The Daring Billionaire’s Wife

As soon as I arrive at my parents' residence, the staff stand in line to welcome me, but this isn't a warm welcome as I know what to expect when I speak to my parents.

I make my way inside, ready to fully explain myself as I know the challenge I'm about to face.

How could Stephanie tell them when I told her that I planned to do this myself? My father already sounded like he was against my decision, but I'm here now and by the time I leave this place, it'll be with my family's approval.

I get to the living room, my mother's glare so sharp that I can feel it from a distance. I'm certain that if Charlotte was here, she'd look at me the same way.

"Good morning," I say to both of them, taking a seat on the couch across from theirs.

"What's so good about this morning when you ruined it?" My mother sneers. "Of all the shocking things in this world we could've heard from Stephanie, this wasn't on the list! Are you out of your mind?"

"Mom, you have it all wrong. I made this decision with a clear mind."

"A clear mind?" My father chimes in, his tone and facial expression filled with disapproval. "You made the decision to marry someone you know absolutely nothing about."

"It's not like I'm marrying her today or something. I have my reasons for choosing her and-"

"We already know," my mother cuts me off. "Aileen claims she has no idea who we are, but do you really believe that? Don't you know how many ladies would jump at the opportunity to be with you? We've set you up on several dates before but those never worked out, which is why we thought it would still be Stephanie in the end since you two are so close."

"Mom-"

"No! She was heartbroken when she told us about this and I'm certain her parents will be disappointed."

"If you always wanted me to marry her, why did you make me go on those dates in the first place?"

"It was to establish a few business connections along the way. And because you never showed any romantic interest in Stephanie, we thought we'd let you choose from all the other ones we set up for you. But if I'm being honest, I always wanted it to be her." "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I don't like her that way."

My father scoffs. "How could you not like her when she's so classy and decent?"

I raise my eyebrows a little. If only I could openly tell them that Stephanie isn't who they think she is.

"Liam, should I remind you that even before your mother and I got married, we didn't like -"

"I know. You didn't like each other. I've heard it a million times. You only fell in love later on, but that's not what I want."

"Listen to me." My mother points a finger at me. "If you think we're about to accept a girl we know nothing about into this family, you're wrong. You can't just walk up to someone and decide that she's going to be your wife. What if she's a criminal?" "She's definitely not."

father says. "I hope that by the end of the day, you'll be back to your senses and stop

"But-"

rises to his feet, loosening his necktie.

and I look over at my mother, who doest even want to

She crosses her arms, facing the

up from my seat, taking a seat right beside her and reaching for her hand even if she doesn't

not Stephanie, but I seriously don't see

Stephanie, there are other girls from good families within our

that. Aren't you the ones who want me to

my choice. I'm certain that when you meet

rolls her eyes. "That's where you're wrong. Just get your head right and

"What if-" "Enough."

she's extremely disappointed. Aunt Mia is her best friend and they've spoken about this for years. Still, it doesn't change anything for

onto my

sorry for not settling down the way you all want me

She gasps. "Liam!"

my choice. It's still Aileen. There's just something so refreshing about her." "The fact that she's pretending not to know

is, I'll definitely find out. For now, it's

listing all the things that could possibly go wrong but in my mind, I'm only thinking about Aileen I still can't believe she chose to wait for me back at the suite. She

end with her still not accepting

to the hotel, I call Josh again but it's just like before. I have so much to

back to the reason I had to explain myself to my parents, I dial Stephanie's number and she

mouth

you

"Aileen."

that. Look, I just wanted your

still had no

friend, I'm only looking out

reason she did it. "I spoke to my parents and they refused to accept

"As they should."

still going ahead with

fucking serious? Why would you do

my mom, Aileen is my

don't