CHAPTER 5

EMILY'S POV

The time seemed to stop the moment Liam crashed his lips over mine. Maybe I was hallucinating but I wasn't sure either if this was an illusion. Though it felt so real.

His mint smell enveloped me, throwing me into a whirlwind of emotions while my heart pounded loudly against my ribcage.

Goosebumps spread across my exposed skin, and I shivered against his tall frame. His free hand rested on my waist and I felt so small, so powerless and fragile against Liam's chest.

Liam would never kiss me. He never did except when we were having sex, but what changed? I shook the stupid thought that filled my head, almost making my head fuzzy away. I pressed my hand on his chest, trying to push him away but Liam didn't bulge.

Who am I kidding? Liam has spent most of his leisure time in the gym. There was nothing he was not good at, even the kissing part.

My hormones took charge, and I moaned into the kiss like molten magma. The sound that escaped my lips scared me because Liam suddenly wrapped his hand against my bare back.

If only he could push me closer because there was no fucking space between us.

“Is that not Mr. Nolan? Young couples these days..." A voice rang in the open space which belongs to a woman. She was probably making her way into the hall.

“You can't blame them, Martha. We were once like that" I heard a male voice, and only then was I aware of whatever was going on.

The words faded away which made me flutter my eyelids open with reflex. I bit Liam on his lips, gaining a groan from him.

I didn't bite him hard to draw out blood, but enough to let him know that he should stop whatever games he was playing right now because he had already taken the spotlight.

Liam stepped away from me, and I felt the breeze blow towards me the moment his warm, calloused hand dropped from my back. The warmth I felt just now disappeared. I was back to the same lonely me but things are in stark contrast to each other now.

My eyes fell on his lips before moving to his lips, only then did I see the emotions that appeared in his eyes. Just like they appeared, they vanished quickly like a freckle of dust.

I was a mess, breathing hard through my parted lips. I felt like a young high school girl, but the moment I remembered how I suffered from Liam's hand, a bitter smile graced my lips.

I looked around, only to see the paparazzi swarm towards us. This was just a game, after all, but why am I getting worked up? Maybe it was because, in my past life, Liam didn't kiss me when we came for my sister's birthday in my past life.

Then I must have forgotten that the old me will never dress like this. Could Liam be in love with me or just attracted to my body?

What was I thinking?

Did I possibly think that Liam would kiss me so roughly, if not because of the paparazzi and reporters that were present at the venue?

“You need to show them your brightest smile, Emily," Liam said, breaking through my thoughts and I shivered silently, gritting my teeth in silent anger.

If looks could kill. Liam will be six feet under the ground right now.

“I don't want you messing up; father is here," Liam added in a cold tone.

He cleaned the corner of his lips with the handkerchief and tucked it inside his side pocket.

“You should give me a heads up next time if you want to try something like this again, Liam. I don't like surprises," I said defiantly in a low whisper before clasping my hand in his.

Liam drew me to his side the moment my palm touched his. We fit so perfectly on each other's sides, and it makes me nauseous.

“You should know I like surprises, Emily, just like the way you suddenly asked for a divorce today," Liam said and clicked his tongue in distaste.

I raised my head only to see a smirk spread across his face. Before I could reply, Liam had already parted his full pink lips.

“Seeing you flustered just like now. For a moment, I thought you were falling for me." Liam said with sarcasm before setting his lips into a thin line.

What was wrong with him? He was trying to get me riled up but the Liam I know would never act like this. He is never the type to joke about things like this.

I wanted to question him. I wanted to ask Liam why he was doing that but he smiled at me, reminding me to do the same. I clenched my hand, eyes shooting daggers at him before a smile spread across my lips.

We turned to face the paparazzi and reporters and that was when I heard the familiar voice.

“I know it's you, son. Emily dear"

I didn't have to turn to know it was Liam's father. I bowed and raised my head while Liam stood arrogantly beside me.

“She is so pretty," I heard the guest say as they made their way into the hall.

“Is Mrs. Nolan so pretty like that?" A girl squealed.

“For a moment I thought it was another woman."

" "

“Father," I said with the prettiest smile on my face, ignoring the people's comments.

The paparazzi were pushed back by the security and their footsteps echoed in the tiled floor.

Liam's father only shook his head before coming to my side. He gave me a light pat on my shoulder, not sparing Liam a look.

“Emily, you look breathtaking today." Liam's father praised me and I was flattered because this was the same line Liam used for me before kissing me against the car.

At least, it's good they have things in common.

“Thank you, Father," I replied vehemently and I felt someone scoffed beside me.

Someone is in a bad mood, and I know it's no other person but Liam.

“I guess that was why Liam couldn't resist you. I mean, which able man would dare resist my beautiful daughter-in-law?" Liam's father added in a serious tone.

I laughed wholeheartedly while patting my chest against the clothes.

“You flattered me, father but I think Liam was too impatient. I can't believe he kissed me right here in front of everyone," I replied sheepishly, tucking some strands of hair against my ear.

Liam jerked our entwined hands away which made me raise my head in confusion. I parted my lips and tried to say something but Liam cut me off.

“Meet me inside, Emily."