I take a deep breath running my hands down on my dress. The smooth expensive silk feels like water, the crimson dress hugging my waist and falling till my knees. An elegant semi-sweetheart neckline held up with ribbon straps showing off my slender shoulder and collarbone
The Christian Louboutin heels compliment my look. I still can't decide if I should wear So Kate or go with platform heels. But considering the event I should just go with these as it's more elegant.
Slightly brushing my hair I glance at my look, rethinking if it's presentable. I turn to the side, observing myself from every angle. I keep my hand on my chest trying to calm my racing heart but I am so nervous
Today is Christmas, Liam's mom held a grand celebration for this day inviting all of her close family and friends. Including me
This is the first time I will meet her face to face. Oh God, I don't wanna mess this up. Everything should go perfectly and smoothly, I don't wanna embarrass Liam by doing anything stupid because of my nervousness.
A knock on the door grabs my attention "may I come in?" Liam asks. I had to send him to another room to get ready while I use our room, I wanted to surprise him with this dress and only wanted to show him on the day. He was a bit grumpy about the fact I was hiding this dress
"Yeah, I am ready" I say looking into the mirror. The door slowly opens and Liam peeps inside, his eyes goes forward looking for me but the mirror is to the left side of the door so he didn't notice me yet. I clear my throat to grab his attention, his head snaps in my direction and a smile forms on his face. He steps inside the room walking towards me
I take in his attire. His impressive figure in that sleek and chic black suit, the tailoring enhancing his tall and toned frame. The crimson tie in his neck which matches my dress is a vibrant texture against the black attire.
He is too much for me to handle
I snuck in my breath for a second looking at him, that small smile on his face making me forget about my anxiousness.
"I think I am God's favorite person" He says, stepping closer to me. I keep my hands behind my back "oh really, why do you think so?" I ask
He sighs softly and wraps his arm arm around my waist pulling me towards his chest "Because he has blessed me with his most beautiful creation" Liam whispers in a smooth voice
I chuckle, placing my hand on his shoulder caressing the soft material "how do you never fail to give me the best compliments" I say, in a low whisper. Liam shrugs his shoulders and presses his forehead against mine "it just happens naturally when you are with me" he replies
For a few seconds we remain in the same position, looking into each other's eyes. Liam takes my hand in his and rubs my knuckles "Nervous because you are meeting your role model?" He asks
I smile, shaking my head, I place my hand on his cheek "Nervous because I am meeting my boyfriend's mother" I reply. If I was going to meet Emily Carter as my role model today I would be excited instead but this is different, I am meeting his family "what if she doesn't like me?"
He rubs my arms in a comforting manner "I understand your nervousness , but she knows how important you are to me. She is a human and a mother before being Emily Carter the founder of NYX. She will love you" he assures
"Do I look good enough?" I ask
He chuckles and spins me so I face the mirror while he hugs me from behind "Look at yourself" he whispers, nuzzling his face in the crook of my neck, I shrud and take a look at myself. Liam's eyes are on me as we make an eye contact through the mirror
"Like the Heavens and Earth collided, a fairytale like you came alive" He whispers, causing me to feel butterflies, the fluttery feeling turns my cheeks red, making him smirk a little. His fingertips trace across my neck gently. I shiver under his touch and try to move forward but he holds my waist, pressing my back to his chest.
His fingers slowly pull down the ribbon strap of my right shoulder and leans to press butterfly kisses on my shoulder and neck. Making me gasps "As much as I love seeing you in this dress, I would love it more when I take it off" He whispers nibbling on my earlobe
Oh God-
Why does he say all these when we are just about to leave?
I keep my palm on his jaw gently pushing him away "Call down Mr. Williams, we have a party to attend" I remind him. He slightly groans and nods, stepping back. I smile as he helps me fix my dress and hair as they were before
One of his best qualities
Liam's eyes go to my lips and he leans forward, I keep my hand on his chest again trying to stop him "I spent some good amount of time on this look. So no kissing" I say
He scrunches his eyebrows at my words, he sighs "fine" and presses a kiss on my forehead "ready to leave?" He asks. I was about to nod but I remembered something. I quickly went towards the bed and pick up the two purses and showed them to him "which one?"
