Page 112 of Adoration: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 2)

I pushed on his chest. “Are you hearing yourself?” I screeched at him, causing him to glance around to ensure nobody could hear us. “If he wanted to help, then he should have helped me. Rather than create this circus of a mess. He lied and manipulated. Why does everyone keep lying to me or keeping me in the dark?”

My question sounded desperate and I pushed my hand through my hair frantically. Maxim was desperate to calm me down. “It will work out.”

“No, it won’t,” I hissed back. “There is no chance in hell I am going anywhere with that man. I’m taking Brandon and going back to my place.”

“No, you’re not,” Alexander's voice came behind me and I froze. I turned around slowly and met those cold, icy eyes. I couldn’t believe a mere hour ago his desire consumed me. He made me feel amazing, lost in his passion; all the ugly past and ghosts were forgotten in his kiss. And I loved him! I loved this manipulative, lying, cold man with all my heart, knowing he was breaking it with every breath he took. What was worse, I let him.

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” I snarled at him. “I’d rather die than go anywhere with you, you lying piece of shit.”

This man was cruel. Nothing I’d say or do would ever move him. He had his agenda and manipulated me into doing what he wanted me to do.

“You are not leaving.” His voice or face didn’t hold a hint of emotion. “You and Brandon are part of this family… my family.”

“You don’t own us, Alexander,” I spat out furious. “And I’m not going anywhere with you till you fucking tell me what is going on.”

“What do you want to know?” He was like a cold statue, staring me down.

“Why?” The calmer he was, the more angry I was. My voice shook with fury. “Why insist on this marriage based on lies?”

“You wanted to keep Brandon, and this was the way.”

I sneered at his response. “That is bullshit and you know it!”

“My lawyers looked into possibilities of you keeping Brandon and they confirmed chances were slim,” he replied, calmly. I could totally see how Alexander ruled his company. “If you’d like proof of the correspondence, I’ll be more than happy to send it to you.”

“And the bullshit about your grandfather being ill?” How could I believe him, when he has been lying to me all along? My ears were ringing, I was so mad.

Seconds ticked away while I waited for his response, both of us glaring at each other.

“Livy,” Maxim tried to smooth things out. “The thought of both of you helping each other out was easier for you to accept then just accepting help for your own benefit.”

I knew Alexander didn’t care for Maxim’s help in explaining things when I saw him scowling at his little brother.

“Are you fucking crazy?” I screamed at both of them now. “He fucking lied and manipulated me. He should have been honest.” I returned to glare at my husband that stood in front of me, unmoving, his eyes impassive. “Why do it, Alexander? I want to know what was in it for you!”

His whole posture tensed as he yelled back. “You were in it for me, Liberty! I wanted you and this was my way of getting you. Is it so hard for you to fathom that I’d fall for you? Or that I could love you?”

I was so angry I couldn’t think straight. My blood boiled and no reason could possibly work at this moment. I shouted right back at him.

“I don’t believe a fucking word you are saying. If you cared about me at all, you would have given me honesty and not created this circus of an entrapment.”

Seconds ticked in silence, the tension in the air so thick you could slice it with a knife.

“Go get ready for the reception,” was all he replied, his cold voice and composure back.

“You are a cold bastard,” I hissed “There is no way in hell I’d live in this marriage for the rest of my life like this. Brandon and I deserve better that this.”

An emotion flickered across his beautiful face but I was so blinded with fury, I couldn’t think or see straight.

“It will serve you well to remember we have joint custody, Liberty.” He gritted through his teeth, his control cracking. “I don’t give up on my family.”

I took a step back, feeling like he slapped me. Maxim, forgotten next to me, tried to talk both of us down, but neither one of us paid any attention to him.

“You wouldn’t dare,” I railed back. He cared about Brandon; I was sure of it. He wouldn’t hurt him. My hands shook from anger and fear as I pushed my hair out of my face. “I’m taking him and leaving.”

Alexander stalked towards me, two of us standing toe to toe. From the side of my eyes, I saw Maxim get closer to me. I wasn’t scared of my husband at all. As crazy as it sounded, I knew for certain Alexander would never physically hurt me. My heart, on the other hand, was a different story.

“Don’t push me, wife,” he remarked in a frigid voice, although his eyes burned with anger. “There are clothes for you in the bedroom. Be ready in an hour,” he added and walked away from me without a backward glance.

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