102 Extra 1- Their story (2/2)

”Stop lying, Ari, to me and yourself.” He said and tightened his grip.

”I'm not.” She protested and was kinda angry at him now.

”You know right? I know you inside out, you can pretend in front of other people but not in front of me so just stop this drama.” He suggested.

”I'm not lying, this is the real me. I'm this cruel and nothing can change this.” She said and looked straight into his eyes.

”Stop...” He said and stepped backward.

”I lied to you all these years. I never even liked you a bit. It was all a lie.” She said and had a dark expression. He smiled and she was confused at his strange reaction.

”You want me to believe that after knowing all your history, how you almost died for someone you loved, how you still believed those people who betrayed you...” He said and she was quiet now for he just pressed her open wound.

”You're just afraid.” He stated.

”You're afraid of getting betrayed again, and getting all that pain back. And that's why you're distancing everyone away from your self.” He said and she backed away.

”I...I'm not.” She stuttered.

”Ari, stop this action, and please remove this mask now...” He begged her and tears streamed down her eyes, all the pain that was bottled up inside her overflowed. It happened not because someone confronted her, but because Liam did it, she didn't have any hope of being understood by anyone. But even after being rejected, Liam didn't leave her side and accepted her broken part with open arms. He stepped forward and hugged her. She cried in his arms and let out all the feelings that were trapped inside her. In this world filled with fake people, he was the only one who saw the real her behind that thick mask.

”I'm there for you, you're not alone in this fight anymore.” He said and caressed her back.

Their friendship was the same as before at that time, they talked to each other for a long time and although she was still a cold person, she showed her warm side to him. Without even realizing they developed feeling for each other. They both planned out the way to overthrow Sam and win that battle.

A week after everything was over and she was in his company to make a deal with them. Liam and his father had agreed to it but they still had to convince the board members.

”You want us to help your company?” Liam asked as they were sitting in the meeting room and she nodded in response.

”And what do we get in return.” He asked and lifted an eyebrow.

”Nothing.” She answered coldly and everyone present in that meeting was shocked.

”Then why would I agree to this deal?” Liam asked.

”Because your reputation is important.” She said and handed him a file.

”We have proofs of bad deeds of every one of you and that the scandals against you all are true.” She said and was basically threatening him.

After thinking for some time they agreed and signed the documents that stated that both the companies were officially joining hands in the business, although they were each other's rivals in some aspects. The others left the meeting room and now it was only Aria and Liam present there. She got up and was about to go out.

”What do I get for helping you do this?” He asked suddenly and stared at her.

”Anything you want.” She said and then turned towards the door.

”Will you marry me?” He asked as he got up suddenly.

”Agreed.” She said with a smile and then walked out of the room and he jumped in excitement.