TAKEN BY LUCIFER

CHAPTER 5

"Did they just throw us out of the club?" Liam joked, trying to lighten the mood. But Adley was lost in a sea of thoughts, the unexpected eviction a nagging mystery. "Ady, are you listening to me?"

"Ah? I am sorry, I was lost," Adley replied, her mind still grappling with the events. Liam shook his head, a small sigh escaping his lips. He took his jacket off, offering it to Adley with a chivalry that warmed her heart.

"Are you trying to be my cheeky boyfriend?" she teased, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Huh! I do this always, even in LA, my love," Liam replied, taking her hands in his as they walked down the deserted street.

Suddenly, Adley stopped walking, her gaze fixed on him. He raised an eyebrow, a silent question in his eyes.

"I'm sorry about what happened today, Liam," she confessed. "I really don't know why they asked us to leave."

"Hey, it's okay. I don't mind it," Liam replied, pulling her into a warm embrace. "If it meant getting to hold you like this, then I wouldn't mind getting kicked out of a hundred clubs."

Adley couldn't help but melt into his hug. This man, with his simple acts of affection, never failed to make her heart skip a beat. "I love you, Liam," she whispered, the words a secret treasure shared between them.

"I love you too, Ady," he replied, his voice husky with emotion. A gentle kiss landed on her forehead, sending a flutter through her heart.

Meanwhile, a lone figure lingered in the shadows, his phone discreetly capturing images of the couple as they walked away. He was far enough for them to remain oblivious to his presence. His phone buzzed with an incoming call – his boss. After sending the pictures, he answered.

"Take out all details about that boy as soon as possible," a curt voice commanded. The call ended abruptly, a curt communication style that spoke volumes about the man on the other end. The figure lingered for a moment longer, his gaze lingering on the couple before melting back into the shadows.

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"This dress is so tight, Stella," Adley whined, tugging at the bodice. "It's suffocating me."

Finally, it was Saturday evening, and Adley was getting ready for the most special day of her life. Tonight, her father would announce her engagement to Liam. He had met Liam two days ago, and as expected, Liam's charm had won him over. Her father's approval was the last hurdle, and now, everything was supposed to be perfect.

"Eh, girl, stop complaining," Fiona said, dabbing a touch of blush on Adley's cheeks. "You look beautiful. I hope Liam won't faint when he sees you."

"I hope this dress won't get ripped in front of everyone," Adley said, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. Fiona and Stella exchanged a look, then burst into laughter.

"Stop worrying so much, Adley," Stella reassured her. "Everything is going to be perfect."

Adley closed her eyes and tried to calm her racing heart. Everything was going smoothly, yet an unsettling feeling gnawed at her. As if something was about to disrupt the carefully laid plans, something unexpected lurked on the horizon.

"Okay, it's all set. Are you ready to go?"

Adley merely nodded.

It was a beautiful evening. The weather had cooled down considerably since morning, and the humidity was low. The party arrangements were made in the garden, a stunning transformation from its usual state. The event organizers had strung soft lanterns throughout the area, their flames casting an orange glow that swayed gently in the evening breeze, whispering secrets Adley couldn't decipher. Several round tables draped in crisp white cloths were strategically placed, inviting guests to mingle. Expensive imported flower arrangements, bursting with vibrant colors, adorned the centerpieces. The garden, bathed in soft light and adorned with elegance, looked picture-perfect. Yet, the unease in Adley's heart remained, a discordant note in the seemingly perfect symphony of the evening.