Chapter 5

I thought about how good Liam had been to me for three years-gentle, meticulous, attentive, and generous.

Even if he was short and clumsy, I'd accept it. But he couldn't be poor...

And in these three years, he had spent at least a million on me. That couldn't be fake.

"Tomorrow, then. Happy?"

Liam's eyes sparkled with joy, and he kissed me.

"Why didn't you say so sooner? Now I don't have time to prepare gifts for your parents."

"Chloe, don't sleep in. Get up quickly and take me to pick out their gifts."

I gave him an unamused look, not bothering to point out who had worn me out so badly last night.

Liam pretended not to notice, pulling out a custom-tailored suit from his closet and looking at me.

"Chloe, can I wear this to meet your parents tomorrow?"

I felt a pang of déjà vu. Last time, my parents had looked at him with disgust and disdain when he wore this. They'd almost physically attacked him.

But to me, Liam was a walking clothes hanger; everything looked good on him.

Especially this custom suit, which perfectly showcased his flawless physique.

After getting everything ready, Liam called to reserve the entire luxury mall and drove me there in his Maybach.

The sales associate at the jewelry store bowed respectfully to Liam.

"Sir, how may I help you?"

"I need nearly a hundred pounds of gold bars, and please pick out the most exquisite gold rings and earrings for my parents."

The sales associate's face lit up with an irrepressible smile. I couldn't help but look at him.

"This is so expensive, won't it be too much?"

"They're my future in-laws, how can it be too much? What's mine is yours, honey."

Liam also picked out a Patek Philippe watch for my dad and bought Lily the entire new collection from LV.

I figured he couldn't possibly be poor. I took photos of all the gifts he bought and sent them to Ashley.

But I received a skeptical reply from her.

"Chloe, be careful! This could be a romance scam! A lot of guys who look respectable on the surface lure you in by taking out huge loans, then stick you with massive debt, claiming it was all for you."

"These guys work with shady loan agencies, earning huge interest fees."

I didn't believe her. I sent her photos of Liam's luxury car and mansion.

"Those can all be rented! Don't be so naive and believe everything."

My cheerful mood instantly died down.

The next day, I brought Liam home with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

My family's expressions shifted from blatant shock and disdain to forced, strained smiles. Dad accepted Liam's gifts.

"So this is Chloe's boyfriend? You shouldn't have bought so much and gone to all this trouble. Come, sit down and eat."

Mom, meanwhile, dragged me aside.

"So, all this time, the 'best friend's boyfriend' you mentioned was actually yours? Were you too embarrassed to admit it?"

Lily even went so far as to dramatically cover her nose, staying as far from Liam as if he were a monster.

Dinner passed in stiff silence.

It wasn't until Liam and I were on our way out that I caught the three of them flashing a synchronized "V" sign behind our backs.

I didn't think much of it at the time, but I hadn't expected the group chat to explode the moment we got home.

"Chloe, look at what he brought! Fake gold bars, a knock-off watch, a replica bag! Is he trying to make fools of us? All of it put together isn't even worth a thousand! How can he be so shameless?"

"Your dad and I are telling you right now: if you don't break up with him, we're cutting you off."

"Chloe, you can't imagine how bad he smelled at dinner. It made me want to vomit."

But I just scoffed, nestling into Liam's arms, and sent a reply.

"Cut the act. I know exactly why you're all calling Liam some short, penniless nobody!"