Liam turned his head, his heart pounding as he looked at Evelyn. Blood trickled down her face, staining her pale skin. He carried her fragile body from the wrecked car, panic surging through him with each step he took. Fortunately, he only has little bruises which weren't severe. The sounds of the sirens and flashing lights blurring his vision.
Two nurses rushed towards him, their faces tense.
“ Please sir, move aside! She's hurt, we need to get her to the hospital immediately" a nurse said as she gently took Evelyn from his arms.
Liam nodded, his throat tightening as he ran his hand through his disheveled hair “ I'm coming with you".
They wheeled Evelyn to the back of the ambulance. As the nurse placed the oxygen mask on her, Liam's eyes never left her fragile form. He gently pushed back the strands of hair that covered her face, his hands trembling as they grazed her skin. His gaze flickered to the full curve of her lips as he traced them.
She was gorgeous even in this state, how hadn't he noticed?
Different emotions overwhelmed him, regret, fear and something deeper he couldn't quite place his finger on. He hadn't expected her to show up at his office earlier, not without calling first.
Liam tried to shrug off the sudden wave of concern that washed over him but it lingered. He despised Evelyn or at least he convinced himself that he did ever since high school. Back then, he knew she didn’t deserve all the bullying but he was using her as an outlet for his frustrations. She was the perfect target, always “ the mummy's girl,” the one who seemed to have everything handed to her. He couldn't stand that. He, Archer and Owen had always terrorized other students, and now the guilt of what he did in the past weighed heavily on him.
His phone buzzed in his pocket, snapping him out from his thoughts. He clenched his jaw when he saw Oliver, his father's name flash across the screen.
Dad: Where are you?
Liam's hand tightened around the phone, his frustration rising. He typed out a blunt reply.
Liam: Had an accident, won't be coming.
Liam's relationship with his father had always been strained. He worked relentlessly trying to please his father, but it was never enough. When his grades started slipping, his father had threatened to give Stark's Industries to charity and that fueled the tension between them.
Dad: Come home when you are done.
Liam scoffed as he stared at the text, of course his dad hadn't cared to ask what had happened. His latest act, forcing him into this marriage, only deepened the hatred. “ We need to help one another, we're family * his father had said. Liam knew it wasn't about family but power. It had always been about power. Another buzz came in, but this time it was his mother.
“ My baby, what happened? I heard about the accident on the news," Harper's voice sounded tense as she spoke.
Liam's expression softened, his mother was the only one who ever truly understood him, the only person who showered him with love and care.
“ Calm down mum, I'm fine,” he said gently. “ Evelyn was just hurt but it's nothing serious, we’re on our way to the hospital, I'll call you when we get there.”
He could hear the sigh of relief on the other end, he loved his mother so much and wouldn't do anything to displease her.
" Okay son, do call soon. “
A few minutes later they arrived at the hospital, the cold, hostile environment did nothing to soothe his nerves as they rushed Evelyn to the emergency center.
Time seemed to pass as he waited, every second making him uncomfortable. Finally, the doctor emerged, his face calm but unreadable. Liam stood up, taking deep breaths as the doctor approached.
“ Mr Stark," the doctor greeted, shaking Liam's hand. “ I'm Doctor Miguel. Evelyn, your wife is okay, her condition isn't serious, she's going to be okay ”
Relief washed over Liam as he stared at him " Thank you, doctor," he whispered. “Is she free to go home?”
The doctor nodded, handing him a paper with some prescriptions on it. Liam glanced at him, thanking him once again.
" You can meet her, just go down the hall and take a left,” Doctor Miguel said before walking away. He made his way down the hall, his feet moving fast as he was anxious to see her. When he reached the door, he knocked twice. Heading no response he opened the door softly and stepped inside.
The sight of Evelyn came into view. She was sitting up, staring blankly out of the window. His eyes scanned her body for signs of injury, his face falling to her chest. Liam's eyes locked on her blue lace bra which was exposed by the hospital gown. He cleared his throat as dirty thoughts flooded his mind.
“ Are you fine? Do you need anything ”
Evelyn startled, pulled the gown over her chest, letting a soft sigh.
“ I'm fine, just take me home " She said flatly, brushing past him. Liam followed suit as he watched her walk ahead. He opened the car door for her, his hand lingering on the handle as if he wanted to say something, anything. She slid into the seat, without saying a word, staring outside the window.
The ride home was silent, Liam's eyes flickered to her every minute. Was she really fine? He thought.
They approached his mansion, the guards opening the gate for them, revealing the grand house. The house was adorned with petals, having a fine structure that looked elegant.
He parked the car and got out, opening the door for her once more. She stepped out and without giving him a glance, headed inside.
“ I will be gone for a while, don't wait for me, tell the maids to attend to whatever you need and the butler will send your medicine shortly ” Liam instructed her and she let out a scoff, still not giving him a glance.
Liam's gaze drifted to Evelyn’s swaying hips, his eyes drawn to her ass which was shaking with each step she took. He cursed himself mentally for having these kinds of thoughts. Shaking his head, he slipped into his car, gripping the steering wheel tightly as he tried to focus. He started his engine and drove back to the company passing the busy streets of New York.
Liam arrived at the company and headed upstairs, he sat on his chair tidying up the remaining work he had left. He grabbed his phone, dialing his secretary.
“ Ophelia, cancel my meetings until Monday ”
It was Friday and Archer, his old friend, had just returned from France and they agreed to meet at Phoenix, his exclusive club.
Liam was ready to leave as the clock struck 10. He headed downstairs towards his SUV. “ Take me to Phoenix club ” he Instructed the driver as he slid in the backseat.
