7
My discharge from the hospital coincided with my birthday, and Liam ensured it would be a grand affair. He rented the most luxurious hotel in the city, filling it with extravagance that left the guests in awe. Gifts piled high as Liam’s friends and business associates showered me with tokens of their admiration.
But my enthusiasm was muted. After the previous night, my feelings towards Liam’s friends had soured. They attributed my subdued mood to my recent illness.
The cake–cutting ceremony arrived. Liam wrapped his arms around me, cutting the cake.
“Serenity, it’s your birthday. What’s your wish?”
In the past, I would’ve said I had none; his love had felt sufficient. Now, my strongest desire was to leave him, forever.
I looked into his eyes. “Will you grant any wish I make?”
Liam paused, then smiled.“Of course.”
I smiled, a chilling smile. Then I have three wishes.”
The room buzzed with intrigue as Liam chuckled, completely unaware of the storm brewing beneath my surface. “Three? Alright, my love, tell me.”
I produced a blank
ank piece of paper.“My first wish: I want you to sign this.”
A gasp rippled through the crowd. Everyone knew that signing a blank check–or any blank document–was reckless, even dangerous. Liam Sterling was known for his meticulousness, his caution. For him to agree would mean he’d lost all sense.
To everyone’s astonishment, Liam merely smiled and signed without hesitation.
“Done, sweetheart.”
I clutched the paper, a wave of relief washing over me. This signature would be the basis for our divorce agreement.
Liam, sensing my subtle shift in demeanor, seemed pleased.“Sweetheart, what’s
your second wish?”
My gaze swept across the guests. Their expressions ranged from shock to envy. Chloe, however, stood apart, her eyes fixated on me, jealousy etched on her face. My gaze went beyond them, towards a distant land, my future home.
“My second wish,” I said, letting a sly smile play on my lips, “is that you transfer all your shares in Sterling Industries to me.”
The room erupted in murmurs. Liam’s shares were worth billions–enough to secure power, influence, and independence for anyone who possessed them. Even the most devoted husband wouldn’t give away such an empire lightly.
But Liam simply nodded, taking out his phone and calling his lawyer. His instructions were clear: transfer every share, without reservation, to Serenity Sterling.
Looking at the signed electronic transfer on my phone, I felt a surge of triumph. Selling those shares would secure my future, enough money to last for ten lifetimes!
Liam held me close.“Sweetheart, I’m penniless now. I’m working for you. Don’t leave me!”
I forced a smile, ready to speak, when a gasp cut through the air.
“Someone’s fainted!”
Liam looked up and saw Chloe collapsed. His face hardened. He started to go to her, then hesitated, turning back to me.“Serenity, I’ll take her to the hospital. You stay here. Text me your last wish.”
There isn’t one.”
He didn’t hear me clearly.“What?”
I shook my head.“Nothing. Go.”
Watching him rush off with Chloe, I smiled.
I watched as he rushed off, Chloe draped in his arms. The sight should have hurt, but instead, it brought a sense of quiet closure.
Liam, I don’t need you to grant my third wish. That wish is already being fulfilled–I’m leaving you. And in three days, it will be complete.