He keeps his fingers on his chin looking at both carefully "What are the pros and cons?" He asks . I lift the smaller crimson coloured purse "It matches my dress but doesn't have enough space to keep my makeup" I comment. Lifting the other purse which is a bit larger but has a light red color "It has good holding capacity but doesn't match my dress"
He hums in response and walks towards me and takes the crimson purse "This one, it matches your dress well"
I keep the other red purse down and take the crimson one from him "but it's too small" I say and keep my phone in it and it's already stuffed. "Where will I keep my makeup?" I whine, when you are going to an event, party or gathering keeping touch up is necessary
Girl problems
"What do you need to keep?" Liam asks, I go to the closet and pick out my makeup which is necessary "My lipstick, compact powder and oh! Mascara too" I say trying to put them in the purse if they all keep falling.
Liam chuckles at my attempt and grabs the things before they fall and break "I will keep them" he says and opens his coat buttons and puts my makeup in the inset pocket
My eyes widened in surprise, I didn't expect him to do that "really? Are you okay with carrying them all night?"
He nods "yeah why not, plus I don't think your makeup will last while I am with you tonight" he says with a smirk. I look away trying to hide my face at his suggestive words "Okay I am waiting for you outside!" I say and quickly rush out before he does something
As I walk towards the main door I hear him call out "i think you should keep the concealer too!" He says with a teasing tone
â
The grand hall is filled with numerous people whom I don't even know, I could recognise some well known faces yet I am still unfamiliar with them. A large Christmas tree decorated at the corner of the hall surrounded by bright lights and eye-catching decorations. The long tables on each sides of the hall set for buffet
Again there are many people here, that's what I don't like about the parties. I take a deep breath preparing myself for the night, Liam keeps my hand in his in a gentle hold.
He is beside me, everything will be right
"What do you wanna do first?" He asks, looking at me with a small smile. I press my lips together looking around the place trying to find Jasmine, as she is also supposed to come tonight. Will searching my eyes land on the dessert table which is filled with delicious looking sweets
Liam's eyes follow mine and he chuckles "let's go" he says pulling me with him towards the table. My stomach grumbles as the luscious smell hits my nose, I quickly pick up the strawberry tart and take a bite, I hum when the sweet taste melts in my mouth. I take another quick bites
"Were you hungry?" Liam asks, looking at my pace of eating. I nod "yeah, I didn't eat breakfast properly and skipped lunch-" I pause realizing what I blurred out. I look at him to see an expression of disbelief "You did what? Why don't I know about it? You have been starving since morning?" He rambles all the questions at me.
I look down guilty, I was really nervous the whole day that I just couldn't make myself swallow any food so I was just on liquid and Liam doesn't like it when I don't eat properly. As soon as I saw the desserts I just couldn't hold myself due to hunger
"You are not moving from here until you eat properly" He says in a stern tone "I am bringing you something" As he was about to walk i quickly keep the tart aside and hold his arm "no! I just needed some sugar I am alright, I don't wanna eat before meeting others" I say pleading him
He sighs and stops "okay but eat some more, you are hungry" he says giving me the tart. I smile and continue eating it. Oh i love sweets
As he was about to say something I heard someone calling my name, I turned to see Jasmine running towards me. Her long green dress which is fitted perfectly to her body and her black hair that compliments the look. I can see the scarf she kept on her neck giving the western look the hint of Indian taste
"chérie!" She says with an excited smile. Liam quickly takes the tart from me and steps away. The next moment Jasmine is hugging me practically squeezing my limbs. "I missed you!"I say "No, I missed you more!" She sings , I laugh and hug her back enjoying her warm welcome. Because we aren't living in the dorm we rarely see each other. That's why it's nice to finally see her
She breaks the look and gasps looking at me "Damn- you look hotter than the cherry on cake" she says, in a playful tone making me giggle. "look who's speaking", I tease and hold her finger and spin her taking a better look at the outfit "captivating as emerald in light" I compliment making her smile
Liam stands there holding my tart smiling at our interaction. Jasmine and Liam make eye contact and give each other a fist bump before stepping back "doing good?" Jasmine asks. Liam nods "As always"
Jasmine turns towards me and holds my hands "You know I have so much tea to spill, like really" she says excitedly. I chuckled and nod, I know she has the most interesting topics "oh before that, I wanna know what you did that Lucas was so angry on our call last time?" I ask with curiosity
She gives me a proud smile "Nothing, He has too many white shirts. I just dyed them pink" she says with a wink. I gasp in disbelief "Jasmine!"
