CHAPTER1

Bianca

“You’ve got no right to dictate what happens here, we’re gonna pick her up, and that’s final,” my husband, Liam, shot the words at me, gripping the wheel tightly, and I went mute.

We had to address the elephant in the room.

Kira Wilson.

Liam’s childhood friend, whom he took dearly as a sister.

It’s been three months since Liam and I got married, and not felt a single feeling of true marital bliss.

We were on our way to the grand opening of the Smith Towers, a new subsidiary largely owned by my father-in-law Frederick Smith. This was our first event together as a couple and Liam insisted that Kira joins our ride. 

What was it with Kira?

We arrived at her residence and without a single word to me, Liam jumped out and headed into the house. Moments later he walked up to the car hand in hand with Kira, both of them laughing loudly at God knows what, and my stomach churned.

“Hi Bianca, it’s good to see you. You look lovely.” Kira said, her smile dripping with sarcasm.

“Same here, Kira. You look lovely too,” I responded, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I’m sorry if we kept you waiting. Liam is quite a handful, he always has me cracking up at his endless jokes.” She giggled mockingly.

My chest tightened at her words, and I forced a weak smile. I never knew Liam to be funny or lighthearted. Since our marriage, he’d shown me nothing but disdain.

This woman didn’t just try to taunt me. I swallowed the words and I looked away.

“We should get going now, else we would be running late and my Dad isn’t gonna have that,” Liam said, breaking the heavy silence as he yanked the back door open for Kira, something he had never done, not even once, for me.

We arrived at the venue, and Liam and I held hands as we walked into the hall. I was glad he held my hands, not Kira’s, I glanced around but didn’t see her anywhere. I let out a quiet sigh. 

We got into the hall and were welcomed by a crowd of enthusiastic guests, and we exchanged pleasantries. 

Fredrick made a toast to Liam and me, celebrating our marriage. 

We were directed to the poolside for the after-party. Liam quickly excused himself to mingle with a few business associates, leaving me alone to take in the beautiful surroundings. I stood by the pool, staring into the gently rippling water like it held all the answers I needed, my fingers wrapped tightly around my glass. 

“Hey, Bianca,” a female voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned and it was Kira.

She stood stylishly, facing me, arms folded across her chest, a faint smile playing on her lips.

“I assume you’re enjoying the party?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I believe you’re as well,” I responded calmly, still clutching my glass tightly, now with both hands.

“Oh, Bianca,” she said taking a few steps closer to me, “I know why you’re here” She smiled pleasantly, but her eyes said otherwise.

“We’re all here for the party Kira,” I said, tilting my head slightly.

“You damn well know what I mean,” she said leaning close to my ear. “Here’s some advice, maybe it’s best to turn back before things get tangled,” she whispered into my ear.

Her words hit me like a bombshell, this woman had just threatened me I knew I had to defend myself.

“Are we still talking about the party?” I asked sharply, my fingers tightening around my glass.

“Hmmm, you’re tougher than I presumed,” Kira replied with a wide grin on her face. “Let’s see just how tough you can actually be,”

Before I could utter a word she grabbed me and let out a loud cry as if I had just attacked her. 

In another flash, she pushed me and we both stumbled, and with a loud splash that alerted the guests around we crashed into the pool.

Liam rushed to the poolside immediately he heard the commotion. To my shock, he reached out for Kira who had already begun sobbing uncontrollably. I could tell it was all an act meant to get his attention. I frowned, the pain in my chest grew heavier.

A staff member reached out for my hand and pulled me out.

“Kira, are you okay?” Liam asked her softly, “Do you need me to get a doctor immediately?” He added, placing his hands on her shoulders. 

“No, no Liam, I’m okay,” Kira sobbed, “I have no idea why she hates me this much,” she added pointing a finger at me. “I just wanted to have a friendly chat and she pushed me and I missed my step and we both fell.” 

“That’s not true, Liam, don’t listen to her,” I yelled instinctively. “I was having a drink quietly and she came and said some nasty..”

“Enough, Bianca,” Liam said, cutting me off.

“There’s no need to deny it, Bianca,” Kira said “you may not have intended to push me but you did, I just wanted us to be friends and nothing more” she sobbed mildly” 

I watched as Liam pulled her into his arms.

“We would sort this out later,” he snapped at me and walked away with Kira.

I stood there, all soaked, water dripping from my clothes, hair clinging to my face and my makeup totally ruined.

I stood there tongue-tied, in too much shock to digest what had just happened. I couldn't believe Liam had walked away with her without caring about my well-being.

Thankfully, a lot of the guests were already out before the ugly incident took place. A few of the staff only witnessed it.

I spent nearly an hour in the ladies’ room drying myself off and fixing my makeup while replaying everything that had just happened back at the pool.

Was Kira in love with Liam?

Or was she simply against my marriage to him?

I wondered as I carefully applied my mascara.

Whatever the reason, one thing was clear, 

From that moment on I had resolved she was my enemy, and I wasn’t going to let her ruin my marriage.

I walked out of the ladies' room and found Liam nowhere in sight. He had probably sent Kira home, I hoped, and heaved a sigh. With nothing else to do, I mingled with the few guests left in the hall.

After a reasonable amount of time, I looked around and still Liam was nowhere in sight. Curiously, I approached a staff member and enquired.

“Have you seen my husband anywhere?” I asked furrowing my eyebrows.

“Yes, ma’am, Mr. Liam is in the inner quarters, with Miss Kira," he replied.

What could Kira want from Liam in a secluded place like that? 

I wondered as I made my way up the stairs. Whatever it was, I was going to make it clear to both of them that I was Liam’s wife and I deserved some respect.

I climbed the stairs and walked down the hallway in search of Liam when I heard it.