Big reveal - Altruistic

She leaned in closer to him, could it be, was he married? How had she missed that?! Liam cleared his throat and spoke.

"Well a few years ago I made friends with a woman I was doing some work for. She is from Ghana and had overstayed her visa. But we were good friends and I ended up marrying her so she could stay." He said as if it was nothing. "I know it is illeagal but her life is here now and it seemed the right thing to do. So yeah, technically I am a married man"

Emma was gobsmacked. It was quite a thing to hear, a very brash and rushed act. So like him, but at the same time a very kindly one. "Don't worry, I'll keep your secret. Will I get a chance to meet her? Did you bring...?" she asked curiously.

"Kennet. And no. We are just friends and keep our lives separate. Married for status only. But she is lovely. Plus I am the wrong gender for her" he laugh. Emma's eyes raised. "She is a lesbian. Another reason she did not want to leave".

She considered this man in front of her, he seemed so different yet so the same as she remembered. She insisted on buying him his next drink so she could hear more of the story.