Chapter 23
Adding fuel to the fire Liam's phone rang and his secretary called him urgent to the company. On further investigation, it was found that there was a loophole in bank details and someone was continuously making transactions ranging from 100 to 600 USD every month. The amount was so neatly taken out in bits that no one got the slightest idea about it. Now, this became a more important matter for Liam to take care of.
Scarlett shivered when she heard that Liam won't be there by her side. She was satisfied earlier that in case she makes a mistake Liam was confident enough to take care of the matters.
"I am sorry Scarlett, I have to go... I promise to join you as fast as possible", he assured her and then cupped her cheeks. A lone tear fell from her eyes, she was on the verge of outbursts but she tried to control herself. She knew that Liam's work was more important than hers, she cannot stand as a barrier in his professional life. Liam looked at the wary Scarlett. He wasted no second and then planted a kiss on her lips. Scarlett got perplexed by this sudden act, her face flushed red and her heartbeat accelerated. This was her first-ever kiss. Though it lasted for not more than a second, yet it was her first. Before she could process anything further, the boy ran away waving at her leaving her all flustered.
She couldn't even respond to his kiss, she thought herself. She moved her index finger over her lips. She felt right and good in fact she knew she wanted more. Liam was in the same condition as her. He was not ashamed of carrying any bold move but he knew Scarlett was too innocent for all this. That day he kept on smiling thinking about that little lovely kiss he shared with his wife. His colleagues even thought that their boss has gone crazy because he was found smiling without any reason. He would usually be mad when the company faces problems but here he was constantly smiling like an idiot. It was not the first time he had kissed someone, he had done it before with many other girls but it didn't feel as right as it felt with Scarlett.
The seminar started soon and people were gathering. Renowned writers and book lovers had gathered in a line to buy copies of her book. Scarlett was viewing everything from backstage through her peripheral vision. Soon, Scarlett's name was announced and she was welcomed with the utmost respect on the stage. Her heart was rapidly thudding but she took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a second, then proceeded to take her seat. In a couple of minutes, she was asked to say two words on the stage. She walked slowly avoiding any eye contact with anyone present over there On reaching the podium a sense of pride engulfed inside her, she saw the happy faces of her customer who loved her book. For the first time in her life, she felt she was useful and was capable of doing something. She started gesturing with her hands, the speech with Liam had taught her thoroughly. The translator followed her,
"Good evening to everyone present here. My name is Scarlett and I am the writer of the book which you all have bought. I want to thank you all to support me in my first step towards being an author. You people are the first buyers of my book and I am grateful that I was successful in bringing a total of 210 attractions to my work. I hope I don't disappoint you with my work and keep on writing more. I expect you to shower your love in return. Thank you once again."
She gestured her hands with full confidence. A loud round of applause was heard and her eyes turned sparkle. She was experiencing this happiness for the first time, the happiness of being successful and praised by a bunch of people. If only Liam could accompany her, she thought.
In no time the ceremony ended and Scarlett was beyond satisfied that nothing had messed up. She signed away a few autographs and then proceeded to head back home. Mr. Smith and Leon also took their leave. Scarlett was on her way back home. Liam had instructed one of his drivers to drop her back safely. On reaching back tiredness took over her and she slept a really long nap with a rewarding smile on her face. Liam was late than usual. He just sorted out his company matters and found the culprit who was looting his estate.
On his way back he bought a bouquet of English flowers to present to his beloved wife for her success. He sure had missed the ceremony but indeed was the happiest for her. Several thoughts were running through his brain. The thought that Scarlett would be crossed since he couldn't keep his words of being on time scared him. In order to make it up to her, he bought flowers which she would like.
He entered the house through his duplicate keys. The house seemed unusually quiet. Scarlett was nowhere in sight and he quickly paced to the room. Liam was extremely exhausted, he loosened his tie and entered the room looking for his wife. The scene before him made him gape in aww. Scarlett was sleeping peacefully on her side of the bed clutching a pillow in her hand. Some locks of her brown hair fell on her peaceful face. Liam drooled over her for some time and then he suddenly remembered the kiss. He felt the urge to taste her again, this time wildly and ferociously...
Trying not to wake her up from her beauty sleep, he tips toed to the bathroom and got dressed into nightwear. Soon he was found in the kitchen munching something because he was starving in hunger. Scarlett heard some sounds and woke up. She just thought that some had invaded their house and now was in the kitchen. She hastily went there. In the darkness of the house, she could see a tall figure taking out something from the refrigerator and then closing it shut.
She quickly recognized that broad and handsome back and went to tap on Liam's shoulder. Liam flinched on this sudden touch..." Aahh", he screamed.
Then he looked at her with big eyes and scared expressions. "Oh!! It's you. You scared me", he said and then let out a sigh.
"You should be sleep right now. It's late and I am also going to bed," he concluded.
*But I thought there was a thief so I came here when I heard a sound.* Scarlett gestured.
Liam laughed on hearing Scarlett's words, he held his stomach and continued making fun of her theories. Scarlett frowned her face and Liam pinched her cheek.
"Okay, Silly Girl don't get angry. I have something for you," he said and ran out to bring something.
Soon Liam was inside the kitchen with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. He kneeled down on his left knee and then presented the flowers before her.
"Congratulations", he said...
* Thank you* Scarlett gestured and took the bouquet from him. Her eyes were sparkling and her pupils had expanded in love.
But her sparkle faded away when Liam did the next move. He caged her tiny waste between his strong arms and attached his lips with hers.
Her soft lips collided with his hard ones and she wasn't able to process anything. She had always read about hugs and kisses in books but experiencing it felt much more different. It was out of love and sincerity. Their kiss was a promise they were making to each other for staying forever together.
The lines from her poem, " Her lips moved perfectly in sync with mine"...made sense to Scarlett...
Their lips danced together so perfectly. Scarlett tried her best to match his pace but still couldn't. She was inexperienced and she needed time to learn.
Liam wanted more and just a kiss on her lips was not enough to satisfy him. Before he could even pursue further Scarlett pulled back panting for breath. This was more than enough for her. The once so shy and naive girl who had never even held hands with a boy was now kissing one. This boy was none other than her soulmate.
Scarlett flustered and looked at the floor. She had no courage to look him in the eyes. Then suddenly something struck her brain and she decided to do it right now. Yes, this was the perfect time she should do it. She raised her hands still looking down and gestured something. Liam was still trying to guess what she was gesturing.
Scarlett moved her hands slowly and made some signs...
*I...LOVE...YOU*
She signed.....Liam was astonished by what came. A love confession from this girl's side was too much to handle for him. He had never thought in a million years that it would go like this. Though mute and hand signed her confession was the purest and most romantic confession anyone would get. He would love to see her gesturing I LOVE YOU to him every day.
Scarlett's cheeks tinted red and now she was more than shy, she looked at her feet and played with her fingers. She had said finally what she wanted to, but now she was scared whether he liked it or not. He would have also dreamt of him being loved by the girl of her dreams and he would love to listen to a confession from her. But she couldn't speak, what if after this Liam stopped loving her because she couldn't do what he liked. So many negative thoughts repelled her brain but she was still satisfied that she finally told him her feelings.