Chapter 3 NO WAY OUT

Bianca

"What the hell are you talking about?" I asked, turning to look at Dad, confusion tightening my chest. " I never signed no papers,"

"Remember when I asked for your signature on some family asset? He asked, locking eyes with me, "There was no asset, you signed a binding lifetime marital contract,"

At his words, my heart dropped, and I let out a gasp.

I couldn't believe my ears.

I'd been deceived.

"How could you Gary," Mum shouted, her eyes fixed on him.

"I did what I had to do Martha," he replied "you both ought to be grateful to me, I gave her a better chance at life, for us all,"

"You're unbelievable," Mum muttered, "how could you do this to our daughter?"

"You.. monster," I whispered at last, my voice trembling. "How could you?"

Silent tears slid down my face, and my jaw clenched.

I wasn't going to let some Goddamn papers scare me.

"I don't care about some stupid papers you cooked up, my marriage to Liam is over. I'd advise you to tell them to expect the divorce papers any moment from now." I nodded firmly, my eyes steady and sure.

"You still don't get it," Dad said coldly. "The day you end this marriage, you'll be going to jail. Right now, you don't own any money or assets. Ever wonder why your bank accounts are no longer accessible?"

My eyes widened as the truth finally hit me.

I hadn't been able to access my accounts for a while. I was too caught up in the wedding and my new life to visit the bank to at least inquire.

Besides, Liam and his Dad, Frederick, always provided some cash for me.

"What the hell!" Mum screamed. "Gary you're evil."

Then softer, she added, sobbing, "Baby, I'm so sorry." She reached out for my hand.

I pulled away, turning my back on them, and walked out.

I sobbed loudly, until I got outside.

As I wandered down the street, my mind raced, trying to figure out what to do next.

An idea hit me.

I decided to call my best friend, Danni. I could stay with her for the time being, at least until the dust settles.

Feeling a bit more at ease with the thought, I dialed her number. She picked up right away, and I narrated everything that had happened.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through all that, girl, Geez, your parents are the worst," Danni said over the phone.

"Girl, could I come stay with you for the time being, till things settle for a bit?" I asked.

"Oh, Bianca, I really wish you could, girl, but you know I live with Mike now and his kid," she replied.

"Oh that's right," I sighed.

I felt foolish for not remembering that.

"Bianca, I suggest you go back to the smiths," Danni said, pulling me from my thoughts.

"What? How can you say that, Danni?" I snapped, gripping my phone tightly against my ear.

"Yes, yes I know it sounds crazy and all, but you've got no choice, you could run away and these guys are gonna chase you to the ends of the earth if they have to. Think about it, girl." She said,

At Dannie's words, my eyes widened with realization. She was right there was no turning back now.

I said goodbye to Dannie, then flagged a taxi and headed home.

An hour later, the cab pulled up in front of the mansion, and I stepped out slowly. A quiet sigh escaped my lips as I stared at the gates.

I could hear my heels tapping loudly on the clean tiled floor as I walked in nervously clutching my purse against my chest, bracing myself for whatever came next.

I opened the front door and caught the familiar figure of the domestic staff Belinda standing right before me.

"Good evening Mrs Smith" she greeted, reaching out for my bag.

"Good evening Belinda," I replied. "It's okay, I can manage," I added, gently refusing her offer.

"Mr Smith has asked to see you in his study as soon as you arrive," she said softly.

"My husband or his father?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"The younger boss, your husband Ma'am," she said, avoiding my gaze.

"Alright, I'll be there, you can go" I said, waving her off.

I sank onto the couch and wondered what Liam could want with me, especially after everything that happened at the party, as I watched Belinda walk away.

"It's now or never," I mumbled to myself as I climbed the stairs to Liam's study.

Liam had never invited me to his study before. That alone made my heart race.

I walked up to the door and knocked twice.

"Come in," I heard his deep masculine voice call out, and my stomach churned.

I pushed the door open and walked in.

"Liam, you must know I didn't mean.." I barely got the words out before he cut me off.

"Save the explanation," he waved a hand dismissively at me. "I need us to talk," he added.

I could hear my heart racing. Deep down I hoped he was finally going to talk about ending our marriage.

"I'm listening," I finally managed to say, voice trembling.

"Word got to me that you paid your parents a protest visit. You all are lucky my Dad knows nothing of it," he said, his voice low and laced with threat.

"That's right Liam, I want nothing to do with you or your family. I want out," I said, nervously.

My heart pounded harder in fear as I met his gaze, refusing to look away.

In truth, if Frederick found out about my visit to my parents or that I attempted to walk away I'd be in serious trouble.

"Bianca, there could be a way for us to balance things and still get what we both want," he said, a hint of hope in his voice. "We could both be happy in this," he added.

"What.. Do you mean?" I stuttered, clutching my purse tighter, knuckles pale.

"I'm offering you a deal," he said softly. "One that keeps us both alive and well,"

"What could that be?," I asked, voice low.

His eyes searched mine fiercely, yet waving with something unspoken.

I could feel the heat in his gaze, but beneath it, there was a sort of hesitation.

Like he wanted to reach for me, and also avoid me at the same time.

Whatever he was feeling, he tried to mask it

Our eyes locked, holding longer than they should have. The silence thickened and the air tightened between us, and I swallowed hard, lost in his gaze.

Then the door banged, snapping us back to reality.