2
Morey
A furious shouting jolted me from my sleep. I pushed open the door and saw a woman, haggard and disheveled, clinging to a man in the garden of the neighboring mansion.
“Charlie! Eleven years! Three kids! You swore you’d love me forever! And you’re keeping a mistress?!”
It was early morning, yet several neighbors were already out for their walks around the lake, their ears perked. A crowd gathered as the man, clearly someone of importance, dragged the woman inside, his face a mask of fury.
“Shut up! All men cheat!” he roared.
I stood frozen, watching the spectacle, until a warm hand gently covered my ears.
“Serenity, don’t listen to this filth.”
I didn’t turn around. Do you think… all men cheat?” I whispered, my voice trembling.
Liam stiffened, his hand dropping to my shoulder as he turned me to face him. His eyes burned with intensity. “I don’t know about others, but I won’t. Serenity, I only love you.”
Only me?” I asked quietly. But forever’s a long time.”
He held me close, his breath warm against my ear. “Forever’s a long time, and I only want you.”
I laughed, a bitter sound. “What if… what if you betray me?”
If I betray you, may lightning strike me down. May I die a horrible death.”
The words twisted in my gut. Knowing everything I knew, they were as sharp as a knife.
Liam, that’s a pretty serious oath. Afraid it might come true?”
He chuckled. “No, because no one knows how much I love you more than I do. If you don’t believe me, I’ll rip my heart out for you. If you still don’t believe me, I’ll give you my whole life.”
My whole life? Then why couldn’t he control his lower half? The scent of another woman still lingered on him, yet his words were so sweet.
“Serenity, Liam, what are you doing?”
The moment shattered as Chloe’s voice cut through the air. She leaned against the doorway, a teasing smile playing on her lips. She wore a scarlet halter dress, every inch designed to catch attention.
Liam visibly tensed. He frowned. “It’s not the weekend, Chloe. Where are you going dressed like that?”
His tone carried no trace of familial concern. It was jealousy–possessive, seething jealousy, like that of a husband questioning his wife’s intentions.
Chloe giggled, blushing. There’s a company mixer. I’m going to look for a boyfriend. I won’t be back tonight.”
Liam’s face darkened. Chloe’s smile widened.“Oh, and Serenity, what are you two doing today?”
Liam recovered, taking my hand. “My wife and I are going to my parents‘ house.”
Chloe waved goodbye, her laughter lingering in the air as she left.
Half an hour later, we arrived at Liam’s family estate. His parents had never liked me. To them, I was the woman who had turned their proud son into a lovesick fool, nearly costing him his life. The fact that I hadn’t given them grandchildren only deepened their disapproval. Liam avoided visits whenever possible, but his mother’s illness had forced his hand.
The moment we stepped through the door, the atmosphere soured. The warmth and laughter that greeted Liam vanished when they saw me. Cold stares settled over the room like a dark cloud. Liam saw it, his temper rising visibly.
“If you keep this up, Serenity and I are leaving.”
His father’s fist slammed against the table, the sound echoing in the silent room. “Insolent! You’d abandon your parents for a woman?!”
Liam gripped my hand tightly, his voice unwavering.“Serenity is the love of my life. I’m afraid to even raise my voice near her, and you treat her like this? You’re breaking my heart! One more time, and I’m walking away.”
