Title: Falling Through Shadows

Chapter 4: An Unexpected Proposal

Liam's POV

It was a quiet morning when Liam heard the familiar click of heels echoing down the hallway. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, already feeling a pang of irritation mixed with anticipation. His mother rarely visited him without a reason, and he knew it was likely something he wouldn't be pleased about. But today, it seemed, she'd come with something particularly important on her mind.

"Liam, darling!" His mother's voice was warm yet commanding as she entered the room, her gaze sharp as she took in his appearance. "I'm glad to see you're up and working, but we need to have a serious discussion."

Liam groaned inwardly but forced a smile. "Good morning, Mother. What's this about?"

She settled into a chair across from him, her expression softening for a moment. "Liam, you're not getting any younger, and neither am I. Your father and I want grandchildren, and we can't wait forever. The board is also growing impatient—they're looking for stability, and that includes having a family man at the helm. They want an heir, Liam. If you don't settle down soon, your share in the company might be... reconsidered."

Liam's jaw tightened, a sharp sense of irritation bubbling beneath the surface. "Are you seriously telling me I'll lose my position if I don't... get married and have kids?"

"Yes," his mother replied calmly. "Your father and I think it's time you grew up and embraced responsibility, Liam. We're not saying you have to fall in love. Just find someone who can play the part of your partner, someone you can trust."

Liam's mind raced. He'd never thought of marriage as anything more than a distant obligation, something to avoid for as long as possible. But as he looked across the room, an idea began to form, and his gaze drifted toward the kitchen, where Elara was cleaning, oblivious to the conversation.

"Elara," he muttered under his breath, his mind working quickly. She'd been desperate for shelter and food; perhaps she'd agree to this... arrangement. Besides, it was temporary—just long enough to please his parents and the board.

Elara's POV

Elara was polishing the dining table when she heard Liam's voice calling her name. She quickly set down the cloth and straightened up, making her way to the living room, curious and a little apprehensive. As she entered, she was surprised to find Liam standing there with a strange look in his eyes, his mother watching her with a scrutinizing gaze.

"Elara," Liam began, his tone uncharacteristically serious, "I need to ask you for a favor."

She glanced between him and his mother, feeling nervous. "Of course, sir. What is it?"

Liam's mother raised an eyebrow but kept silent, letting him continue. Liam took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. "My parents want me to settle down and get married. They're... insisting on it, actually. And if I don't, I could lose my share in the family business."

Elara's eyes widened, processing what he was saying. Marriage? And what did this have to do with her?

Liam's gaze turned coldly calculating as he continued. "So, I'm asking you to pretend to be my fiancée. Just for a few months, until this... crisis is over. We'll stage an engagement, maybe even a quick wedding, and once things settle down, we'll go our separate ways. I'll make sure you're well-compensated."

Elara's mouth fell open, her heart pounding in shock. She'd never expected something like this. "You... you want me to pretend to be your fiancée? To go along with a fake marriage?"

"Yes," he replied, his tone steely. "This isn't a request, Elara. It's something I need, and it will benefit you, too. You wanted a roof over your head and food on the table. This will secure that for you—and you'll be handsomely paid in return."

She hesitated, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts. But she realized she didn't really have much of a choice. She had nowhere else to go, and this arrangement, strange as it was, would provide her the stability she'd been searching for. "Fine," she whispered, nodding slowly. "I'll... I'll do it."

Liam's mother clapped her hands, a pleased smile lighting her face. "Wonderful! We'll start with a formal engagement party, and the two of you will need to take some photos together."

Elara felt her cheeks flush as Liam's mother continued, "I want at least one good picture of you two kissing, for the announcement. The board needs to believe that this relationship is real."

Elara's heart pounded even faster, but she tried to remain calm. Liam, meanwhile, merely gave a resigned nod. "Understood."

Later That Day: The Photoshoot

They arranged a small photoshoot in the mansion's garden, with a hired photographer to capture their "engagement." Elara tried to keep her composure, but her nerves got the better of her as Liam stepped closer, his expression unreadable.

"Let's get this over with," he muttered, glancing down at her.

She nodded, barely breathing as he leaned in. The closeness felt surreal, her heartbeat echoing in her ears as his face inched closer to hers. She could feel his breath, warm against her skin, and as his lips brushed lightly over hers, she felt a jolt of electricity shoot through her. It was a gentle, tentative kiss, one that lingered for just a moment before he pulled away, his eyes locking onto hers.

The photographer continued snapping away, but for Elara, time seemed to have stopped. The kiss may have been for show, but something about it felt unexpectedly real. She quickly averted her gaze, trying to calm the flustered heat that spread across her cheeks.

Liam's mother clapped her hands again. "Perfect! That should convince everyone." She turned to the photographer with a satisfied smile. "Thank you. We'll take one more shot with the two of them standing side by side, please."

Liam moved to stand beside Elara, his hand resting lightly on her waist. She couldn't deny the tension she felt with his hand there, and she hoped her face didn't betray her emotions.

Elara's POV

After the photoshoot, Elara returned to her room, still feeling the lingering effects of that kiss. She knew it was all pretend, a charade to protect Liam's interests, but a part of her couldn't shake the feeling that maybe—just maybe—there was something genuine beneath it all.

She knew she was playing a role, and once this was over, she'd likely return to the life she knew before. But for now, she'd savor the fleeting warmth of that kiss, even if it was all for show.

Liam's POV

Liam retreated to his study, feeling conflicted. He knew his motives for asking Elara to play his fiancée had been purely practical. But the kiss, however brief, had left him unsettled. The softness of her lips, the hint of vulnerability in her eyes... it was something he hadn't anticipated.

Shaking his head, he reminded himself that this was all a temporary arrangement. Elara was just a convenient solution to his problem, nothing more. Yet, as he recalled the way she'd looked at him, he couldn't help but feel a strange tug at his heart. He'd have to keep his emotions in check—after all, he'd set this plan in motion, and he'd be the one to see it through to the end.

Later: Family Dinner with Liam's Parents

That evening, they all sat around the dining table—Liam, Elara, and his parents. His mother beamed at Elara, clearly thrilled with the engagement, while his father observed her with a mixture of curiosity and approval.

"We're so glad you're part of the family now, Elara," Liam's mother said warmly. "I hope you'll both be very happy."

Elara managed a shy smile, grateful for the kindness, even if it was under false pretenses. She stole a glance at Liam, who met her gaze with a slight nod of approval. Maybe, just maybe, they could pull this off together.

As they sat through dinner, exchanging polite conversation and practiced smiles, Elara couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her in this strange new arrangement with Liam.