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Bianca
"You've got no right to dictate what happens here, we're gonna pick her up, and that's final," my husband, Liam, shot the words at me, gripping the wheel tightly, and I went mute.
We had to address the elephant in the room.
Kira Wilson.
Liam's childhood friend, whom he took dearly as a sister.
It's been three months since Liam and I got married, and not felt a single feeling of true marital bliss.
We were on our way to the grand opening of the Smith Towers, a new subsidiary largely owned by my father-in-law Frederick Smith. This was our first event together as a couple and Liam insisted that Kira joins our ride.
What was it with Kira?
We arrived at her residence and without a single word to me, Liam jumped out and headed into the house. Moments later he walked up to the car hand in hand with Kira, both of them laughing loudly at God knows what, and my stomach churned.
"Hi Bianca, it's good to see you. You look lovely." Kira said, her smile dripping with sarcasm.
"Same here, Kira. You look lovely too," I responded, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm sorry if we kept you waiting. Liam is quite a handful, he always has me cracking up at his endless jokes." She giggled mockingly.
My chest tightened at her words, and I forced a weak smile. I never knew Liam to be funny or lighthearted. Since our marriage, he'd shown me nothing but disdain.
This woman didn't just try to taunt me. I swallowed the words and I looked away.
"We should get going now, else we would be running late and my Dad isn't gonna have that," Liam said, breaking the heavy silence as he yanked the back door open for Kira, something he had never done, not even once, for me.
We arrived at the venue, and Liam and I held hands as we walked into the hall. I was glad he held my hands, not Kira's, I glanced around but didn't see her anywhere. I let out a quiet sigh.
We got into the hall and were welcomed by a crowd of enthusiastic guests, and we exchanged pleasantries.
Fredrick made a toast to Liam and me, celebrating our marriage.
We were directed to the poolside for the after-party. Liam quickly excused himself to mingle with a few business associates, leaving me alone to take in the beautiful surroundings. I stood by the pool, staring into the gently rippling water like it held all the answers I needed, my fingers wrapped tightly around my glass.
"Hey, Bianca," a female voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned and it was Kira.
She stood stylishly, facing me, arms folded across her chest, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"I assume you're enjoying the party?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I believe you're as well," I responded calmly, still clutching my glass tightly, now with both hands.
"Oh, Bianca," she said taking a few steps closer to me, "I know why you're here" She smiled pleasantly, but her eyes said otherwise.
"We're all here for a party Kira," I said, tilting my head slightly.
"You damn well know what I mean," she said leaning close to my ear. "Here's some advice, maybe it's best to turn back before things get tangled," she whispered into my ear.
Her words hit me like a bombshell, this woman had just threatened me I knew I had to defend myself.
"Are we still talking about the party?" I asked sharply, my fingers tightening around my glass.
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