#Chapter 205: An Official Proposal

Liam’s POV With Joanna on my arm, we walked around the massive event ballroom, speaking directly with our guests. The mayor is in attendance, as are several prominent members of the city council. All of the news media owners are in attendance with their wives, including Chuck who gives me a smirk from across the room. I tried to avoid him. “There’s mother and father,” Joanna whispered in my ear, turning me toward the direction of an older couple. They stood very near each other, not speaking or touching, as they looked out at the other guests with clear disinterest and distain. “We should go say hi,” Joanna continued. “Please remember that you are in love with me.” “Pretending,” I reminded her. “Same difference.” As we approached her parents, even though it made me sick to my stomach, I forced a wider smile onto my lips. It felt wrong and uncomfortable, and I was certain everyone could see right through it. No one looked at me any differently, however. Maybe we were all