Emma Johnson rubbed her face and silently cheered herself on: Come on, Emma! You've got this!
But that was the thing.
Why didn't Liam want to wake up?
Was he just too tired from yesterday?
Just as she was about to reach over and nudge him, Liam's eyes snapped open.
There was a hint of drowsiness in his gaze, but the moment he saw Emma, a flicker of something complicated flashed through his eyes.
Emma was startled by his expression. "What's wrong? Didn't sleep well? Liam, if you're tired, you should rest. Am I bothering you?"
Liam realized he'd let his guard down, and the complicated look on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a rare, faint smile. "I'm fine. Did you sleep well? There's a lot going on today. Can you handle it?"
A wedding should be a happy occasion.
But given the status and influence of the Williams family in this city, this wedding was anything but simple.
"Don't worry, I'm tough as nails. A little thing like this won't wear me out." Emma patted her chest, brimming with confidence.
At that moment, Liam couldn't help but wonder how this silly girl, who always spoke and acted so carelessly, could be the one who had made those secret contacts.
Why did she agree to cooperate with Elijah? Was he the one Emma truly liked?
He thought of the bracelet and the dress he had given her just a few days ago.
Emma had accepted them as if they were her due.
Could love really drive someone to do such hurtful things?
All the doubts and evidence pointed straight at Emma.
Pushed forward by the cruel reality, Liam clearly realized that with every step he took, Emma's true identity was about to be exposed.
"Liam? Hey... What are you thinking about? I'm talking to you."
His thoughts were interrupted. He looked up and met Emma's clear eyes. "What? What did you just say? I didn't catch it."
"Nothing. I just suddenly remembered what Amelia said last night. I was curious... So I wanted to ask you... What's your favorite color?"
She had wanted to ask this question last night but hadn't found the right moment.
But she couldn't hold it in any longer, so she made up her mind and asked Liam directly.
"Purple."
The answer came almost without hesitation.
So it really was purple?
Was that why Amelia was so obsessed with purple? Was it really because of Liam?
"Really? Don't you think the way your brother looks at Amelia is a little... strange? Not strange, how should I put it? It's... very affectionate." Emma searched her mind for the right word.
That affectionate look was something Emma could spot a mile away.
"Have you noticed that the way I look at Amelia is also very affectionate? I swear, you women are so tiresome. Can't a brother look at his sister with tenderness and affection?" Liam was annoyed by her sudden question.
Liam and Benjamin had doted on Amelia since they were kids, and they were happy to spoil her. But how could Emma use the word "strange"?
"Are you sure you only see her as a sister? Besides, you two aren't even blood-related. If it were true, it would be understandable, wouldn't it?"
Anyway, she just felt their relationship couldn't be as simple as brother and sister.
"Amelia is my sister, and she will always be my beloved sister. Listen to me clearly, okay? Are you worried that I might like someone else before we get married? I never knew you could say such sour things." Liam spoke his mind honestly. He knew women liked to doubt.
But was Emma overthinking it?
If he really liked Amelia, wouldn't he have done something about it by now?
Liam truly only saw Amelia as his beloved little sister, with no other feelings.
Seeing how serious he was, Emma hesitated. What Liam said... could it be true?
Well... even if he didn't think that way.
But how could he control what others thought?
Did Amelia feel the same way?
Emma's head throbbed. Ever since she met Liam, her life had been anything but peaceful.
Now, she had one more sister to deal with.
How could she have the illusion that she was facing an enemy?
She was probably just nervous about the wedding, letting her imagination run wild.
"So, she's not leaving this time, is she?" Emma probed cautiously. If Amelia decided to stay home, she needed to figure out how to get along with her sister-in-law.
"Well, once she's settled, I'll arrange for her to work at the company, according to her wishes. Emma... Today is our wedding day. You're acting very strange. Why are you asking me all these messy questions first thing in the morning?" Liam threw off the covers and got up to put on his suit.
"Ah? I have so many questions... It's because you never mentioned anything about her to me before. It just feels a bit sudden. But now that I've asked, I'll get along with her." Emma's voice drifted into his ears.
Liam just nodded faintly. "Amelia can be a bit willful, but she won't do anything bad. You're more sensible than her. Just be more understanding."
He was sure of that.
He knew Amelia's character better than anyone. Although she had been spoiled since childhood and had a bit of a princess temper.
Her good nature was undeniable.
Hearing him say that, Emma felt a lot more at ease.
As long as there were no special feelings involved, living in peace with Amelia shouldn't be a problem.
...
When they finished washing up and went downstairs for breakfast, the whole family had already gathered.
As usual, the old man sat in the center, with Liam and Benjamin on either side. Emma sat next to Liam.
Amelia was sitting opposite her.
Henry Williams took a look at the young people around him and couldn't help but sigh. "It seems today is truly a lucky day. Our family is finally all together. Liam, what time does the wedding start this afternoon? How are the arrangements for the venue and the banquet?"
"Dad, the wedding starts at 4:30. It's almost all arranged. The venue is at the Las Vegas Entertainment City... I don't have to worry about a thing. Everything has been taken care of. It seems my decision was right. He has the ability to manage the Las Vegas Entertainment City better."