Chapter 76
: Hashback Continuation VII
Staring at the mirror, I took in my reflection–an evening gown hugging my figure, so different from the simple clothes I used to wear in Hudson. Even now, I still wasn’t used to it
Aside from the fact that the price of this dress alone could buy a house and lot, I still preferred the summer dresses and jumpsuits I loved wearing at the flower farms
Still, after countless times of dressing up in expensive gowns, shoes, and accessories, I knew this was the life I had to embrace as Mrs. Anderson.
Even though this wasn’t my first time attending an elite party. I couldn’t understand why I felt so nervous and anxious tonight.
1 jolted slightly when I felt a warm embrace from behind. Liam. He held his necktie in one hand, silently asking me to put it on him.
“You’re already gorgeous beautiful……. hmmm, what more? His voice was laced with admiration as he kissed my shoulder blade. “Sexy? Right, that’s the right term–sexy. But don’t you think the neckline of your gown is too low!”
“Should I change? How about the black one instead of this red-
is that what you want?*
I turned to him, meeting his gaze. “What I want”
He nodded his eyes gentle, so different from the cold, haunted look ise had just a week ago. “Yes, what you want”
“What if I tell you, I want to wear my favorite summer dress at the party? I teased him, tilting my head as I looked up at him
He raised an eyebrow and smiled. Then, you should go for it!
I chuckled, gently tapping his cheek before taking the necktie from his hand and turning to face him. “Oh, and what would the headlines befor that! Liam Anderson’s Wife Attends Elite Gala Looking Like She just Came From a Sunday Picnic?”
His low chuckle rumbled through his chest. “I don’t care what they say. Let them talk.”
I looped the tie around his collar, carefully adjusting it as I spoke. “Hmm. you say that now, but I can already picture the headlines. Is Mr. Anderson’s Wife Unft for High Society? Or worse—A Billionaire’s Wife Who Doesn’t Know How to Dress Appropriately.”
Liam smirked. “Let them write what they want. They don’t get to define you.”
Toit my lip, meeting his gaze as I tightened the knot on his the. “Maybe… but I don’t want to embarrass you?
His hands found my waist, p
pulling me in just enough for me to feel the warmth of his body. You could never embarrass me, dolcezza. If anything, I think they should be jealous,”
I raised an eyebrow. “Jeans”
“Because I have you” His voice was low, almost a whisper, as his fingers traced the curve of my waist. “And they don’t”
“Now, my wife is blushing at her husband’s flattery. He teased, lowering his head, his lips brushing against my eat.
I pressed my palm against his chest as I finished straightening his tie. “Stop it, Mr. Anderson, or we’re going to be late for this party
“It doesn’t matter if we’re late. As long as we show up, we can even have a quickie
“Liam Anderson!”
He chuckled. “Fine, fine, I was just kidding. We can do that later tonight
“Whatever, I said, shaking my head, still feeling the warmth on my face.
As I reached for my clutch, Liam caught my wrist and pulled me back into his arms. His gaze darkened, his expression turning serious
“Camille,” he murmured, his thumb brushing over my wrist. “Whatever happens tonight just stay close to me?
“Liam, is something wrong!
He shook his head. “No. I just want to keep you close.”
“Of course, I’ll stay close to you. I’m your date,” 1 winked and smiled, though his words sent a chill down my spine.
Chapter 76
I couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight was going to be different
Hat Jenny is she going to be there with Matt! I miss her. She’s not replying to my messages, and she hasn’t posted any new updates about her and Toby. She used to send me Toby’s baby pictures—”
I stopped talking when I felt Liam’s body tense beside me as we descended the stairs. His arm, which I was holding, stiffened, and his grip on my hand tightened slightly
“Liam, is everything okay with Matthew and Jenny!”
He cleared his throat. “They won’t be there. They’re kind of busy with Toby.”
1 nodded, wondering when I would reach that phase–getting busy with a newborn baby. But I don’t think it was the right time for that
As we stepped outside, a cold shiver crawled up my
spine.
Liam’s security had doubled–no, tripled. Their dark suits and earpieces were expected, but now, I could see the unmistakable bulge of firearms beneath their jackets. Some didn’t even bother to hide them.
My fingers instinctively curled around Liam’s hand. “Liam why are there so many bodyguards?“
His grip tightened as he led me down the steps, his expression unreadable. “Just a precaution.”
