The next morning, Liam stirred awake, the warmth of Clara's body pressed against his sending a rush of satisfaction through him. He smiled, gazing down at her as she slept peacefully in his arms, her bare skin glowing in the soft morning light. Unable to resist, he leaned in and brushed his lips against her cheek, trailing slow, tender kisses along her jawline.
Clara's lashes fluttered as she woke, her body still humming from the intensity of the night before. The moment her eyes met Liam's, a blush crept over her cheeks, and she bit her lip, suddenly shy under his heated gaze.
"Last night was incredible," Liam murmured, his voice still thick with sleep. His hand trailed possessively over her hip, pulling her flush against him. "I can't wait to have you like that again… and again."
The heat in his words sent a flush across Clara's skin. She had never imagined Liam could be so… insatiable.
After lingering in bed far longer than they should have, they finally dressed, stealing kisses between each layer of clothing. Liam took Clara home, more determined than ever to speak with Mr. Harper. After last night, he was ready to confirm their wedding arrangement.
But neither of them expected Alex to be sitting at Harper's mansion living room, the very next day after the auction.
"Liam Reynolds," Alex said coolly. "Didn't expect to see you here. Though I suppose we both have similar intentions."
Clara stood frozen, her fingers clutched tightly around the banister. She hadn't expected any of this. Seeing Alex there again felt like déjà vu from a nightmare she thought she'd left behind. She had hoped that by ignoring him, by walking a different path in this life, they'd remain strangers. But now he was here, speaking to her father with that same smooth charm and hidden control, just like she remembered.
Liam turned to Mr. Harper with calmness. "Mr Harper," he said respectfully, "I wanted to speak with you in person. I've given the matter serious thought… and I'm here to tell you that I'm agreeing to the arranged marriage with Clara."
Mr. Harper stood, clearly caught off guard. "Liam, I… didn't expect you this soon—"
"I wanted to be certain first," Liam said, his tone calm but firm, the kind that left no room for doubt. He stood tall in the center of the room, his hand still gently holding Clara's, as though it was the only anchor he needed. "I didn't want to say anything until Clara truly understood how I felt about her… until I was sure she knew I wasn't agreeing to this out of pressure or duty." He turned to her then, his gaze warm and unwavering, voice softening in a way that reached only her. "Clara… I want to be with you. Not because of an arrangement, but because I choose you."
Clara's heart swelled in her chest, emotion rising thick in her throat. She turned to her father, standing beside Liam now, and spoke with quiet strength. "Dad… if you want to know how I feel then hear this. I want Liam too. I've never been more certain of anything."
Across the room, Alex's expression tightened. Clara told herself that Alex was no longer someone whose reaction mattered. Not to her. Not anymore.
Mr. Harper looked between Clara and Liam, his shoulders relaxed for the first time in weeks, and a slow, genuine smile spread across his face. It reached his eyes, softening their tired edges. "Well," he said, exhaling a long, relieved breath. "That settles that."
Alex, who had been standing by the fireplace with a drink in hand, set the glass down with a quiet clink, his movements sharp. "I see," he said coolly, each word laced with bitterness he barely concealed. "Then I won't waste any more of your time."
He adjusted the cuffs of his jacket, turned on his heel, and walked out with the same calculated grace he always carried.
Seeing Alex leaving, Clara was relieved.