her?”.

Liam didn’t want to disappoint his mom, nor did he want to spend the whole evening talking about his love life.

“she’s alright.” he didn’t want to lie but keeping the truth from his mom was the only way to stop her from nagging him about women.

When Maggie heard this from her son she was indeed delighted. If Annie was alright that meant that there was still hope for her son. What she needed to do now was to create more opportunities for the two young stars. Who wouldn’t want Annie as their daughter in law.

Chapter 32

While the paint she ended up buying wasn’t as good as the one she had wanted, she figured it would do the job. She poured herself a glass of wine then took her stationary to the roof top where she could see the views at every angle.

She sat in front of the blank canvas drank her wine, then took a deep breath before picking up the paint brush and began painting. She never plans what she’ll be painting, but always let’s her hand and heart to work the magic. She always paint according to how she’s feeling at that time, and never knows what exactly she’s painting until she’s almost done with it.

Meanwhile at the Jones” family, Liam was being roasted by his family members, well let’s just say his mom to be more specific.

“you are not getting any younger, you’ll have to settle down sooner or later. And since you like that Annie girl I’ll organize a date for the two of you tomorrow.”

“mom you are pushing it, I can handle my love life don’t you think?”

“How am I pushing it, I’m only trying to help you. If you can handle it, don’t think you would be married by now?” now Maggie was hurt, she felt that Liam didn’t appreciate her efforts. She’s doing all of this for him. Well not entirely for Liam, as it also for the benefit of the family. The sooner he gets married, the sooner she can get her grandchildren. In that way she can rest assured that the family legacy can live on.

Not wanting to infuriate his mom any further Liam hung his head low and kept quiet plus it seemed like everyone even his brother was on Maggie’s side. Right at that moment a bell rang, and the maid came to inform them about the guest.

“Madame Ms Annie is here to see you.” at that moment Maggie felt like the heavens were showing her favor, they brought a girl to her house while she was still persuading her son to find a woman to marry, if she don’t make her move now then there won’t be a time as good as this to mitch match the two.

“what are you waiting for, let her in.”

It was only then that the maid showed Annie the way to the living room where everyone was. Annie then greeted everyone before stating her business.

“I’m really sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude but my father said I must give this to you.”

She then stretched out her hands that were holding a medium size box and once Maggie received the, Annie was prepared to leave,but Maggie stopped her.

“I hope you are not planning on leaving now are you?, look dinner is almost ready please join us.”

“owh no that would be a lot of trouble for you, plus I have to help dad with something.” she wanted to decline politely but Maggie was too determined, she couldn’t afford to let this golden opportunity slip through her hands, just like that.

“silly, why would that be trouble, when there’s nothing to add. We have more than enough food plus an extra chair. Come sit down your dad won’t mind I promise.” when she said that she was already pulling her toward the dining table.

Annie winked at Liam signaling him for help but he just shrugged his shoulders and looked at the opposite direction. Everyone then followed Maggie to the table, she made sure that Annie sat between her and Liam, that way it will be easy for her to do some investigating..

As they sat there, with everyone quite, while focusing on their meals Maggie and Annie were the only ones that spoke.

“So tell me dear, is there a man in your life that you are dating? I hope you don’t get offended by this question.” she was hoping for a positive answer, she wished for Annie to be single so that she could be her daughter in law. And Annie’s answer was all she had hoped for.

” No, not at all, I really don’t mind.. Well to be honest I am not dating any man at the moment.” she was honest, although the was a person she was romantically involved with, it was certainly not a man.

“oh I see, so do you plan to get married in the future?” although she seemed not so serious but also having a casual conversation but one could tell what exactly she was trying to achieve.

Annie tried to be as cool as possible, and not reveal more than she was supposed to.

” Well getting married is in my books, when the time is right and with a suitable person I would definitely get married.”

This made Maggie even more happy, she thought of her own son who was more than suitable to be Annie’s husband, and felt that is could push a little bit more, maybe her son will finally have a wife of his own and also extend the Jones’ family line. Now she had to persuade her son even further. The whole evening was spent with Maggie trying to get to know her potential future daughter in law.

Chapter 33

When Liam got home that evening he noticed that it was very quiet with no sign of Ciara anywhere, he went to their bedroom to have a look and noticed that was also not there. When he came back downstairs that was when Ms Nicky the only live in maid in the house told him that Ciara was at the roof top and had been there for the past four to five hours. She too had no idea what she was doing at the roof top, as Ciara had clearly asked not to be disturbed and would come down on her own.

When Liam got to the Roof top he noticed the half empty bottle of wine on a small table not far from the woman, the space around her was a bit untidy and Ciara was so focused on what she was doing that she didn’t notice the presence of Liam when he got there.

Looking at the small bottles of paint scattered around the floor, Liam could tell that she was painting something,. He walked closer to her so that he could get a clear view of what ever it is that she was painting. By now the painting had came to life, what he saw as he came closer was two people, a man and a woman hugging each other standing on what seemed to be a dance floor. There groups of people around them who were also dancing. The room was a bit dark and if you know the building you automatically know that this was Crowded place, the very place where Liam and Ciara met. The two people in an embrace were no other than Liam Jones and Ciara Williams, they were even wearing the same clothes they wore that night when they first met.

