04

Liam's pov

I was this close to melting into his kiss, but when I saw my father coming out to the porch, I shoved Jackson so hard that he lost his footing.

"Liam...."

I stiffened as he muttered my name. Gesturing for me to come. The huge flower pots hid Jackson so he wasn't seen, but by dad's gaze. He looked to be angry about something.

My fingers shook, I hoped he hadn't seen us.

I shot Jackson a troubled look and walked over to my dad. His expensive cologne filling me with apprehension.

"Why aren't you there with Avery, how can you leave your fiance all alone to attend to the guest at your engagement party."

I sighed internally, partly relieved that he didn't see anything, and partly irritated that he arranged all this without my consent and still expected me to act all glittery buttery with the guests.

"I'm sure Avery can handle herself, she seems to be a people's person." I forced a smile.

"Get in there Liam, hold her by the waist and make everyone know she is your fiancee in both name and acceptance for Christ's sakes."

"Avery can handle it dad, I came out to get some air. Going back in there will only suffocate me."

He chuckled, his tone set in firm finality.

"Then get an oxygen tank, because if in a few minutes you aren't in there Liam. I will remind you that I am still your father."

I pursed my lips together, feeling quiet seething rage. I wanted to scream that I wasn't afraid of him, that I was a fully fledged adult and he had no rights ordering me around.

But the words didn't come,

After all these years of practicing the words over and over again. I still couldn't speak up to him.

"Don't give me that look, Liam." He whispered disappointedly, "I'm doing this for your own good, because I am your father, I love you and I want your future to be set in the right course. Avery is….everything you need at the moment."

I stayed silent.

"She is a sweet girl, traditional, calm, soft spoken, smart, jolly....I'm sure your mom would've been more than supportive of this union if she were here."

"Lies...." I murmured, not knowing I had said that out loud. But despite his taken aback-ness, I continued anyway.

"Mom would've wanted me to make my own decision, to pick who I wanted, to settle down at my own pace."

He looked at me, tugging on his tie.

"Well I gave you more than enough time didn't I?, you're twenty five today and yet you have never shown me the face of any woman you've liked."

"But dad....."

"No buts, I met your mother when I was eighteen, I waited for her to turn eighteen since I was older by a year and then.... we started dating officially. By twenty one, I put a pretty obsidian ring on her finger. What is your excuse, Liam?"

I felt like I should just scream, talking to him when his mind was already made up was useless.

"You really won't change your mind?," my voice cracked. "Not even for your only son?"

"I am doing this because you are my only son Liam, the future of our family business rests on your shoulders. And this marriage will set our standings off the charts." He stepped closer, keeping a palm on my shoulder. "Your mother will be proud Liam, seeing you stepping up and taking responsibility for the family's future like a true Sinclair."

Whenever he mentioned my mother, he knew that he most definitely hit a spot. She passed away a few years ago, but the loss was still fresh.

Mom would be happy to see the family and company progressing.

But, I was sure that she would not put my happiness on the line for it. Maybe if she was still here, I'd be able to tell her the truth of my sexuality.

I felt footsteps behind me, the fragrance from his citrus-berry wild-flower spray already made it evident that he was behind me.

My dad smiled at him,

"Jackson....I saw you walk out and I assumed that you were leaving too early."

"No." He shook his head, "I did want to leave for Carrington after the engagement party, but I think I'll stay here for Avery. Till after the wedding at least."

My heart skipped a beat,

It was dangerous having Jackson around for that long. The wedding wouldn't be till another three to five months.

Dad smiled at Jackson like they were old friends. "Glad to have you around," he said. "Maybe you’ll get Liam to loosen up a little. Since he never had a brother, it’d be good for him to have someone like you around."

If only he knew,

I shifted on my feet, trying to sound casual. "It’s not really necessary. Jackson doesn’t have to stay. I mean, he’s probably not even comfortable here. He could just head back to Carrington or something. I’m sure he is busy."

Jackson stepped in smoothly. "Actually, I’m not. I’ve got time. I don’t mind staying."

I opened my mouth to argue again, but Dad shut me down with a raised hand. "Not another word, Liam. Jackson is staying here, end of discussion."

And just like that, it was decided.

After tonight’s engagement party, Avery would be moving in. Which meant Jackson would be staying in the same house. With her. With Dad. And me.

It was going to be a nightmare.

Later, Dad came over and told me to head back in and stand with Avery. "She has something to say," he announced.

I didn’t know what it was. Jackson didn’t either.

We both followed him inside, curiosity prickling under my skin. Avery stood at the center of the room, poised and glowing under the lights. Everyone quieted as she raised the mic.

"I’d like to start by announcing something important," she said with a bright smile. "As a symbol of this union, I’ve decided to donate thirty percent of my shares to the Sinclair Conglomerate."

The room erupted in applause. The guests clapped, my dad did too.

But me?

I felt my stomach drop.

Thirty percent??!

This wasn’t just an engagement anymore, it was a transaction. Set in stone.

I barely heard anything else over the buzzing in my ears. Everyone was cheering, laughing. Toasting.

Jackson leaned toward me, voice barely audible. "You didn’t know she was going to be doing that?"

I shook my head slowly, my throat too tight to get any words out.