Her Ploy.

Liam's father's serious tone made Liam's heart race. "Now, there is one more thing I need you to achieve as my true heir," he said, holding Liam's gaze. "Before the end of spring, you must get married."

Liam's eyes widened in disbelief. "Married? Dad, I'm not ready for that kind of commitment," he protested.

His father's expression remained stern. "As the heir to our family's legacy, it's your duty to continue our lineage," he replied. "I know you are skilled with the ladies, so I have no doubt that this will be an easy task for you to accomplish."

Liam's anger boiled within him, but he knew better than to argue with his father. "I understand, Dad," he said, trying to keep his tone level. "I'll do my best to fulfill your wishes."

Just as Liam was about to leave, the butler walked into the relaxing area. "Dinner is served, sir," he announced.

"Excellent timing," Liam's father said, rising from his seat. "Join us for dinner, Liam. We have much to discuss."

Liam reluctantly followed his father to the dining room, his mind racing with thoughts of his impending marriage.

Liam and his Dad entered the dining room, where his family was already seated and engaged in conversation, including Isabella. As he approached the table, his mother gestured to the seat next to Isabella.

"Liam, darling, sit…," Before Liam's mom could finish her statement, Emma interrupted. "Liam, come sit next to me!" Emma exclaimed, patting the seat next to her. "I saved it just for you.''Emma was well aware of her mother's intentions to set Liam up with Isabella, which was the reason for the family's early dinner. Liam, who was also aware of his mother's plan, decided to go along with it.

"Thanks, Emma," Liam smiled at his younger sister, "but I think I'll sit next to Isabella so I can get to know her better."

His mother's face lit up with pleasure. "That's a wonderful idea, Liam," she said, beaming at him. "You two make such a lovely couple."

Liam's mother's face lit up with pleasure at Liam's decision to sit next to Isabella. "That's a wonderful idea, Liam," she said, beaming at him. "You two make such a lovely couple."

Liam smiled at his mother's statement. Isabella couldn't help but feel drawn to Liam, and she flirted with him at every opportunity during the meal. As they ate, Isabella found herself lost in the thoughts of Liam and the pleasure she could derive from his touch.

Liam noticed that Isabella had barely touched her food, and he decided to play along with a conversation. "You seem not to like the food, as you have barely eaten," he said, smirking at her.

Isabella snapped out of her daydream and blushed. "Yeah! It's delicious," she responded, feeling flustered.

Liam chuckled at her reaction. "Okay, tell me a little about yourself," he asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from his mother's matchmaking stare.

Isabella eagerly listed off her interests to Liam, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Well, I love yoga, swimming, reading, going live on social media, dancing, and so much more. The list is endless," she beamed.

Liam nodded politely, but his mind was elsewhere. "That's an interesting list," he replied, sounding uninterested. "Excuse me, I have to make a quick call," he said abruptly and stood up from the table.

As Liam began to leave the dining room, his mother called out to him. "Liam, dear, would you be a darling and drop Isabella off at her house on your way back to the city?" she asked in a calm but firm tone.

Liam's heart sank at his mother's request. He knew that this was just another ploy to push him towards Isabella, and he wasn't sure he was ready for that kind of commitment. "That wouldn't be a problem, Mother," he said, avoiding her gaze as he spoke. "I'll be leaving in fifteen minutes."

With that, Liam quickly made his way out of the dining room, feeling overwhelmed by the pressure he was under. As he walked down the hallway, he could hear his mother's voice from the dining room. "Liam is such a good and caring boy you know ," She said Liam chuckled on hearing his mom's statement.

As the dinner with his family came to an end, Liam bid farewell to his loved ones and departed from the grand mansion together with Isabella. Despite his own desires, Liam decided to drive Isabella back to her house, solely to appease his mother's wishes.

As they drove away, Liam couldn't help but feel both entertained and irritated by his mother's obvious ulterior motives. He detested when anyone interfered in his romantic affairs, particularly his mother's attempts to suggest who he should date or marry.

The ultimatum imposed by his father to settle down only added to Liam's anger and frustration. He felt like his life was being controlled by others, and he yearned to break free from their grip.

Liam drove away from the mansion, lost in thought, while Isabella sat beside him, trying to initiate a conversation. Despite his lack of interest, Liam decided to engage in small talk with her, hoping it would make their journey back to the city more tolerable.

"So, you're an only child?" Liam asked. glancing at Isabella before returning his gaze to the road.

Isabella chuckled, smiling sheepishly as she responded. "Yes, I am."

She then looked at Liam, batting her long, luscious lashes. "I've always wished for a baby sister like Emma," she said with a dreamy expression. "It would be wonderful to have someone to share all the love and attention that my father showers only on me," she added with a hint of sadness in her voice.

The mention of his beloved sister's name caused a wicked grin to spread across Liam's face.

Isabella shared with Liam how her father always showered her with everything she desired, even if her mother was angry and jealous. "Anything I want, I get," she said, beaming with pride.

Liam couldn't help but give an evil smirk at her statement. The idea of someone getting everything they wanted on a silver platter every time seemed absurd to him. Isabella continued talking, recounting stories from her childhood, teenage years, travels around the world, modeling career, and social media following. Her list seemed endless, and Liam struggled to feign interest in her lavish lifestyle.

To make matters worse, the calm spring night suddenly turned windy, and debris started flying around, obstructing Liam's view of the road. He had no choice but to leave the highway and seek refuge in a nearby cafe.

As they stepped inside, Liam couldn't help but feel grateful for the warmth and comfort the cafe provided. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and soft jazz music played in the background. Liam and Isabella settled into a cozy booth, and Liam ordered a cup of coffee to warm himself up.

Liam muttered words of anger to himself as he entered the cozy cafe with Isabella following close behind. They were greeted by a mature male who welcomed them like a couple. Suddenly, the signboard outside the cafe fell with a deafening crash.

Isabella seized the opportunity to wrap her arms tightly around Liam's waist, from behind as if her life depends on it.