Chapter 7

Liam's POV

“His wife? Didn't you see the news that's circulating? That he left his bride at the altar,” another added.

I stood there frozen as the chatter around me suffocated me. “Hey, Norman, get me out of here ASAP!”

“Okay, boss.”

As the afternoon sun streamed on me the moment I strolled out, my mind was in a jumbled mess.

I relaxed on the passenger's seat as I ran my hand in my hair and I drew a shaky breath. “Are we heading to the office, boss?” Norman asked as though he didn't know what was at stake.

As I was about to utter a word, my phone buzzed loudly echoing in the car and breaking through the conversation. “William! Oh my goodness!”

I drew an audible breath and cleared my throat. “Is everything all right?” Norman enquired.

“Shit! How did I forget something like this?” I whispered as I replied to the call.

“Liam, I can't wait to meet you, it's been ages. Where are you? I've arrived at the airport,” his joyful aura made the guilt pierced through my entire veins.

I cleared my throat once again, as uneasiness stirred up in the pit of my stomach and contemplated on what to say.

“Are you alright? This is unlike you, Liam. Are you not happy I'm back well and sound?” William added.

Yes, I can't describe the tingling sensation in my stomach as excitement stirred in my chest, but it breaks my heart. That I'm going to disappoint him.

The more I try to take a step back and fulfil my promise to him, the more I feel like my wife needs me than ever. What if she's not safe as it stands? 

“Oh, William, I'm so overjoyed and speechless. I can't believe you're finally home!”

“Yes, I'm at the airport waiting for you like you promised. Today is going to be lit. Or have you suddenly changed from your old life?” William replied as he threw another question.

“Hmm, I'm sorry, William, but something came up. I will be unable to come over myself to the airport as promised. I mean… it's very urgent,” I explained.

“Oops!” He's silent for a while.

“I totally understand, Liam. I will come over to your place tomorrow. How about that?”

“Of course, that's great. I can't wait to see you. In fact, everything goes well; I will see you this evening,” I assured him.

Indeed, he needs to hear that. I mean, I shouldn't have broken this promise I made to him. But it seems it's above me even if I had wanted to choose to go to meet him.

For a moment, I was wrecked with disappointment. What will he presume? 

William has been the only friend I couldn't replace since he left for military training. I mean, his dedication towards serving the country was out of this world.

I can't even explain it. “Head towards Dalko Street, Norman,” I ordered.

“I can remember I picked her up around there, and most definitely, the house she stood in front of will be theirs,” I said to myself.

We gathered in the news that, literally, all the soldiers who went for the training were sent to war, and I thought I had lost my friend too.

A month ago, unexpectedly, I received a call from an unknown number, and that happened to be him. I was utterly shocked and couldn't believe it was reality.

Suddenly, my lost hope was rescued and my mind became relaxed once. I promise I will be the first person he will set eyes on if he arrives at the airport, and here I am.

I can't explain how I feel. Happy? Disappointed? Angry? I feel like she has taken control of me. I mean, this is really unlike me. But she's my wife, regardless of everything and I should make sure she's secured at all costs.

“Boss, we're at Dalko Street,” Norman's voice broke through my thoughts, and my heart gave a nervous jolt.

Frustration wrecked all over me as my facial muscles tightened up. My eyes glittered around the estate and it settled on the exact house she stood in front of.

I mean, my mind went back as I could see her in a wedding dress, looking like her world was about to crumble on her. Her makeup messed on her pretty face and her eyes puffy.

“Drive to house number 28, the house with the black gate,” I ordered, my tone so certain.

His knuckles ran on the wheels as he drove straight in front of that gave. All of a sudden, my heartbeat quickened, and my hands become sweaty.

He gave a horn and the gatekeeper opened the gate immediately. He's the same man who was at the gate when I picked her up. I can't be mistaken.

Instantly, my confidence increased. I'm more than sure that this is the house I'm looking for. 

“You're welcome, Sir. How may I help you?” The gatekeeper interrogated us.

“We will be here to see my boss’ wife. An unknown man picked her up from the hospital, Which we were informed happens to be the brother,” Norman replied.

“Are you talking about Miss Charlotte? I mean, they just arrived not long ago with her brother. And yes, he's her brother,” he replied.

I couldn't help it as I stood rooted to the ground and my heart fluttered with intense happiness. I could feel a sense of adrenaline wash over me, and it was as if this was the only news I wanted to hear.

Yes, it is. My mind, which was whirling in panic, is now calm. Not just, that I would have made any peasant who gave for my wife to be taken away just like that pay with that.

“Yes, that's my wife,” I replied quickly and my assistant's eyes squinted. He didn't definitely expect that.

“Go this way,” he directed us and was about to stroll back to his duty post.

“Wait! Get him something, Norman,” I ordered, and he did as I said.

As my gaze travelled on the man, the glimmer of joy evaporating on his face was none I've not seen in a long time. “Thank you, Sir,” I appreciated.

We got to the door and the noise coming from inside was like a volcano erupting. It was so intense that numerous thoughts oozed through my mind. “Can you perceive the noise too?” I asked Norman, and at that second, he pressed the doorbell.

As the doorbell rang once, there was some silence as if they were wondering what that would be. For a moment, I heard murmurs, and it seemed to me like it was forever for the door to be opened for us.

“Can you break this door?” As I threw the question at Norman, that was the same second a young gentleman of almost the same age as me swung the door open.

My eyes shook as his gaze roamed on us. “Who are you please?” When he voiced those words, out of nowhere, my charming wife appeared with his mouth wide open as confusion clouded her.

“What! Liam?!” I couldn't utter a word at that moment as my mind raced wildly and filled with excitement.