Page 29 of Landing Liam

Chapter Twelve

Maggie

I take a deep breath before stepping into The Gallery, a beautiful building nestled at the edge of the town. After some digging, I found out it’s Liam’s family business. They host weekly art shows—mostly featuring local artists from the mountain—but the space is also rented out for weddings, parties, and other big events. It’s warm and inviting, with its high-beamed ceilings, wooden floors, and walls lined with eclectic, colorful art.

I’m not sure poking around Liam’s family is the smartest move. It feels like crossing an invisible line, but I’m desperate. I can’t find a single shred of dirt on him aside from the glaring fact that his taste in ex-girlfriends leaves a lot to be desired. Even Lyla, with all her smugness, painted Liam as a health-obsessed, clean-living guy. It doesn’t add up. Why would someone so meticulous about their body and their career risk everything by doping?

Uh oh. The thought hits me like a speeding car. Am I starting to sympathize with Liam? That’s a slippery slope. I can’t do my job objectively if I’m… feeling things. Wait. Feelings? Do I have feelings for him?

Before I can spiral further, a cheerful voice pulls me out of my thoughts.

“Welcome to The Gallery,” a woman says, her voice warm and bright. I look up to find a dark-haired woman with a striking resemblance to Liam—same sharp cheekbones, same commanding presence, though hers is softer, more approachable. She extends her hand, her smile genuine and inviting. “I’m Mia.”

It clicks immediately—this is Liam’s sister. And, just like that, I feel like I’ve waded even deeper into dangerous waters.

“Hi, I’m…” I hesitate, debating whether to give her my real name or make one up. After a second too long, I settle on a version of the truth. “Margaret.”

Mia’s smile widens, warm and genuine. “Nice to meet you, Margaret.”

Up close, I notice faint dark circles beneath her eyes and a pallor that suggests she might not be feeling her best. Something about her feels… human. Relatable. It makes the whole undercover reporter act a little harder to stomach.

“How are you doing today?” I ask, genuinely curious.

She sighs softly, her shoulders slumping just a bit. “I’m hanging in there.”

“Everything okay?”

Mia waves me off with an elegant flick of her wrist, though the gesture feels more like deflection than dismissal. “Yes, I’m fine. Just feeling a bit under the weather.”

“Oh,” I say quickly, unsure if I should retreat. “I’m sorry to hear that. Should I come back another time?”

Her smile tilts slightly, a mix of amusement and reassurance. She leans in just a little, lowering her voice like she’s about to share a secret. “Can you keep something just between us?”

I nod, intrigued. “Of course.”

She glances over her shoulder briefly before leaning closer. “I’m pregnant.”

My eyes widen in surprise, but I quickly recover. “Really?”

Her grin grows brighter, more genuine. “Yeah.”

“Congratulations,” I say, meaning it.

“Thank you.” Her hand absentmindedly drifts to her stomach, the gesture so natural it tugs at something soft inside me.

For a moment, I forget why I’m here, the weight of my purpose pushed aside by the intimacy of the exchange. Mia feels real, layered, and nothing like the type of person who would knowingly cover for something like doping. But as much as I like her already, I have to remember—I’m not here to make friends.

“Is this your first?” I ask, trying to keep the conversation light and casual, though my mind is racing.

Mia shakes her head, her dark hair swaying with the motion. “No, no. I have a toddler.”

“You’re going to have a full house soon,” I say with a small smile.

“I am,” she beams, her hand brushing her stomach unconsciously. “And I can’t wait.”

The door behind me creaks open, and I instinctively glance over my shoulder, half-expecting Liam to walk in. My stomach tightens at the thought. Instead, a blonde woman who looks strikingly like Mia enters, carrying a harried energy with her.

“Hey, Mom,” Mia calls out, her smile softening further.