1 fell silent, knowing that wasn’t entirely true. At first, I thought Liam’s wealth and power were the reasons behind all the security,
But now, I knew better.
I knew the truth–the life he lived beyond the polished image of Liam Anderson, the billionaire. He was the head of something dangerous, something that had nothing to do with boardrooms and business deib,
An organization. Something I had only read and heard about but never expected to be a part of
Yes. I consider myself to be part of the organization Liam told me about
Because I am his wife. I am Mrs. Anderson.
Liam hadn’t told me the details yet–only that it was complicated and brutal–but I could read between the lines
And right now, I could see it all around me.
As we slid into the car, Liam exhaled slowly, his hand settling on my waist as he pulled me closer. “There’s nothing you need to worry about, dolcezza. Everything’s fine”
If that’s what you say.
Instead of voicing my doubts, I nodded and leaned my head on his shoulder.
The car moved smoothly along the highway, the city lights flickering past the tinted windows.
1 barely noticed
My fingers moved quickly over my phone screen as I texted Grandma.
Noah said you caught a cold and flu. Did you take your medicine? Are you resting! Please reply, Grandma.”
aw she hadn’t read my last few messages.
I bit my lip, worried when I saw
Beside me, Liam was also engrossed in his phone, his brows furrowed in concentration. He had barely spoken since we left.
Then, without warning, the car slowed to a stop.
I frowned and looked up.” “Why did we stop?”
Liam didn’t answer immediately, still focused on his phone
I turned to the driver, but before I could ask, the door beside Liam opened, and one of his bodyguards, Mason, leaned in
“Sir, we need to switch car
Liam finally put his phone down and nodded as if this was completely normal. He turned to me, his expression calm. “Come on, dolcezza. The car broke down.”
broke down?” I looked around, noticing that we were stove barrier. The other vehicles in our convoy had alın stopp
Something didn’t feel right.
- middle of the highway, with Lum’s security trai
eill. Liam stepped out of the car firit, his posture relaxed. Then he nimed back, offering me his hand.
1heutated for a second before placing my hand in his, letting him guide me nut
Another car was already waring–deck, black, and almost identical to the one we had just left
we’re late.” I said to Liam as we stepped into the hotel where the party was being held.
Liam didn’t say a word. He remained silent, just as he had been ever since we left the house. I couldn’t help but wonder if something was wrong
“Lum, is everything okay-”
“Yes. How many times do I need to tell you that, Camille? Everything’s fine”
His sharp tone made me stop mid–sentence. He halted in his tracks as if he immediately regretted snapping at me.
He sighed and reached out, gently caressing my cheek. Im sorry, dolcezza. Just stop asking if something’s wrong–because there isn’t. Let’s just enjoy the night, all night?”
I nodded, suddenly feeling like I had been annoying him by asking the same question over and over.
Forting a smile, I slipped my hand around his arm. “I can dance better now Jenny’s a good teacher.”
A small smirk tugged at his lips. “I can’t wait to see that” he said after another brief silence.
But the moment we stepped into the grand ballroom, I felt it
The attention. The whispers. The lingering gazes.
I was used to it being Liam Anderson’s wife meant being constantly watched, scrutinized and judged. But tonight it felt different.
I wasn’t sure why, but something about the atmosphere made my skin prickle.
Then, I saw the reason for their stres
My twin–Gallie.
just a few feet away bride our father, George
She stood just a
swallowed hard, realizing with a jolt that our gowns were almost identical. I had only seen her in pictures. The last time I saw her in person was when our parents split up Mom took me to Hudson, and Callie stayed with Dad
Our eyes met.
She united and walked toward us with effortless grace. Poised. Elegant.
Everyone was watching ber–watching us.
We were identical in every way. Same features. Same height
It was like looking into a mirror
But then, I noticed the difference.
Негеу
They weren’t like mine.
I had inherned our mother’s eyes—a rare and striking color that set me apart. I had even worn contact lenses when I first met Liam,
Because back then, 1
I was supposed to be her.
Chapter 761
She said his name softly, and Thraced myself for Liam’shock.
It was as if he had expected Callic to be here
“Calliope=“Liam inuimuted
My heart stopped when Callie leaned in–offering him a hug and a
Tm back, Liam. I’m sorry.” she whispered.
But Liars was still holding me, and we were close. Thirard her.
1 turned my gaze to my husband.
And then my heart started beating agam,
Because Liam, umileil at her.