She shrugs her shoulders "what should I do? You know what he did with me? A while ago I was sleeping peacefully and I felt something lick my face when I opened my eyes. I saw a kitten sitting on me playing with my hair!" She grunts
But that's so cute!
She look at my expressions and sighs "I know it's cute but that little kitty seriously tore the pillows! And it's not just any cat, it's a Maine coon!" She explains, making me surprised. A maine coon? Wow "that's my revenge" she says with a smirk
Liam shakes his head and sighs at his words. I thought he would say something but he just munches on my tart not caring about all this
That's when I notice Lucas walking towards us, in a black tuxedo keeping a straight face. He stands behind Jasmine "Aunt Lia is looking for you" he says making Jasmine jump in surprise. She turns towards him "When did you come!" She asks glaring at him
He gives her a slight smirk "I am a fox, I know how to sneak up" he says in a sarcastic way. Jasmine scoffs "At least now you acknowledge your species" she mocks. "I will come back in a while, let's eat together afterwards" Jasmine excuses herself and walks away with a last death glare at Lucas, he just stands with hands in his pocket smirking at her
As Jasmine disappears, Lucas turns to Liam and gives him a side hug, mumbling something to him to which Liam laughs and pats his back. Lucas steps away from him and looks at me "we didn't have a formal introduction, I am lucas" he says, forwarding his hand.
"Stella, nice to meet you" I say with a small smile and shake his hand for a second before he releases it. Lucas nods "Nice to meet you too, we will be seeing each other more now" he says and I nod. Well he is Liam's brother so yeah I guess
"I have to excuse myself, hope you enjoy the party. Sister in law" Lucas comments and smirks at Liam before walking away. I look at him dumbfounded when he calls me sister in law and Liam chokes on the tart. I quickly grab a water bottle from the table and open it, passing it to him "That guy!" Liam groan and gulps the water
I chuckle rubbing his back, understanding the sibling teasing. It's rare to see Liam flustered or speechless and whenever that happens I love it.
"Are you okay?" I ask and he nods.
As many people start gathering near the dessert table, I quickly eat a pastry and move away from there not wanting to be in a crowd. Liam and I walk around the hall trying to search for his mother. Suddenly my eyes stop when I see a familiar figure.
Kathy!
The red dress which she wore ruffles, hugged her figure perfectly. The neckline dipped just enough to be elegant, adorned with the sparkling necklace that perfectly twinkled her whole appearance. She walks towards me with her signature sweet smiles
And there was her boyfriend Ryan Carter, following her in his black tuxedo perfectly fitted around his body, and the red shirt underneath complemented the suit perfectly and the open collar made him look more handsome
"Hey, my dear" I greet her and hug her. She giggles wrapping her arms around me "Hey, Stellie. Merry Christmas" she greets back, breaking the hug "How are you doing? Did you have a safe trip?" I ask
She nods "yeah, It was long but I was so excited to see you again" she reveals. I giggle at her words "Yeah me too!" I say
Kathy Miller, a dietitian from New York. I met her when Liam and I went to New York for Evan and Eleanor's engagement party. We met and instantly clicked realizing our same interest. She is one of the sweetest person I met and her talent in her field is something to praise
My eyes go to her right side where her boyfriend is standing with a straight face. Liam takes a step forward and stands beside me. They both look at each other with a straight face not speaking or moving.
