All Chapters of Lovers & Liars : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

*Vivienne*It either had to be the sunlight streaming in through the windows or the unshakable eerie feeling that something was wrong that woke me with a start but, as I blinked my eyes open, it slowly dawned on me why.I was lying in an unfamiliar room— a hotel room from the looks of it. For a moment, I just froze on the bed, my mind slowly going into a destructive overdrive. Fuck… no! It can't be!Squeezing my eyes shut, I subconsciously willed and prepared my body for the onslaught of nausea and the smell of drugs but when nothing of that sort happened and intense silence greeted me instead, I had to force myself back to reality.My hands bunched into fits as I slowly remembered that I was going back to the past. The past that I swore never to go back to.Peeling my eyes back open, I silently took in my surroundings— I was still disoriented and unsure of how I had ended up here. The spacious room was decorated in warm, earthy tones, with rich wood furniture and plush bedding. A l

*Liam*I pulled up to the foundation's headquarters in my sleek, black Tesla Model S, the tinted windows reflecting the morning sun. I stepped out, feeling the warm California air envelop me, and gazed up at the imposing structure. The building's grandeur never failed to impress me - a testament to our foundation's impact and influence.The Pryce Foundation Headquarters is a striking and iconic building located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Standing 15 stories tall, the building commands attention with its sleek, modern design and impressive scale. The exterior is clad in gleaming glass and brushed steel, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding older architecture.I stuffed my left hand into my pocket and walked towards the entrance, my footsteps echoing off the marble floors. “Good morning, Mr. Pryce,” Lexi James, my capable secretary, greeted with a bright smile. Her working tablet firmly clutched in her hand.“I have told you to stop waiting for me out here ev

*Liam*“What do you mean there's another photo of me on the—” I began with a creased forehead only to be cut off by Ryder who placed his work iPad in front of me.“Here,” he said and tapped on the screen lightly. I looked down at the screen, and my frown deepened when I saw an article and a photo of me exiting Vivienne's spa the day the scandal broke out.I had been extra careful that day to avoid the reporters but it seems I was not stealthy enough. I momentarily closed my eyes and rubbed my forehead. “How big is the damage this time around?”Ryder's lips thinned and he raised his glasses higher on his nose with a fingertip. “Bigger than last time. People are now speculating that there might actually be something going on between you two,” he said.I sighed. “Sometimes, I do forget how people are quick to jump to conclusions.”Ryder picked up his iPad from my desk and took a step back. “You were at her spa minutes before the media could get there and you were captured sneaking out.”

*Liam*“Are you sure you're okay, Liam?” Ryder asked with worry in his voice for the tenth time this afternoon as we approached the elevator.I sighed and watched as he retrieved his access card from his pocket and held it up to the card reader mounted next to the elevator buttons.The reader let out a small beep, and the elevator doors slid open with a gentle hum. We both stepped inside the confined space, the air feeling a little bit stale and recycled. I took the card from him and held it up again against the small card reader built into the control panel and then pressed the button for the top floor on the west wing. “I already told you, Ryder,” I drawled with a small smile. “I'm fine.” The elevator doors slid shut with a soft chime and then began it's ascent, which was accompanied by the low, rumbling sound that filled the air. “Like hell you are,” he scoffed beside me.I threw him a side glance. “Don't you think you are overreacting—”“Overreacting?” he snapped, snatching th

*Liam*Life these past few days has been tiring. From Vivienne's accident to having to shoot various photoshoots for many commercials while also fulfilling my duties as the foundation's executive director.Don't get me wrong though. I totally love my job and what I do at the foundation, acting and helping those in need is only time that I actually feel free… and happy. But sometimes, I actually do wish I didn't have to deal with impromptu board meetings as soon as I set foot in the building after meeting up with a donor. “I'm so sorry, Mr. Pryce,” Lexi apologized profusely, probably internally kicking herself for not being able to foresee and handle the meeting schedule.I paused in my strides and turned to face her. “Ms. James,” I called with a smile. “Can you stop beating yourself over this? I already told you it's fine.”She blinked, her head slightly bent in a meek posture. “But—”I raised a hand, efficiently putting a stop to her mumblings. “Ms. James.” I raised an eyebrow at h