Chapter 4 Sorry

"Hello, Dr Anderson. I want you to make sure that you seal that deal tonight. It mustn't go beyond this night. I'm getting married to her sister tomorrow, and I don't want her to ever come into the picture of our lives. I'll pay you your balance, as soon as it is done."

"Alright, Mr Dulaney. You can count on me."

As soon as the call ended, Liam smiled to himself. He was happy that his plans were becoming a reality. Still lost in thoughts, he heard his phone ring. He could see that it was Betty, so he picked up the call. "Hey, Betty."

"Hi, Liam. Lisa's Doctor called me a few minutes ago and told me that you have completed Lisa's hospital bills. Thank you so much, Liam. You don't know what this means to me."

"Come off it, Betty. I don't make empty promises. That's only the tip of the iceberg. You know I told you that if you agree to marry me, one thing I'll do is help you settle your sister's hospital bills. So I'm fulfilling my own end of the deal since you'll be fulfilling yours tomorrow."

Betty chuckled. "I'm so excited, Liam. I can't wait to see tomorrow. Thanks for everything."

The day of the wedding arrived, and Betty found herself in a luxurious suite at a grand hotel. The room was adorned with flowers and candlelight, creating an atmosphere of quiet elegance. Betty's wedding gown, a beautiful creation of silk and lace, hung in the corner, waiting for her to it.

As she prepared for the ceremony, Betty couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The gown she wore was exquisite, a symbol of the life that awaited her, but it felt heavy with the weight of her decision. She had no feelings for Liam, and he was far from the perfect picture she wanted for a husband, except that he was rich. However, she hoped that she would end up loving him as soon as they got married.

Liam, dressed in a tailored suit, awaited her at the altar. His face held a mixture of anticipation and warmth as he watched Betty approach. Her heart raced as she walked toward him, the weight of her decision pressing down on her with each step.

The ceremony was brief and solemn, the vows exchanged in hushed tones. As the two sealed their vows with a kiss, Betty couldn't help but wonder if she had made the right choice.

The reception that followed was a quiet affair, attended only by a select few. Liam's family and a handful of close friends were present, their smiles and congratulations masking the secrecy that surrounded the event. Betty tried her best to be gracious, to accept their well wishes, but the pit in her stomach grew with each passing moment.

Later that evening, Betty found herself alone with Liam in their hotel suite. He approached her with a gentle smile, his eyes filled with tenderness. "Are you happy, Betty?" he asked softly.

Betty forced a smile, "sure, I am," she briefly responded.

As the two stood together in their bridal attire, the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them.

The anticipation in the room was palpable. They had waited for this moment, the beginning of their life as a married couple. As they began to undress each other, their hearts raced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The room was filled with a sense of longing and desire, as they finally had the opportunity to express their love most intimately.

Liam's gaze never left Betty's face, his eyes were filled with tenderness and affection. He reached out to gently caress her cheek, his touch soft and loving. "Betty, I've waited for this moment. I love you more than words can express."

Betty smiled. "I love you too, Liam."

As they came together in a warm embrace, their lips met in a passionate kiss, igniting a spark of desire. The world outside seemed to vanish as they explored each other's bodies, their love and connection deepening with each touch and caress.

However, as they began to make love, Betty noticed something was amiss. Liam's demeanour had shifted, his expression changed from one of passion to one of distress. He hesitated with his body tensing, and Betty could sense his unease.

"Liam, what's wrong?" Betty asked, sounding concerned and confused.

Liam looked down, his voice filled with a mixture of sadness and embarrassment. "Betty, there's something I need to tell you."

Betty's heart began to race as fear and uncertainty gripped her. "What is it, Liam? You can tell me anything."

Liam took a deep breath, his gaze meeting Betty's with sincerity. "Betty, I'm impotent."

"What?!" Betty looked with a mixture of shock, disbelief, and anger; her voice quivering with a potent mix of fury and betrayal. She felt a heavy weight in the pit of her stomach, as she grappled with the realization that their dreams of starting a family together had been shattered. The disappointment in her eyes was undeniable, and it hung in the air, casting a shadow over their relationship.

"And you never told me, Liam!" Betty's voice reverberated through the room, a crescendo of pain and anger. "You deceived me and kept this secret from me?!"

Liam's gaze was averted. He clenched his fists, with his voice strained as he replied, "Betty, I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you."

"Sorry?" Betty's fists clenched at her sides, her entire being trembling with rage and sorrow. "Sorry doesn't change the fact that you kept this from me! How could you, Liam? You knew this and never told me, instead, you deceived me into marrying you."

Liam's shoulders sagged under the weight of her words, but he knew he had to explain himself. "Betty, I was scared. I was afraid you wouldn't marry me if you knew the truth. I love you, and I didn't want to lose you."

"Your fear doesn't excuse deceiving me, Liam. This isn't love; it's manipulation," Betty's anger was unrelenting. Her voice grew louder with her words dripping with bitterness.

The room felt like it was closing in on them, the tension unbearable. Betty's eyes welled up with tears. "I can't do this, Liam. I can't be in a marriage built on lies. I want out."

When Liam saw that none of his words seemed to convince Betty, his voice suddenly rose to a crescendo in anger and anguish. "Betty! Be ready to forget about your sister's health if you leave this marriage. I promise to retrieve the money I sent. Also, forget about the job I promised you and all you stand to gain from me!"

The words hung in the air like a heavy storm cloud, casting a dark shadow over the room. Betty's eyes widened in shock as she absorbed the weight of Liam's words. It was a chilling moment of stark reality and a cruel twist.

Liam reiterated. "The wealthy life you would enjoy, all of that would vanish if you walk away."

Betty's heart pounded in her chest, torn between the pain of remaining married to an impotent man and her love for her sister's well-being. Her eyes welled up with tears, and with a final searing glance, Liam turned on his heel and stormed out of the room.

Time seemed to slow for a moment as the door swung shut with a resounding slam. Betty stood there, her breath catching in her throat, as the reality of her new life settled in.