Ryan Carter, one of the well known CEO in NYC, I don't know much about him as I didn't interact with him last time. I only saw him smile at Kathy only and no one else.
For some reason, Liam and Ryan didn't seem to get along and that explains the awkward silence. I look at Kathy to see that she is also looking at both of them, I nudge Liam and whisper "greet him!"
Kathy pulls Ryan towards her, he bends his head a bit lower to match his girlfriend's height as she whispers something to him. Both the men keep looking at each other for a few more seconds before Liam clears his throat "Hello, Carter" he says with a tight smile
Ryan also smiles, more like being forced to smile "Hello, Williams" he says in the same tone.
I look at them blinking at their awkward greeting. Kathy and my hands are still interlocked as I turn to face her "What in the twisted series is happening here?" I comment. Because this looks like the scene how twisted men greet each other
Didn't think it would feel like this to see it out of paper
"I think we should go somewhere else" Kathy suggests as she also looks confused with her boyfriend's behavior "yeah good idea" I quickly agree and start walking with her. Liam and Ryan's heads snaps in our direction noticing that we are leaving
"My love, where are you going?" Ryan calls Kathy in a soft tone
"Freckles, where are you going?" Liam calls me in a low voice
They turn to glare at each other again as they spoke the same words. Kathy and I sigh in reunion as we walk a bit away from them
"I was waiting to see you," I say, smiling at her. Kathy's expressions also change to a soft one "yeah me too!"
As we were talking I could notice our boyfriends standing at a distance side by side. Keep their gaze on us respectively. I lean closer to Kathy "don't they look like bodyguards?" I ask and she laughs "Oh Yes, those black outfits aren't helping!" She agrees as we both giggle
Liam and Ryan stand there with straight expressions and no moment. For a minute I would take them for actual bodyguards
"Is Liam always thisâ¦.hmâ¦" Kathy hesitates how to say the word so I won't get offended "Awkward? No! He is fine not much talkative nor silent" I explain, even I don't understand what happens to him around Ryan "I don't know what's wrong today" I say "what about Ryan?" I ask
Kathy sighs "even I don't know! Like yeah he doesn't talk much and is a bit conserved. But this?" She gestures to her man's behavior "This is indescribable "
"But I can notice the way he behaves around you" I say in a playful tone "How?" She asks, looking at me with a frown. I chuckle "you know with those dreamy eyes like you are his world" I reply. She looks down, but i catch the cute blush on her face "aww look at you" I tease bumping her shoulder with mine gently
"Oh I can't wait for the wedding" I sing trying to tease her more "gonna be the best one in New York" I comment. "Okay stop!" She says in a soft tone, blushing a mess. My heart melts seeing her in love
She looks forward and then back at me again "have you seen your man?" She says, I frown and turn to look at liam. I am surprised to see that Ryan and Liam seem to be talking about something but we can't hear.
My heart skips a beat when I notice that his eyes are on me while talking to Ryan. His gray eyes soften when our eyes meet and for a split second I feel the world disappearing.
Even in the room of unfamiliar faces, somehow we always find each
I quickly turn away trying to calm my racing heart.
"Look who's blushing now," Kathy says, teasing me. "In conclusion, our men are whipped for us" she says with pride. I chuckle and nod "and we are the luckiest to have them in our lives" I complete the sentence
The awkward silence is really something
Ryan stands beside me keeping a small distance as we both look at Kathy and Stella talking to each other. They are enjoying their time laughing and giggling whereas we both are stuck together here
I should probably say something
"Sydney's weather is different from New York" I comment, Ryan snaps out of his thoughts and looks at me surprised "oh yeah, it's different" he replies in a casual tone
Silence yet again
"What's your favorite color?" Ryan breaks the silence, I look at him and raise my eyebrow at that random question "Hm black?" I reply, why the hell am I hesitating? "That was random" I mutter under my breath but he catches it "Well my girlfriend said to have a conversation with you. I am trying" He sighs
I am in the same situation, it was Stella who asked me to make a conversation with him when we didn't even talk properly last time!
