Love's Little Lie

LIAM’s POV.

I was at my mother’s place, having a well deserved meal after a hectic day at work.

“So,Liam,” Mrs Smith, my mother began, wiping her mouth with a white napkin. “I have been thinking...”

“Yes mother?” I replied, sipping my red wine.

“That argument with Lia Wilde the other day,” Mum continued, a sparkle in her eye. “It was rather...umm how do I put it? Heated...do you think?”

I rolled my eyes, if there was one person I would not want to talk about, then it is that little miss entitled princess, Lia Wilde. “ I hardest see the significance of this conversation,” I scoffed. “She is the last person I want to discuss , mother.”

“But think about it, my dear,” Mother insisted. “You two have fire. We could use that passion for the growth of the company. Imagine a merger between us and the Wildes.”

“The thought of it makes me want to itch my skin, do not continue mother.” My hand clenched around my wine glass.

“Marry her?” Mother paused to chuckle. “Liam you do not have to love her,” she continued. “This would be a partnership. A business arrangement. And think of the prestige of joining our families.”

“What do you expect me to do mother?” I asked, my voice rising. “Catwalk to her parents doorstep and ask for her hand, pfft.”

“Now, now,” Mother purred,her voice low and gentle. “No need to rush. Let’s simply watch things and go with the flow.”

“I wish that flow would go with Li Wilde, then I will be happy to watch that flow.” I said, my mouth twitching in annoyance.

Just then, the click clack sound of a woman’s heels striking the floor brought me out of my reverie.

I looked up at the grand entranceway and there stood, little miss entitled princess, Lia Wilde in all of her splendor. “Mrs Smith, so nice to meet you again.I hope I am not interrupting,” Lia smiled and walked towards us.

“Not at all dear,” Mother rose to her feet, taking Lia’s hands in her own. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

“I have come with a formal invitation,” Lia said, producing an envelope from her purse.”

Mum plucked the envelope from Lia’s hand, a wide smile stretching her lips. “Oh my my, what is this? An invitation to the Wilde family birthday extravaganza?”

My face contorted in rage, setting down my wine glass. “What are you celebrating little miss entitled princess? Your miraculous ability to annoy everyone you meet? Or the fact that you are one year closer to death? And your grave?”

Lia narrowed her eyes, letting a small smile play on her lips. “Why, Mr Smith, are you trying to say that my birthday is not worth celebrating?”

“Oh no, on the contrary,” I countered, leaning back in my chair. “It must be quite an event to celebrate a little entitled princess like yourself, especially one with ...unusual qualities.”

“I am glad you understand the importance of celebrating such an occasion,” Lia smiles sweetly. “My parents and I would be delighted to have attend, Mrs Smith. And you too, Mr Smith, if you can manage to tear yourself away from being unbearable, or slightly too cocky for a man who breathes oxygen.”

I was about to give her a befitting reply, but mum cleared her throat. “I am sure we can both attend.”

“Do not he ridiculous, mother,” I said, my tone sharp. “I have no interest in attending some little self indulgent bash, or as I like to term it, little princess tea party for little miss entitled princess.”

Lia met my glare with a challenging smile. “I assure you Mr Smith, my party will be anything to self indulgent. The proceeds from the charity auction will go to fund literacy programs for underprivileged children.”

Mum gave a knowing smile. “A noble cause my dear. Surely even you, Liam can not find fault with that.

I opened my mouth to speak, but Lia continued in her self praise S H I T .

“And it is the least I can do, considering all the success I have brought the Wilde company. Expanding our reach into twelve new countries this year, you have probably heard.”

Mum looked at me, with a pointed expression. “That is quiet impressive Lia dear, I believe this calls for a toast.”

I scoffed and reluctantly raised my glass. “To The Miss Wilde and her well...achievements.”

I frowned, not gonna lie. This was not one of my favorite things to do, I did not like hating on someone but at this moment, I knew that she really did not deserve all this praise. The expansion she was taking about, she did not come about it single handedly, as a matter of fact her father had worked with it.

My company was the one pulling strings from The shadows, her father had approached me and asked for my help. And now , little miss entitled princess was taking all the credits for all my hard work. I lost a great deal of money just because I wanted to help Mr Wilde and his block headed daughter.

Lia raised her glass, her eyes never leaving my face. “To success,” she toasted, her voice dripping with smugness. Land to overcoming adversity.”

Mum raised a brow in confusion. “Adversity dear?”

Lia smiled widely. “Well, you see , I believe Mr Smith has a very adverse opinion of me.”

It was my turn to raise a brow in confusion. This little midget has some nerve. She thinks I’m her enemy? If I was her enemy then this little party she was having, she would not be having it.

The tension in the room was palpable.

“Well, is this not going to be an interesting evening?” Mum remarked, a smirk playing on her lips.

“Trust me mother, it will be.” I said, a devilish grin on my face.

“What do you mean?” Lia hissed.

“Find out at your little princess tea party,” I said and raised my glass up in a mocking toast and left the dining hall.

“Maybe getting married....”