Chapter 4 A Pitiful Stand-in

Throughout the entire evening, Liam played the role of an exceptionally considerate husband.

He made sure I didn't have to drink the alcohol, fetched snacks for me, and even wrapped his jacket around me when I felt cold.

The high-society socialites who initially anticipated a spectacle quickly changed their tune.

One by one, they surrounded us, showering us with compliments.

"Mrs. Roberts, you are indeed lucky. We can tell how much Mr. Roberts cares about you."

"Your skin is so well-maintained, Mrs. Roberts. Even during pregnancy, you look radiant."

I managed to handle the situation with ease, but inside, I felt desolate. It was because I knew the price of all this.

By the time we returned to the villa, it was already late at night.

Exhausted, I could barely stand up straight. I kicked off my high heels and collapsed onto the sofa.

Liam loosened his tie, tossed it aside, and walked over to the wine cabinet to pour himself a glass of whiskey.

He took a swig, his Adam's apple moving in a way that was both captivating and detached.

"You did well today," he remarked, setting down his glass and leaning against the bar, looking at me. "What kind of reward do you want?" he asked.

I sat up straight, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "I want to visit my parents. They don't know about our marriage yet; I want to see them."

He raised an eyebrow. "Alright. But I don't want any drama or issues from the Harper family. I've already sent them the money; they should behave themselves."

I nodded quickly. "I understand. I'll make sure they know."

The next day, I returned to Harper Estate.

My parents were so shocked by the marriage certificate and the bank card I brought back that they were dumbfounded and tongue-tied for a while.

Mom hugged me, crying, "Eliana, you've suffered so much... You've sacrificed your whole life for our family."

Dad was also in tears. "It's all my fault for being useless, having to rely on marrying off my daughter to save my company..."

Holding back my tears, I tried to make them feel better. "Dad, Mom, I'm not suffering. Liam treats me well. See? He even helped us pay off the debt. As long as you're well, I'm not afraid of anything."

When I left the Harper Estate, I received a call from an unlisted number.

"Miss Harper, let's meet." It was Kimberly's voice.

I gripped the phone tightly, wary, "There's nothing for us to meet about."

"There are secrets about Liam that you'll definitely be interested in." She laughed sinisterly on the other end, "You think you're the lucky one? You're just a pitiful stand-in. Three o'clock in the afternoon, Blue Mountain Café. You'll regret it for the rest of your life if you don't come."

After the call ended, an inexplicable unease rose within me.

A stand-in? What did that mean?

Despite my reservations, I decided to meet her.