Page 4 of The Contract Marriage

Thank you, Liam.

Tyler shrugs irritably. “Other than the bride, I mean. Pay attention.”

“Exactly. By the way, what did you pick?” Brielle says, moving closer to the table.

I tilt my head to see what she’s up to now. She makes sure to bend forward so Liam can’t miss her ass at his eye level, then scootches until she’s practically standing in front of me. Suddenly, she seems to stumble. Her hands snake out to catch herself, knocking over a coffee on my side. The brown liquid spills over the drafts.

Gasping, she lands to her right, over where Liam is. She twists her torso to ensure he can’t miss her breasts bouncing, at the same time swiping a hand over the tabletop as though trying to regain her balance, only to push all the drafts onto the floor.

Sadly, her little performance has failed to move Liam. He watches her the way you’d watch a clown. Relief and warmth well in my heart—he hasn’t changed in the last eight years. Brielle pulled something similar back then when she came to Stanford, ostensibly because she missed me, and Liam treated her like she didn’t merit a single second of his time.

He’s still immune to Brielle, a cool voice in my head whispers. The fact that there’s someone whose behavior is a constant thaws the chill in my heart. Although I have no intention of involving Liam in my plan—I’m not selfish or brave enough to do that—I don’t feel so alone with him around.

Still sprawled at Liam’s feet, Brielle gives me a pitiful look. “Oh my God, you didn’t have to push me. I didn’t mean to upset you by stopping by to give you the lipstick and get my fob.”

Tyler rushes forward and helps her up. “Are you okay?” He turns to me with a dark scowl. “What the hell is wrong with you, Olivia? She’s your sister.”

“Don’t raise your voice at her. She didn’t push her,” Liam says.

“Stay out of this.” He directs his glare back at me. “Don’t you have anything to say?”

“I didn’t push her,” I repeat what Liam just said, except I make my voice shaky—even a little cowed—and avoid his eyes.

Breathing hard, Tyler turns red. “Bullshit! I didn’t realize that you were this kind of person.”

Liam narrows his eyes. “Olivia said she didn’t push her. So she didn’t.”

“What the fuck do you know?” Tyler snaps.

“I can pull up the security footage,” Liam says, pointing at the ceiling.

Brielle suddenly waves a hand. “No, no, no need to trouble yourself. I just…” She sighs before turning to me. “Whatever hard feelings you have, I hope you feel better now.” She pats her palms and knees as though she’s gravely injured.

Who would buy this clumsy farce?

Tyler, actually, because he’s looking at her with what seems to be genuine concern. What an idiot. And he has clients who give him money to manage.

“Why don’t you take her to the ER?” I say. “We can’t have her hurt. The wedding is in less than six weeks, and she’s the maid of honor.”

“Fine,” Tyler says. “But before we go, you need to apologize.”

Is he serious?

Liam tenses, ready to spring to my defense. I put a hand on his lower back, the angle hiding the move from Tyler and Brielle’s view. His muscles tighten until they’re nearly shaking with strain to hold still, but he does.

She runs her hand along Tyler’s arm. “Oh my gosh, that isn’t necessary. It was just an accident. And besides, you know I’m clumsy.” She pouts in what she considers her cute mode.

“See how understanding she is? You need to show some grace.”

My eyes instantly fill with unshed tears. “I’m your fiancée.”

“I know. That’s why I’m trying to mediate between the two of you. Just bend a little and apologize. You always had everything, being older and all.”

Over my dead body. Show or not, I’m not saying sorry to the bitch who killed my mom and my dog. “No. I already told you I didn’t push her.”

“Fine,” Tyler snarls. “You’re really disappointing me, Olivia.”

I let my chin tremble a little. “And you’re hurting me by not taking my side. We’re supposed to be in love.”