Lying to the Prince

Chapter 3

Liam's POV

My mother woke me up earlier than usual, her usual stoic expression filled with excitement. "Hurry up! We're meeting someone at the office today, and I don't want to be late. Punctuality is key, after all." I groaned. Probably another old executive. My mother wasn't exactly someone with the most interesting contacts.

"Go get ready, Liam!" I slowly pulled myself out of bed, lazily getting myself dressed and ready. My mother, not yet ready, waved her hand at me, telling me to go ahead and meet the guest. I chuckled slightly. My mother may want others to be punctual, but she could never find a way to be ready as quickly as she wanted.

As I sat in the car, I watched the building come into view. It had always amazed me everytime I saw it. The sleek design and the way it towered over you as you approached. It was an overwhelming architectural masterpiece.

Once the car stopped I began to make my way to the entrance, noticing the small figure by the door. His back was towards me, but I could tell he was admiring the building as he looked up. Finally, he places a hand on the door, pushing up against it. The door didn't budge, however, and I felt laughter rise in my throat. Who in the world had no ability in opening doors?

He fumbled with it for a minute before I decided to step in. "Want some help?" The boy jumped, whirling around to face me. He looked back at the door before heaving a sigh and nodding as he stepped away. I pushed the door open with ease, gesturing for him to enter. I followed behind him, hearing him gasp as he took in the main hall.

"Impressed?" I grinned, watching as the boy turned around, nodding once more. He clasped his hands together, and my eyes trailed down, following the movement. I stared for a moment, my mind turning as I looked at his stomach. Particularly the bump that had started to appear. My eyes widened in realization. "You're... P- pre-"

The boy cut me off before I could continue. "Yes. I am. Your point?" He cocked an eyebrow, waiting on an answer. "No... I was just surprised." It was true; I wasn't particularly biased, and in this day and age male pregnancy wasn't uncommon anymore. Still, it was my first time meeting a pregnant male. His cheeks puffed out in annoyance, turning red as he spun around and headed to front desk. "How can I help you?"

"I'm here to see a... Liam Prince?" My mind lit up with recognition as he called out my name. "Hey, that's me!" The boy groaned, turning to face me. "How can I help you? I mean, besides opening doors for you?" His eyes stared at me with disbelief, and I began to introduce myself as I heard my mother's voice. "Noah! I'm glad you're here!"

This time it was my turn to groan. "Mom? What are you doing here?" I hadn't expected her to run up to us in the middle of the front hall. Then again, I didn't expect her to be so eager to greet the small boy in front of me. "In order to keep you on task, I hired Noah to be your secretary." Annoyed, I turned and glared at the boy, hoping to scare him off. Unfortunately, he held his ground.  "He'll help with your schedule, and keep you focused. That way you can be worthy of your future wife."

"But, mom I-"

"I want a child, Liam. Either find your own wife or I'll choose one for you. And believe me, I have a whole list ready." I glared down at my mother. Neither of us moved, until my mother turned, smiling at Noah before stalking off.

I scowled, crossing my arms. "Well then, show me the way." Noah sighed when I refused to move, my mother's words circling through my mind. "Come on now, to your office, Mr.Prince. I'm sure you have a busy schedule." Noah grabbed his bag, pulling it onto his shoulder before waddling down the nearest hallway, glancing at every nameplate on the wall.

I didn't move, only following him with my eyes. The meeting with my mother had put me in a bad mood. Who was she to decide who I spent my life with? I would marry who I wanted to, and she could do nothing to say otherwise. I thought this just as I watched Noah's form sink down to the ground.

Panic ran through me as I finally began to move, running to Noah. "Hey! Are you okay!? Noah!" I felt his forehead, his face flushed and scrunched up in pain as he clutched his stomach. For a moment, I almost believed he was in labor. But, I knew that he wasn't that far along yet, judging by the fact that he was still able to move around and work.

Gripping his hand, I pulled him into my arms. "Idiot," I mumbled. "What were you thinking? Don't overwork yourself." I carried him to the elevators, taking him to my office. As I held him, I noticed something. Despite being pregnant, he was incredibly light. This caused another worry to spark inside of me. What's he eating enough? I shook my head. Taking care of this was my first concern.

I placed him on the couch, sitting at my desk to give him some space. I clasped my hands together, watching him intently. It was long before he came to, sitting up slowly. I got up, moving over and kneeling in front of him. "You okay?" He nodded, smiling weakly. "Yeah... Thanks."

We sat for a moment, and I could see the fear in his eyes, telling me this was the first time this has happened. Attempting to lighten the mood, I spoke.  "How could I let you be my secretary if you're​ gonna faint halfway down a hallway?" He looked down, lightly pushing on my head. I grinned, relieved to see him feeling better. I wasn't sure why, but I felt so drawn to him, like I had to protect him. It was a strange feeling, but, surprisingly, I didn't hate it.