"I understand you" I nod, my eyes still fixed on Stella taking in every action and moment she makes. Suddenly she turns and makes eye contact with me, i give her a small smile but she just turns away.
What?
A waiter stands near me with a tray of mocktails "Drink?" I ask Ryan, he looks at me and notices the tray and nods. I grab two glasses and pass one to him. We both gotta drive back so it's better to stay off Alcohol for now
"Thanks for coming, Stella is really happy to see Kathy" I say appreciating his visit. Putting his work aside and traveling for a long distance for a Christmas party is a big effort. "Mention not, Kathy was excited to come here too" he replies sipping his drink
We go in complete silence enjoying the mocktail, looking at our women while they are talking and vibing with each other. Like how? They met only once yet they are talking like long lost sisters.
At least Stella's happy
"Soâ¦. How's work?" I ask, trying to continue the conversation. He looks at me thinking "Hm good" he replies. I groan rubbing my face with my palm "This is so awkward!"
He nods "couldn't agree more"
"Maybe we should just stay silent and watch them?" I suggest. He hums in response "As in you watching Stella and me watching Kathy right?"
"Yeah, right" I confirm. We sigh and turn back standing side by side like some statues in a garden. I notice Stella and Kathy hugging each other indicating it's time for goodbye.
"It was nice meeting you" Ryan says, forwarding his hand. I shift my glass to the left one and take his hand and shake it "Same here. Maybe we'll meet again?" I say, that won't happen but why not?
We both stare at each other with straight face
"I don't think so" he comments
"Me neither" I agree
He nods and walks back to Kathy and Stella walks towards me. They both make eye contact giving each other a small smile. Stella laughs and hugs me "I am so sorry to put you in that situation" she says caressing my head
I sigh softly hugging her back "I received a hug so it's alright"
"Sorry to interrupt the cute moment but" a voice interrupts us, Stella quickly breaks the hug and fixes her hair a little. I frown and turn around to see the reason, mom stands in front of me with a small smile "Merry Christmas mom" I say giving her a small hug. She pats my back "Merry Christmas"
Stella stands beside me fidgeting with her fingers, I take her hand in mine pulling her forward gently "Let me introduce you to my girlfriend, Stella" I say. "Hello ma'am," Stella says, trying to keep her smile. I stand behind her rubbing her back gently, her shoulders relax a bit
"Oh no ma'am and all here. Just Emily" Mom says and hugs Stella. I couldn't help but chuckle at her shocked expressions, my mom looks at me and gives me a nod 'she is beautiful' she mouths
"Now it's a merry Christmas" Mom says breaking the hug and looks at Stella "Liam always talks about you, now I understand why" she comments. Making Stella's natural smile appear again. "Let me have some time with her" Mom says, looking at me. I glance at Stella to make sure she is comfortable with it. Stella nods. "Sure, I will see you soon" I say and they both walks somewhere else leaving me alone
I miss her warmth
"Missing her already?" Aunt Lia says standing beside me with a teasing smile. I chuckle "Aunt lia" . I address her by giving her a side hug. She pinches my cheek a little like always, her way of greeting
"I remember you first introduced her as 'just a friend' and then she became your date and now girlfriend. I can't wait for the next step" she says suggesting me
I sigh, shaking my head "that'sâ¦.. I don't know "I mumble looking down. She frowned "why not? You both love each other so proposing isn't bad"
"It's not about that" I say looking at Stella who stands at a distance and talks to mom "She is young and has many dreams she wants to achieve. Plus we have been dating for a few months, no matter how much I love her, I don't wanna rush things making her confused'' I explain
I know what Stella wants to achieve even though she doesn't say it. I won't leave a chance to make her my wife. That would be a privilege but I need to remember her needs too
I clench my fist as I feel my hands shaking "most importantly I am scared of rejection
Aunt lia's eyes softens "Oh Liam"
She keeps her hand on my shoulder "Look at her" she asks and I divert my gaze to Stella, to my surprise I find her already looking at me "She is in front of the person whom she admires the most and yet, her eyes are on you" Aunt Lia says
For a moment I forget everything happening around me and look at her. Stella stands there confidently and all her anxiety vanishes as if it wasn't even there in the first place. She keeps smiling at me before turning to mom as she says something
"There's no way she will reject you. But just take your time, as I always say to take decisions calmly" Aunt lia advices and I nod "I will keep that in mind, you can count on me" I say trying to change the mood
My aunt looks at me with an expression which i couldn't read, proudness? "What" I ask
She shakes her head "Nothing, just realized the little Liam has grown up to be a man who knows how to be responsible"
I smile, few of the memories of my childhood goes through my head at her words. She keeps smiling but I can see the hint of sadness behind her smile "so what if I don't have kids? I have the best niece and nephews to make me happy. Oh not to mention Stella and Jasmine too" she says with a playful tone making me chuckle and nod.