They drove past the bright, bustling streets of New York, the night seeming chilly, the bright moon casted on the streets as the car pulled up to his club.
The club was packed as Liam entered inside, boys and girls lost in the rhythm as they swayed their hips to music blaring from the speakers. Liam smirked, feeling a rush of adrenaline as he headed towards the VIP.
“ Yo man ! What's good?"
Liam turned to see his best friend from school, Archer approaching with a wide grin. He smiled as he gave him a hug, taking in his look. Archer had changed, he looked more mature, his jawline sharper but still had the same bad- boy aura as before.
“ Long time man " Liam said as Archer dragged him further into the ViP section. The room was dimly lit, creating a cozy atmosphere, strippers lunged themselves on poles as they danced seductively.
They settled into their plush seats as the bartender served them whiskey. Liam raised his glass towards Archer “ To new beginnings " they both toasted. They both drowned the whisky in a shot, the liquid burning their throats, sending a huge warm sensation.
“ So what's up? ” Archer leaned back. “ You look good, still can't believe you got married to that bitch Evelyn. What did she use against you huh?”
“ Haha, real funny man. ”
Liam whistled at the girl who had been giving him looks, gesturing for her to come closer. He needed the distraction tonight.
“ Speaking of her dude, did you bring her here? Cause damn, she looks hot tonight, ” Archer pointed downstairs, with a smirk plastered on his face.
Liam choked on his drink. “ What?" He shoved the girl off his lap, his eyes following Archer's gaze. There, he saw Evelyn grinding on some guy.
Liam's face hardened as he dropped his drink, the glass shattering against the floor, but he didn't care. Liam stormed downstairs, his eyes filled with rage as they were locked on Evelyn.
Why was she here? In his club? Shouldn't she be resting after the accident? He’d definitely have a talk with those pussy bodyguards who let her leave.
As he approached, Evelyn's back was turned to him, her hips swaying to the rhythm of the music, the sexy red gown hugging her curves which barely covered her ass. The sight of her sent heat of rush through him.
She turned around and spotted him, a smile forming on her lips.
“ Liam!" She slurred, her legs wobbling slightly as she walked towards him.
Liam reached out to steady her, his voice full of frustration “ What the hell Evelyn? What are you doing here?"
“ Whoo!" The crowd cheered as Evelyn showed off her dance moves. Her two best friends, Ava and Mia were right beside her laughing and cheering her on. Evelyn started Jones Fashion Enterprise two years ago, and it has expanded in a short amount of time. With Ava's guide, they made it the biggest Fashion Enterprise in New York. After they had both finished high school, they shared an interest in fashion and decided to combine their ideas to make it a reality. Together they had achieved the unthinkable. Mia had joined them in college, and the three had been inseparable ever since. “ Keep the shots coming!” Mia called the bartender who grinned and slid over three shots of whiskey. “ Best night ever!” Evelyn shouted, her face glowing with happiness.“ You bet!" Ava replied, clinking their glasses together.As they downed their drinks, a guy in his early twenties approached their table, his eyes locked on Evelyn. “ Hey ladies, " he said, flashing a smile. He was undeniably attractive but
One month later “ If we follow this procedure, we’re certain to see a 2% increase by the end of the year.” Chris announced with a proud smile as the board of directors congratulated him. As the supervisor of Stark's Industries import and export, Chris felt proud of his work.Liam's voice cut through the applause. “ Do you think this is a joke?” His tone wiped the smile off their faces. “ We're supposed to hit a 5% increase before the end of the year. Are any of you serious about your jobs?” his blue eyes narrowed, burning into each person seated at the table.Liam clenched his jaw, his frustration evident. Ever since that night with Evelyn, he couldn't focus. He regretted his words to her afterward, telling her it had been a mistake. He lied, it had been the best night of his life.Her soft, smooth skin haunted him, invading his thoughts when he least expected it. It had been a month since that night and he had been avoiding her, he felt himself softening up to her in ways that scar
The bell rang signaling the end of another tiresome class. Evelyn gathered her books and hurriedly made her way through the crowd of students rushing out of their classes like they were being chased by something fearful.As she strolled the hallways, she noticed girls taking selfies with their iPhones, eager to post them on Instagram to gain likes and attention from boys, but she wasn't like them. Moving to New York from Houston had been a big change for her. Evelyn knew it wasn't a place for her. She was a young girl trying to fit in this new change, but didn't belong anywhere. The more she tried, the more she never truly felt at home.Father was always too busy for her and would rather focus on his work instead and mother was always consumed with work too, though she gave her little attention anyway. She hated herself the more and felt more pathetic. She had no friends, wasn't pretty, just a pale face covered with freckles. Sighing, she opened her locker, carefully arranging my bo
Six years laterEvelyn's heel clicked against the marble floor of Stark's enterprise, echoing through the hallways as she made her way towards her husband's office, She was here to meet Liam Stark, the man who was both her husband and her greatest enemy to prepare for the press conference. Rumors were being spread, their marriage was loveless and forged because the Stark's family needed an heir to secure their legacy.They weren't entirely wrong, their marriage was indeed formed out of necessity not love. Her thoughts drifted to her fashion enterprise. It had crumbled, driving her to the last place she wanted to be, asking her parents for help. Their solution had been simple; an arranged marriage to Liam, the boy who ruined her teenage years. Evelyn’s heart ached as the painful memories of Liam's torment flooded back. He had bullied, insulted and disregarded her, leaving behind scars that had never fully healed. Though they’d been married for a year, Evelyn felt like an eternity had