My Forced Husband Is A Billionaire

Chapter 12

Ava's POV

I had a lot of questions when Liam finally walked back inside. He seemed to be exhausted; there were deep bags under his eyes, and he still wore the same clothes from the previous night.

Yet, despite the frustration, worry and curiosity were the strongest feelings that kept me going.

“Liam, where have you been? You suddenly got up and left, and I was very worried,” I began, my tone almost accusatory.

It was an effective way to communicate my anger and concern about the situation.

He rubbed his eyes as if trying to erase the feeling of fatigue where it had settled. “I had something to attend to. Just work stuff” he said in terse manner which yet again dissatisfied me.

I took a few steps toward him, staring into his eyes. “You keep saying this thing is work, but I will not accept it. You didn't come home the whole night Liam. I have a right to know what is happening.”

His gaze turned cold and in an instant, he flew off the handle. “Ava, you are not my real wife, so please stop pretending like you are!” he yelled. “Let’s just act like the strangers we are okay?”

I remained frozen in place, with my breath forming a lump in my throat. I could not tell whether his statement was more painful or the memories of the reality we had were.

Liam’s expression changed, and his eyes went wide as if he had just realized what blunder he had committed.

He attempted to speak, and his mouth opened, but the warmth in my eyes was now gone. “Ava, I am sorry. I did not mean to say –”

I signaled him to stop as he was about to continue. At the moment, I could feel tears almost bursting out of my eyes, but I managed to keep them in. I needed to leave because I knew I was on the verge of crying.

“I need to get to work,” I said flatly before turning on my heels and exiting the apartment.

As soon as I opened the door, the chilly morning breeze struck me, and I took in a deep breath to help myself calm down. Every single word Liam had said to me pained me, they played back like a sick record in my head.

When I got to the office, I concentrated on the assignments given to me, but there was something off the whole day.

My boss, who was very flirtatious more than what was necessary for my liking, saw it first. He came to my workstation with a very annoying grin plastered on his face.

“Hey, Ava,” he said, easily leaning over my desk, invading too much of my personal space. “You look a bit tense today. Any worries?”

I secured my jaw in place fighting the impulse to retort him. Anger was already rising inside me, but I managed to suppress it.

He was my boss, and clearly, there was no way I was losing my job.

“I’m perfectly okay,” I almost hissed, plastering a fake smile on my face. “Just a bit preoccupied.”

He looked at me in a way that sent shivers down my spine, then finally stood up straight. “Well, should you need anyone to talk to, or even help you take your mind off things… you know where to find me,” he finished, winked and turned around to leave.

I let out a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding, my hands shaking in the process. Today, unfortunately, was just not going to be right for me.

That evening, I was utterly exhausted, both in body and spirit, when I finally returned home.

Solitude was all I desired but, of course, there was Liam who had to be there.

“Ava,” which is what he said as soon as I stepped in the house. “Listen, about this morning…”

I didn’t listen but headed to my room instead where he once again tried to address me, this time remorsefully.

“Please, Ava, I really am sorry. I never should have said what I did. It was unnecessary.”

I stopped but did not turn around in his direction. Forgiveness was still many miles away. And yet I detected an honesty in what he was saying.

And it’s not as if he was mistaken. After all, this was only a marriage of convenience.

He took a half step closer and the pitch dropped yet another octave. “I made something for dinner. I thought maybe we could eat together? Pretty please?”

At last, I shifted my gaze towards him, and I could feel my anger slipping away at the sight of his eager look. He looked cute

After what felt like forever, I exhaled and agreed. ‘Fine, whatever.’

A wide silly smile broke out at the corners of his mouth, and he gently ushered me into the kitchen. As soon as we stepped into the kitchen, I was hit with the distinct aroma and, I must say, was quite impressed.

Quite clearly, Liam had gone all out in preparation of the meal, as there was some pasta, a fresh salad, and even some baked garlic bread.

We settled down at the table and when I made my first move to eat, I was stunned. The food was delicious. “Wow, I didn’t know that you could cook like this,” I expressed my shock.

Liam laughed and scratched the back of his neck. “There are things I can do that you do not know.”

I grinned and after a while, the distance between us started to dissipate. We made jokes and stories, his culinary skills, my job and colleagues, and for some time, the burden of the morning seemed to shift.

We made each other laugh, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I was actually happy in his presence.

Yet, even as I remained all smiles and laughter, a small voice in my head could not help craving the answer to where Liam had disappeared to the previous night. What was he so secretive about?

I suppressed that line of thinking, choosing to savor this joyous moment in our relationship.

Whatever was going on, he would tell me if it was necessary. Now, I had to focus on my plans, job and future.