Chapter 2 My Fake Husband!

Charlotte was bewildered. "Who's Liam? Is he impressive?"

Amelia also listened with curiosity.

She had some connections in New York City but had never heard of the name Liam before.

Donald explained, "It's normal that you don't know him. He's very mysterious-even I've never met him. He's Edward's uncle, only 28 years old, and already the true leader of The Stuart family!"

Mary gasped instinctively. "Then wouldn't he be a better match for Charlotte than Edward?"

A family head was far more prestigious than just the eldest grandson!

Donald scolded her, annoyed. "What nonsense are you spouting? Mr. Stuart is already married!"

Amelia narrowed her eyes.

Married...

If he was the same Liam on that marriage certificate, then he should know what was going on.

Mary sounded disappointed. "Who's his wife? She must be even luckier than Charlotte."

Amelia immediately turned her gaze to Donald, but he simply said, "No one knows. Apparently, both he and his wife dislike social events."

Donald frowned in thought. "I don't know why he suddenly decided to come today..."

The Stuart family was the most powerful in New York City, and their leader held an elite status.

The Jones family was only of mid-to-upper-class standing. Charlotte marrying Edward was already considered reaching above her status. Having the head of the Stuart family attend their wedding would be an honor-why would he personally visit for a mere betrothal ceremony?

Mary, however, declared, "It must be because Charlotte is outstanding enough to catch The Stuart family's attention! Charlotte, this diamond necklace won't be enough for the occasion. Since such an important figure is coming, you should wear something more extravagant!"

She stuffed the unread document back into Amelia's hands and eagerly pulled Charlotte away to pick a better piece of jewelry.

She looked even more excited than Charlotte's actual mother, Mrs. Jones.

Amelia smirked mockingly.

"Sir, The Stuart family is arriving soon," the butler informed.

Donald turned and went downstairs. As he passed Amelia, he casually said, "You haven't been home in a long time. Stay for a drink before you leave."

Amelia nodded in agreement.

She wanted to see who Liam really was.

Upstairs, Mary carefully selected jewelry for Charlotte and personally helped her put it on.

As she admired the beautiful girl in front of her, Mary couldn't hide the joy and satisfaction in her eyes.

More than twenty years ago, if not for Mrs. Jones-Alice-she would have married Donald herself!

She despised Alice, so she deliberately caused a scene and gave birth on the same day as her, switching their babies at the hospital.

Now, her daughter was finally going to have a grand wedding, and Alice would even provide a hefty dowry!

Meanwhile, Amelia, as an illegitimate child, would be penniless and forced to marry a lowlife!

Fate had finally turned in her favor-this was what Mrs. Jones deserved!

Downstairs.

Amelia leaned lazily against a shadowed corner of the staircase, eyes fixed on the entrance, waiting for The Stuart family to arrive.

Before long, Mrs. Jones descended the stairs with the help of a maid. She wore a purple cheongsam, her figure slightly frail, exuding an air of scholarly elegance and cool detachment.

"Madam, your health is poor. You should stay upstairs," the maid whispered.

Mrs. Jones shook her head. "No... cough cough... This is such an important day for Charlotte... cough cough... I can't miss it..."

Neither of them noticed Amelia as they walked toward the entrance.

Amelia watched Mrs. Jones' back, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

It was ironic-Mrs. Jones had the most reason to hate her, yet she was the only source of warmth Amelia had ever known in The Jones family.

Mary had never acted like a mother. When Amelia was little, she often forgot to feed her.

As a result, Amelia grew up frail and thin. As soon as she learned to walk, she had to rummage through garbage bins for food.

One day, Mrs. Jones caught her doing this. From then on, she secretly placed food in the garden for Amelia every day.

She did this for twelve years.

Without Mrs. Jones' kindness, Amelia would have starved to death long ago.

Hearing Mrs. Jones' weak coughs as she walked away, Amelia frowned with concern.

Just then, the sound of approaching footsteps signaled The Stuart family's arrival!

Donald and Mrs. Jones greeted them at the entrance. After some polite exchanges, they stepped aside, allowing a large entourage to enter the house.

Amelia's gaze instantly locked onto Liam.

Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, he walked at the forefront, surrounded by others like a king among his subjects. His features were even more striking than in the photos-sharp, with a chiseled jawline and piercing eyes that seemed bottomless.

His thin lips exuded a cold indifference, and every movement carried an air of natural authority.

Sensing her gaze, Liam suddenly looked in her direction.

For a moment, their eyes met.

His gaze was sharp, making Amelia's heart skip a beat. She tried to read the emotions in his eyes, but before she could, he looked away.

She was left puzzled.

Did he recognize her, or not?

Donald smiled and flattered him, "Mr. Stuart, is your wife not joining us?"

The moment he asked, Amelia noticed that Liam's gaze flickered toward her again before he replied coolly, "She's unavailable."

The group continued chatting as they moved toward the lounge.

Trailing behind the elders was Edward, the man who had pursued Amelia for four years in college.

Dressed in a formal suit, he looked more mature than before. He hadn't noticed Amelia and was absentmindedly whispering to Charlotte.

Liam took the main seat, and the discussion about the marriage began.

Only then did Amelia step out from the shadows.

She stood there silently, observing the lively scene.

Suddenly, someone grabbed her arm.

Mary hissed in a low voice, "Amelia, why are you still here? Are you still clinging to Edward? Let me remind you-he's your brother-in-law now!"

Amelia shook off her grip and sneered. "Relax. I have no interest in being a mistress. Mr. Jones told me to stay for a drink."

She had never called Donald "Father"-only "Mr. Jones."

Mary gritted her teeth. "That was just a courtesy! Do you really think you're welcome? You don't even know your place! Even I'm not allowed to sit with The Jones family today, and you-an illegitimate child-think you deserve a spot? Get out!"

...This woman was insufferable.

Annoyed, Amelia frowned. Just as she was about to retort, she caught a glimpse of Liam standing up.

He gestured to his phone before striding toward the balcony, presumably to take a call.

Amelia's eyes lit up.

"Fine, I'll leave," she said casually, brushing off Mary as she exited the room.

But instead of leaving the house, she changed direction-heading toward the balcony.

The first-floor balcony led to a small garden outside.

As she approached, she saw Liam ending his call with a grim expression. His sharp gaze immediately locked onto her.

Amelia hesitated for a second.

Then, with a teasing smile, she tried calling out-

"Hubby?"