Chapter Nine
Olivia
The upcoming wedding buzzes in the back of my head like a little bee, refusing to make itself invisible until Friday. It’s just a courthouse ceremony, nothing special, but the soft part of me that somehow survived Mom’s death whispers that I’ll regret it if I don’t do something to make it special.
Besides, Liam is going above and beyond to accommodate me, and I want to be the best wife I can in return.
I didn’t miss the tension on his face when I told him about the expiration on our marriage.
What man wants to be told he’s disposable?
But I couldn’t back down—he deserves somebody who can love him freely, who can keep him safe.
The therapist I had for a few months while in college tried to convince me that love doesn’t mean loss, but life has taught me differently.
I’m not risking Liam’s safety. I don’t know what Hugh, Deena or Brielle will do once everything’s out in the open.
Brielle wouldn’t dare run Liam over—but she’ll find a way to destroy him somehow, even if he is a billionaire and a member of a powerful family.
She’ll have to, because the trust doesn’t allow them to continue to collect money if something happens to me.
I rub my forehead with a slightly shaky hand.
There are so many things to finalize—professionally and personally.
I turn my attention back to the latest tweaks to the request for proposal.
In order for Luminary & Co. to expand into the ultra-luxury segment, we need to be as specific as possible with our requirements so that we can find a reliable supplier for diamond inlays.
“Take this and get some bids. Reputable suppliers only. That last one was a mess.”
“Sure,” Simon says, tapping notes on his tablet from the other side of the conference table.
“And make sure to have all the disclosure docs sent to Liam.”
Simon shifts. “You sure about including your health report?”
“Of course. He’s going to want to see it before making babies with me. So do it before Friday.”
“What about him? Shouldn’t you ask him to provide a set of disclosures if you’re doing it to tie the knot?”
I raise an eyebrow. Simon’s right, but Liam has already given more than an inch at the lawyer’s office. And I don’t want to be the kind of person who takes a mile. “Are you questioning my life decisions?”
I’ve dreamed of making Hugh, Deena and Brielle pay for what they’ve done since Mom passed away and they hastily cremated her. I won’t let anybody challenge my choices, including Simon. I’m not some helpless girl anymore. I’ve worked hard to make sure of that.
“You don’t have to marry him just to have a baby. I mean, I could help with that.”
I jerk my eyes to him. “What?”
“I’m smart, healthy—”
Is he serious? I put up a hand before he embarrasses himself further and ruins our professional relationship. I don’t want to lose a capable assistant, especially somebody I plan to promote to take over the luxury lines once they’re established. “I’m not sleeping with you, Simon.”
There’s a slight flinch, but then he chuckles. “Relax. I’m not suggesting that. IVF is a thing. Stop the ticking clock, and all that.”
I shake my head. “I want to be married and have my husband’s support during my pregnancy.
” It isn’t entirely a lie. I’m a little scared about the pregnancy because one of my professors had a hard time with hers, and I want somebody to lean on just in case.
Even Hugh was supposedly a “great husband” when Mom was pregnant—that’s what she told me once on Father’s Day, although she might not have said it if she’d known about Deena.
“You think Liam can do that for you?” Simon’s eyes widen. “His parents are notorious.”
I shrug. Who hasn’t heard of their wild escapades? Still… “He isn’t his parents.”
Simon lets out a small laugh, then gathers the documents. “Look at you, already defending your husband-to-be.”
I roll my eyes. I swear, sometimes Simon jokes about things that just make me shake my head. “If I don’t defend him, who will? Now come on, let’s get back to work. We need to start production of the luxury urns by the end of the year.”