The words were clearly an order, each syllable carrying a tone that left no room for refusal.
"But Liam, the person I was supposed to marry was never you. I never wanted to marry into wealth, and I certainly never wanted to marry you. Besides, in terms of status and background, who could possibly match you? If you want to get married, find a woman who's your equal. I'm sure every single woman in this city would say yes to you."
Perhaps men like Liam Williams were used to hearing nothing but praise. Every word Emma Johnson spoke only reinforced his position—the supreme master of the Williams family, a man who commanded the wind and rain with a mere thought.
Since she couldn't directly demand a divorce, Emma decided to take a roundabout approach, hoping he would let her go.
"Every woman in the city? Does that include you? Are you trying to turn me down? Besides, the man you claim you're going to marry never showed up. Am I inferior to him? Instead of marrying him, why can't it be me?"
Emma was speechless.
It sounded logical, but something still felt off.
"I still don't think this is right. I'm just an ordinary woman."
"I think it's perfectly right. Besides, I don't find you objectionable, and you certainly don't look your age." Liam looked her up and down, studying the woman who kept insisting she was past her prime.
What?
Objectionable?
Emma was genuinely irritated by this arrogant man. All she wanted was to marry an ordinary guy and live a peaceful life. She knew all about the wealthy and powerful. As a magazine editor, she had dealt with these circles more than enough.
Her personality was too straightforward for the kind of backstabbing and scheming those families thrived on.
But Liam didn't see it that way.
To be honest, if he hadn't seen her date of birth on her ID card when they got their marriage certificate that morning, he would never have guessed Emma was twenty-seven.
She had a round, baby-like face. When she spoke, she looked at people with wide, earnest eyes. She had a small cherry mouth, and when she smiled, two shallow dimples appeared. She even blushed when talking to a strange man.
She looked like a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl. Besides, Liam didn't care about her age. What was wrong with twenty-seven? He was thirty. On the way here, he'd seen plenty of young girls calling him "uncle."
"But... but Liam, I don't love you. I can't give you anything. We won't have a good ending." Emma made one last attempt at resistance. She couldn't just agree. If it were any other man, maybe she wouldn't care, but he was the young master of the Williams family.
There was no way she could go through with this.
Liam wasn't so easygoing. How unbearable did he have to be for her to mention divorce twice?
"Emma, you are my wife now. No matter who you were before, that fact isn't changing. I'm warning you—if you want a divorce, there's no way. And from now on, if you dare say another word about it, believe me, I'll make you regret it immediately."
When Liam said this, his eyes didn't waver. He simply turned his face away coldly, staring into the distance as if he were about to explode.
What?
What did he mean by that?
How could Emma not understand the implication behind his words? Looking at his dignified expression, she couldn't help but swallow nervously.
At this moment, it seemed best to stay quiet.
Emma hesitated for a long time, but she still didn't dare to speak. She could only sit in the passenger seat, barely daring to breathe.
Liam found her wronged expression both infuriating and amusing.
Clearly, she had been eager to get married.
But after learning his true identity, she kept trying to escape. Was his identity really so terrifying that it wasn't worth trusting for a lifetime?
They sat in silence for a long time, the air between them feeling frozen.
Emma stole a glance at Liam. Even though she could only see his profile, he was still breathtakingly handsome. It was almost unfair how good-looking he was.
Liam had been born with looks that could outshine anyone else by several notches. And on top of that, he was born into such a powerful family. Even when he was angry and silent, Emma felt that his cold expression could win the hearts of countless girls.
"Ah..."
Emma sighed softly. Instead of looking at Liam, she turned to stare out the window.
It was rush hour. Through the glass, she saw Ava Brown and a few colleagues walking and laughing toward her direction. Emma's heart instantly raced with panic.
Liam's luxury car had already drawn attention when it stopped at the company gate. If they found her inside, the entire office would explode.
Emma quickly turned back. "Liam, let's leave here first. After all, this is the entrance to my company..."
Before she could finish, Liam leaned over, completely ignoring what she had just said. He murmured to himself, "Emma, I think I need to show you that you're my woman now."
"What are you doing—"
"Mm..." Liam's kiss landed heavily on her pink lips.
He held her tightly, one hand stroking her face while the other pressed against her back, locking her in his arms. Ignoring her slight struggle, he pressed his lips to hers again, their mouths meeting.
"Liam... mm..." Emma couldn't form a single complete word. She could only stare at Liam, whose eyes were closed, looking as if he was thoroughly enjoying himself.
She gave up struggling, just hoping the kiss would end soon. All she wanted was to leave this cursed place immediately.
Just when Emma thought she might suffocate, Liam finally let her go.
"Good performance just now. It seems you'll learn how to be my wife soon enough." A smirk curled at the corner of his mouth. Liam reached up and coolly loosened the tie around his neck, a satisfied smile on his face.
Not bad. She tasted sweet. Liam touched his thin lips, as if still savoring the hot, humid kiss.
But Emma didn't feel the same way. She just wanted to leave immediately.
His ability to take advantage of others was unmatched. She really must have been kicked in the head by a donkey before marrying such a big jerk.
"Can we go now? It's not good if my colleagues see me. After all, they don't know I'm married..."
There was a pleading tone in Emma's voice that made Liam's heart soften.
Without a doubt, her urgent request to leave had been interpreted by him as a coquettish plea.
"Alright, whatever you say, my wife."
Liam said with a smile. He stepped on the gas pedal, and the car disappeared into the dusk with a roar.