Looking at the painting he felt a warm unfamiliar sensation rising from his abdomen to his chest area, he smiled. This was the very day that he met this woman the day that he made the most rash decision of his life, and he does not regret it one bit. All the memories from that night started flowing through his mind like an angry river.

It was indeed his wildest night to date. He was the man who only focused on business and things that paid alot of money the top dog in the business world, so that night was a total opposite of what he was known for.

He felt that meeting Ciara had brought light in his ever so boring, gloomy life. He now had someone to talk to, laugh at and spend his money on. With that in mind he made a note in his head.

“you are back?.” now that he was closer to where she was, she was able to smell his ever so unique woody scent.

“yeah I just got here.”

She put down her paint brush and tray then stood up, turned around and hugged her husband.

“You missed me?. “

“yeah, but tell how did it go?, was it only just dinner with family or did they invite someone for you to date?”

“Well everything was fine before your cousin arrived to deliver a box to my mom.” he then we

went on to relay what had happened that night, from when Maggie started to openly investigate Annie to her forcing Liam to send Annie home in hopes that they would bond further. In Maggie’s eyes Annie was already part of the family and was on her way to becoming Mrs Jones.

In the end, when Liam finished tell her about his evening, Ciara’s face was now gloomy and she felt that she had to voice out her feelings.

“I honestly don’t like this at all, you really need to get your mother to stop. It’s now getting out of hand”.

“well sweetheart only you can stop all this madness, meaning we will have to reveal our relationship status.”

No not yet, she was not yet ready for all the opinions and criticism she might receive once everyone find out but their marriage it’s better this way, it’s much safer if only a few know. So sharing this piece of news is just not going to happen any time soon. She still need to work hard, she wants to be on par with Liam she want to be worthy to be his wife, and be able to proudly stand beside him know that she had worked hard for what she had and where she was at that time in her career. That way no one will dare look down on her.

“it’s not yet the time, but I really feel disrespected by your mom. I know she means well and she knows nothing about us. So how about you give me a year, just one year to work hard and be able to proudly stand beside you as your wife, without feeling like I’m a trophy wife who knows nothing but to spend my husband’s money. Just one year OK?. “

Liam knew she wasn’t any of that, he knows that she had worked hard to get where she was today, was able to purchase a very nice home, although the apartment was simple and not too big but it was located in a fairly good neighborhood. The most important thing is that she bought it on her own without the help of her family. But no one knows this and she had to prove it on her own. So he agreed to her plee.

“fine I’ll try to get my mom to slow down at least for this coming year, then we can announce it.”

Chapter 34

She was really grateful to him, most men want to mark their territory to that other men may know that his woman has been taken by him, but not Liam he was very considerate towards her. He was willing to take things slow and move at her pace.

” thank you, I will not disappoint you. I promise.” she said those words with a sincere smile on her face. She theb noticed that Liam’s gaze was now focusing on the picture she just painted. I was not yet complete but one could clearly see that it was a scene from the crowded place.

” How is it?”. She asked nervously, she wasn’t sure if Liam could fully understand what was going on, on that picture..

“perfect.”

‘huh only perfect, is that the only thing he could say about this painting. Can’t he see that this was on the day we met.’ Ciara thought to herself. She was so discouraged when she heard only one word of praise from her husband, she ha expected more from him.

“hihihi.” Liam chuckled when he noticed the confused and angry expression from Ciara’s face then continued.

“I like that you didn’t add someone here. Although his presence is important to us, as he is the reason why we met. Without him there would be no opportunity for us to meet and be where we are today. But also his absence in the picture is also of great importance to us, as it marks a clean slate and new beggings. This was the day we met and it shall be engraved in my heart for the rest of our lives. “

” Oh how I wish this could last forever, I think I’ve fallen for you and can’t bare to get my heart broken again. ” she was now hugging him, with her head buried deep in his chest.

” I’ll never intentionally break your heart sweetheart, I too have fallen for you and for that reason I will safeguard your heart and make sure it is well taken care of. Don’t worry OK.! “

” promise?”

“promise! “. He said that with one hand raised up as if he was saying an oath, that’s how serious he was..

…

The following morning they woke up to their phones blowing up with messages. A new story was trending. Liam and Annie were on the headlines, apparently some paparazzi saw Liam dropped off Annie the previous night and took some pictures. Now all sorts of speculations were going around.

Mayor’s daughter in a love nest with the aloof business tycoon Liam Jones…

Liam Jones the aloof ceo sends the mayor’s daughter home…

Wedding bells, top ceo spotted together with the mayor’s daughter at night…

The list goes on, it was the discovery of a lifetime.

All her friends were worried for Ciara, so they called to comfort her.

” Girl stay put were you are, we’re on our way to get you. There’s absolutely no reason for you to stay with a scum like him, he truly doesn’t deserve you.” that was Stacey and Lisa, because they weren’t aware of the whole story they were livid on Ciara’s behalf.

” No it’s not what you think, he…. “

” No Ciara, you don’t have to talk for him. He messed up and you know that. Pack your things we’re almost there.” with that the call was cut off and Ciara did not get the chance to explain everything to her two friends.

