CHAPTER THREE:

Jane clutched her black purse as she tried to control her breathing. She sat in the back seat of the taxi she had booked, which headed towards the party venue.

After a few minutes, the driver announced that they had reached their destination, she got down and the taxi drove away. She looked up and gazed at the imposing, grand building in front of her.

Jane gasped, she knew her father must’ve sold her to some wealthy family, but she had no idea how rich they might be. This increased the fear that she was being married off to some pot bellied old man who played poker and bet in underground bars just like her father and Jane felt a chill run through her spine.

She walked up to the security post and showed them the invitation her father had sent her. The guards opened the gates, granting her entry.

The yard was huge, showcasing immaculately manicured lawns, complemented by the grand building and perfectly laid stone pathways. She strolled quietly, taking in the breathtaking surroundings and appreciating the marvelous view.

“You’re late!” Jane heard the angry voice of her father call out.

“Two minutes late,” she retorted, her brows furrowing into a frown.

Her father approached her and stared at her, “Two minutes late is unacceptable, Jane, not when we have guests waiting. You need to do better,” her father said, his tone laced with disapproval and his breath reeking of alcohol.

“Oh dad, give me a fucking break would you?!” She whisper yelled, throwing her hand in the air.

Her father narrowed his eyes, his gazing piercing, “Remember a few knows the truth: your fiancé, his father, and us. Let’s keep it that way. Don’t run your mouth! Now follow me,” he said, walking away.

Jane let out another frustrated breath and followed him. As they approached the house, music filled the air sending a jolt of tension through her body.

They walked past the entrance door and into a grand hall where Jane's breath caught in her throat. It wasn’t just a gathering, it was a grand party with elegantly dressed guests in luxurious clothings filling the expensive hall..

“This way,” her father said, leading her through the crowded room.

He led her into the room and their maneuvered through different bodies.

“It’s time to meet him. Go up those stairs, turn right, He’ll be waiting in the second room. Introduce yourselves and be nice. Your sharp tongue won't serve you well,,” he scolded, giving her a shove.

Jane shook her head in anger before walking, following the directions he had given her. She turned the knob of the door and entered the room, not bothering to knock.

In front of her, two men with their backs facing her paused their discussion as the heard the sound of her intruding their space.

Not bothering to be remorseful, Jane placed her hand on her waist before speaking, “Who the hell is my fiancé?” She demanded.

One man let out a deep chuckle, while the other turned to face her, his eyes wide with disbelief and shock. Jane's eyes darted between the two men in front of her, her jaw dropping and her breath seizing.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” She snared, pointing her finger at him.

“Chris, leave us,” he said, addressing the man next to him.

The man named Chris, flashed a bright smile before brushing past her and exiting the room, shutting the door behind him.

“You’re the Jane?” Liam said in disbelief.

Jane felt her luck run out, the same man that ruined her car and fired her from her new job, stood in front of her adjusting his tie with a stern expression.

“Oh my God!” She exclaimed, “you can’t seriously be the West I’m engaged to! Why are you set on runing my life, you jerk!” She shrieked, her eyes still wide in disbelief.

Liam let out a sharp, mocking laugh, “Don’t speak to me like that, you whore!” He said, his eyes glinting with anger as he walked up to Jane.

“Don’t pretend this isn’t what you wanted! What you and your father planned to happen!” He shouted at her.

Jane felt a stab on her chest as she shoved Liam but he didn’t budge, “You sick fuck! Don’t speak to me like you know me, I would rather be run over by a bus than to willingly end up with someone like you!” She yelled back.

“And yet, here you are,” he snorted in disdain m before turning back to walk to the mirror. “I have nothing to say to you Jane. Just play the role of being my dutiful, pretty wife you desperately want to be and stay out of my way. I have too much at stake to let you and your father ruin things for me,” he said, scowling at her as his piercing gaze shot daggers.

Jane's eyes narrowed, her gaze locked on Liam’s. She remained silent, but her mind seethed with determination: she would ruin him and teach him a lesson he would never forget. Stomping her foot on the floor, she turned and forced the door open walking down the staircase that led to the hall.

Few moments later, Jane sat on one of the chairs around the long table with Liam by her side. Liam was a good actor, Jane thought.

A smile that seemed almost genuine spread across his face as he regarded his family who sat next on the same table and accepted warm greetings from guests that came to welcome and congratulate him. Jane struggled to control her anger and disdain but she tried composing herself, largely due to the piercing stare of a woman in her mid fifties.

Jane had found out that this woman was Mrs. West, Liam’s mother. Mes. West hadn’t ceased staring suspiciously at Jane since she sat down.

A loud clinking of glass filled the room and Liam's father stood up, “Guest and Family members, I heartily welcome you all,” he started, a smile spread across his face. He seemed to be the only one genuinely happy and had warmly hugged Jane earlier.

“Tonight marks an unforgettable occasion, one I am truly grateful to finally host. A union between our family and the D****e family. My son, Liam, has found the woman he truly wants to be with and today is a celebration of such a feat,” he announced.

“Let the couple come up and exchange rings, a symbol of their new union,” he looked at Jane and Liam as both of them stood up.

A servant brought a box containing two sparkling diamond rings that exuded luxury. Liam held her hands which made her skin crawl as he put the ring into her finger and she reluctantly did the same.

The crowd erupted in claps and cheers as Liam flashed a tight lipped smile and Jane didn’t even bother. Her mind continued to calculate, thinking of how she was definitely going to ruin the life of her new fiancée.