The Daring Billionaire’s Wife by Lypstical
Chapter 173

Aileen

The bartender could've taken it easy with the drinks he served me, but how could he when the boss gave him specific instructions? I've never been one to blame others for what goes wrong in my life, but in this case, I just can't help it. I could've still chosen not to drink it,

but the heaviness in my heart was just too much.

While my aim was to forget all about my problems, the alcohol in my system has only made me feel worse and now staggering to the ladies' room, I dial Meryl's number, ready to give her a piece of my mind.

"Hello?" she says from the other end of the line. "Any luck?"

"You lied to me."

"I'm guessing that's a no."

"Do you even double check the phone numbers you share with me? Once again, it-"

"Wait, are you drunk?"

My eyes narrow. "Are you seriously asking me that right now?"

"Since when did you start taking alcohol? Do your parents kn-"

"They're not my parents," I cut her off, gritting my teeth. "You know what they've put me through despite raising me for years."

She sighs, disappointed. "The more I hear you speak, the more I confirm that you're drunk. If only those from Oakbrook Village could see you right now."

I lean against the wall with so much force that my back hurts a little. "Why do you keep changing the subject? None of the people I spoke to could help. You promised me that this was it."

"Look, I know you're disappointed but come on. It's only been two days and you've lost hope? You've wanted to search for them for years and now you finally had the balls to leave Oakbrook Village and want to quit?"

I sigh. "If you think I'm giving up and going back to that house, you're wrong."

"Then we'll keep trying. I'll do everything I can and keep you posted. Aileen?"

"What?" I ask.

"Don't drink too much."

I scoff, the call coming to an end.

It takes me a moment to proceed to the ladies' room as I tell myself to have some more patience. If I want this to work, I'll have to wait. The last thing on my mind is returning to Oakbrook Village.

As I make it to a bathroom stall, the suffering in my adoptive parents' home flashes in my mind and it takes me a while to step out. It's only when I hear a sob from the next stall that I snap out of it. I guess I'm not the only one having a bad day. To wash my hands, I stand in front of the large mirror, letting the water run down my hands.

The stall that was right next to mine opens up, an elegantly dressed lady approaching the sinks with her head low. I soon recognize her as the one who's been shooting me glares. I can't help but stare at her. From head to toe, everything is just elegant. I've never worn a suit before, but hers is so perfect that it makes me want to try one on.

I look away when she raises her head, focusing on finishing up by fluffing my hair a little and fixing my jean jacket. Satisfied, I reach for my purse so I can leave.

"You might want to check yourself again," she harshly says to me, rummaging through her designer purse until she takes out a makeup brush.

Watching her through the mirror, I raise an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, but are you talking to me?"

She raises her head, shooting me a glare through the mirror. "Do you see anyone else here with us?"

While I'm shocked, I respond. "Definitely not."

"Then yes, I'm talking to you and I'll repeat myself. You might want to check yourself again."

"I don't understand."

"Ugh! Why would you?" She roughly brushes under her eyes. "I was watching you and Liam when he came over to talk to you. Be careful or you might get your heart broken." "What's that got to do with checking myself?"

She pauses with the brush in her hand. "Look at you...and then look at him. Do you actually think you stand a chance with someone like him?"

Already fed up with her hostility, I look away from the mirror and directly face her. "Do you have a problem with me? That's the same glare you gave me from across the room when Liam came to me. Who are you supposed to be? His sister or something?" "No."

"Cousin?"

"No." She raises her voice a little more.

"Then I guess you must be his friend. There's no way you're his girlfriend."

"What makes you say that?" She tilts her head.

"He said it to my face that you'll never be his girlfriend, not in this life or the next."

Her jaw drops, disappointment written all over her face. It would never be my intention to hurt someone like this but for her, I've made an exception.

"Liam seriously said that about me?" She sneers, pointing at herself.

"If you don't believe me, ask him yourself." I don't care if I'm being petty. She deserves it.

Composing herself, she clears her throat and shoves the brush back in her purse. "You're nothing but a leech, who's just going to use this opportunity to-"

"Hold it right there," I cut her off, raising a finger. "I'm not sure what I did to you for you to speak to me this way, but I don't appreciate it at all."

She rolls her eyes. "You think I don't know the kind of person you are? You're pretending to be this dumb girl who has no idea who Liam is and the power he and his family hold just so you can have his attention!" "Look, lady-"

"My name is Stephanie!" Her silky hair sways from her head movement.

"Look, Stephanie, I've heard enough of what you have to say and honestly, I'm wasting my time here. Have a lovely evening."

"Mark my words, leech-"

"It's Aileen."

"I know your fucking name!"

"Then use it."

She clenches her jaw, taking a step forward and looking right into my eyes. "Whatever it is you think will come out of the conversation you had with Liam, it's not happening!"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

She forces a chuckle. "This is exactly what I'm talking about. I see you're still playing dumb. Enough of this. I'm done with the likes of you." She grimaces, taking a few steps away while covering her nose with her purse.

As she storms out of the ladies' room, I face the mirror, listening to my heart race. What the hell was she talking about?

Unable to replace an answer, I shrug, waiting a few minutes before making my way out. The last thing I want is to run into her.

I return to my seat, pouring myself

het

another drink as I still have so much more to drink. I don't even dwell on my moment with Stephanie as it holds no significance. I'm way too focused on what Meryl and I spoke about. I'm really being impatient by wanting everything to happen so quickly.

Just once, I wish everything would work out for me. She promised she'd try harder and considering how she's made efforts, even though they've all been in vain, the least I can do is just wait but that's easier said than done. I have nothing going for me here. Looking at my options if I'm unsuccessful in replaceing my biological parents, I continue to drink more and more until everything around me starts to spin.

The thunder and lighting outside make it clear to me that it's about to rain and I shake my head, wishing I had carried an umbrella.

Now familiar with Stephanie's voice,

which I replace irritating, her laughter catches my attention and I look back at their table while trying not to fall over. She can't stop giggling white hitting the side of Liam's arm, who seems to be glancing in my direction as he bites his bottom lip,

His other friend doesn't seem to replace humor in whatever has Stephanie bursting into laughter as hard as she is. It's probably just a bad joke.

The alcohol in my system makes me so bold that my gaze is fixed on Liam, not bothering to look away even when it's clear that he knows I'm watching him. He could easily look away, too, so why doesn't he?

The rapid shots I was taking finally

hit me hard and I can't seem to keep my head up, so I face the other side and rest my head on the counter How will I make it back to the motel in this state? I even attempt to get up and leave right away, but it's no

use. I need some more tit's no

Just as it starts pouring outside, I can barely keep my eyes open and even now, I imagine what my parents' faces look like and what it'll be like when I finally meet them.

Then, Liam's handsome face and seductive cologne hits me. It feels like I'm imagining his face so clearly that I can see him and smell him, but it soon becomes clear that he's right in front of me.

Just as I'm about to pass out, he gets real close, placing his lips against my ear and I inhale his cologne as his deep voice sends vibrations in my ear.

"Need a ride?"

At the sound of loud honking outside, my eyes shoot open but I immediately shut them again, irritated by all the noise. Since when did the road near the motel become so busy?

Even before I sit up, a sharp pain at the back of my head hits me and I grunt as I stretch myself. It must be from all the whiskey I had last night.

I drop my hands on the sides of my body, exhaling deeply as I adjust my vision to my environment. I know what the ceiling of my room at the motel looks like and this isn't it. Not only is the ceiling quite high with a luxurious design, but the bed feels softer and higher as well. Wondering where I am, I look down at myself and a heavy gasp escapes my lips as I cover my mouth. What the hell happened last night?