Aunt Lia is happier having Jasmine around keeping her company
"She looks beautiful right?" I breathe out looking at her, the way she is dressed in that red dress that could give competition to rubies. I would never get tired of that smile of hers
Aunt Lia chuckles, making me look at her confused. She stops and smiles "Nothing,I just realized that you treat Stella the same way James treated Emily" she says making me think for a while
"Really? I never realized that" I mutter, I know how much mom and dad loved each other. Every bit of their moments, dad bringing mom flowers casually, mom cooking dad's favorite food randomly, them dancing with each other every weekend for fun
"Seeing you both is like seeing the younger version of your parents" Aunt Lia adds making me smile in relief
â
We all have dinner together, Stella seemed more comfortable around aunt Lia and mom, surprising she even became close to mia. Jasmine and Lucas were still bickering while we ate and Aunt lia continued to make their videos
After a long time of having so many people around us I was finally alone with Stella as she ate dessert. I rub her back gently "Everything went well" I say
She smiles at me and nod "yeah, I am grateful for it" she finishes her dinner and steps closer to me "Thank you, I was really nervous but not anymore more because of you" she says and peck my cheek making me chuckle. "I love you" she whisperes caressing my cheek. I keep her palm "I love you too"
As I was about to say more, my eyes fall on the entrance and notice the guest I was waiting for. I slowly turn Stella to face them, her eyes widened when she sees her brothers entering the venue "Did you invite them?" She questions
I hum "It's not a Christmas without family, Go" I whisper, gesturing her to meet them. I know that the last two Christmases didn't go well at her house because of misunderstandings. So I thought to invite Ethan and Henry, I knew they would be a bit late because Sebastian also had a Christmas celebration and they couldn't come here because of our families conflicts
Mom didn't mind it neither did Aunt lia. The only person they dislike is Sebastian Miller not his family
Stella quickly rushes to her brothers, she first hugs Henry and he ruffles her hair. Ethan keeps a stern expression, he looks at me and nods as a form of greeting. Stella hugs Ethan next, he looks at her surprised but hugs her back. And finally smiles
"Liam?" Mom calls me, I turn to face her, my eyes go on the envelope she is holding. I sigh in relief that it is ready "It has everything, the contract and also the apology" She says passing it to me. I take the envelope and look at it, finally I can give it to her
"Is it Stella's Christmas present?" Mom asks and I nod "she will love it" mom says
I hope so too
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Author's Note
Sorry for late update but here I am with a Collab chapter with my dear bestie Authorashy ð
Kathy Miller & Ryan Carter are characters from her book 'Lost you, Found him' my favourite one!! Y'all definitely need to try it . And Liam and Stella will also make an appearance in her book so stay tuned ð¤
As many of you requested, I am trying to extend some moments of sol. But many of you want Jasmine's and Lucas's Book too but you have to wait until sol finishes cause I can't rush .....
I understand I am updating really late but please understand that I have a personal life too. Keep it in mind I am not an all time writer ð¤
Voting target - 500+ votes & 250+ comments
-have a nice day) night ð