Meanw

Meanwhile Liam was still lying in bed behind Ciara while stroking her hair while she spoke to her friends. He was relieved that all of this happened after he had told Ciara everything, knowing the kind of person Ciara was and the kind of relationship she had with Annie. She was never going to easily believe the tabloids.

“As much as I hate being associated with any other woman that is not you, but this will help us buy time. We may not have rings but these watches symbolizes our union and feelings we have for each other, nothing else can take that away from us.”

Ciara looked at him with a smile, she did not blame him and was not angry at all. She knew he was telling the truth and chose to trust him wholeheartedly. Besides her sister was not bisexual but gay meaning that there was almost no possibility of them hooking up. And was also in a relationship which she valued the most.

Liam kissed her on the forehead before getting up, to go and take his morning jog.

Not even a minute after Liam left, the intercom buzzed and it was her friends Lisa and Stacey who were really for war. She told the security personnel to opened up fo them.

Once they reached the house they noticed that Ciara was still in her pajamas, they know that they had clearly told her that they were coming so why didn’t she change her clothes or at least pack her bag. Was she that stressed that she just couldn’t do anything at all. To them that was the only possible explanation, but looking at her, she didn’t look like someone who had been cheated on. She seemed perfectly fine to them.

What was really going on here?

Chapter 35

“don’t look at me like that, I’m perfectly fine please trust me.”

How could they possibly trust her when they had witnessed first hand what she went through with Dex. They didn’t want that for her, especially to go through it alone. They are here to support her, and right at this moment they needed her out of that man’s house, before any more damage could be done.

“Be honest Ciara, how can we trust that you are fine when we saw what you went through with Dex, that man broke your heart in to pieces. Now we can’t allow Liam to turn those pieces in to crumbles.” at this moment Stacey was doing all the talking while Lisa was brushing Ciara’s back as if she was indeed heartbroken.

” I understand, and thank you so much for your concern but I know Liam he wouldn’t do that to me, I trust that he wouldn’t stoop so low as to look for another woman while he is still married to me. So I’m not going any where.”

“naaah ahh, CiCi you can’t do that to yourself. For once please put yourself first and think about your happiness. This!… Whatever it is that you are doing wouldn’t end well.”

Ciara could just tell them about her relationship with Annie, and the fact that Annie wasn’t interested in men but it was truly not her place to do so. Annie’s sexuality had been kept a secret for the longest of time so at this very moment, she just couldn’t clear Liam’s name by just telling the truth. She had to play dumb.

“well my love for him is enough for me to trust that he is innocent. That picture doesn’t mean anything at all.”

They sighed, they both know very well how stubborn Ciara can get, so it would be best to leave her in this love bubble she was in and when the time comes they will be there to be her shoulder to cry on and pickup all the pieces. They all sat in silence, munching on the tea and biscuits that Ms Nicky had served them earlier.

At that moment the sweaty Liam had returned from his morning jog, so when he passed the living room he nodded toward the girls, he was greeting them, but they all gave him was a cold shoulder except for Ciara who gave him an apologetic stare. She was sorry for how her friends were behaving. But Liam didn’t mind at all, to him this showed how supportive and caring her friends were. So no matter whatever happens to Ciara in the future he knows the people who got her back and who will stand by her side despite any challenges.

So when he saw the apologetic stare from Ciara he returned a reassuring smile, meaning that he did not mind at all.

But the other two did mind and did not want to spend a minute longer in the same house as that man, so they said their good byes and left the villa hoping that Liam would stop toying with their friend.

After they had left Ciara also went upstairs to take her shower and get ready for the day. Today was the year end function for the Jones group, all the staff was invited and so was the wife of the president. Although she’ll be attending the party, she wasn’t going there as Liam’s wife but just an invited guest like her uncle the Mayor. They had agreed to keep a low profile and that’s exactly what they were planning to do at the party.

Liam left first he needed to go to the company and sort out his work for the day before going to the party which was later on in the day. So he had some time to finish up.

Ciara on the other hand used her time to visit a hair salon, it was one of the best in town and it had been a wish of hers to go there one day. Today was that day, she decided to bite the bullet and pay for that expensive hair treatment.

When she got there the hair stylist suggested that she do false locks with a blond highlight. She believed it will complement her skin color best, and that’s what she ended up going for. Once that was taken care of, they then moved to a mani and pedi Station where they did magic on her nails. When all was done she looked like a completely different person. One glance at her and one would know that she came from a prestigious family or had a pampering husband.

She stood up and was led to the big wall mirror in the salon and everyone who looked at her were left in awe. She was indeed beautiful, everything looked perfect on her. Now the only thing that was missing was a dress, which she had completely forgotten about. She turned a little just to look at herself in every angle possible.

She then walked out intending to get something light to eat on the go, so as she walked down the street all eyes were on her and it kind of freaked her a little. She wasn’t sure whether the style was mediocre and they were disgusted by the bright color she went for or the looks were because the hairstyle simply looked cute.

As uncomfortable as she was, she still walked to the food stall to get herself something to eat, she just had to endure it.