9
At the hospital, Liam’s tone carried a hint of reproach as he spoke to Chloe.
“You’re pregnant. Why were you running around?”
“What if something happened to the baby?”
Chloe, seemingly ignoring him, clung to his waist.“Okay, I know. I didn’t see you, and I thought you were leaving me…”
Her eyes welled, but Liam wasn’t swayed. He pushed her away, pinning her chin.
“I told you, as long as you don’t cause trouble with Serenity, we can continue this. Especially now that you’re carrying my child. Focus on the pregnancy, and I’ll be right back.”
He released her and headed for the door.
A flicker of resentment crossed Chloe’s eyes. She grabbed his arm, pleading.
“Must you leave now? The baby needs his father-
Her fingers trailed down his chest, her eyes filled with a seductive glint.
Liam’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He captured her head, pulling her into a kiss.
Moans and grunts mingled, faintly audible through the crack in the door, causing a passing nurse to blush and quickly retreat.
Late that night, Liam changed clothes and left the hospital. As he neared the Sterling Estate, guilt gnawed at him. He’d promised to return home that evening, yet he was only now arriving. He imagined Serenity’s sadness. And the surprise he’d promised.
His gaze fell on the gift bag in the passenger seat. Inside was a watch–a sleek, custom design chosen by his assistant earlier that day. Liam had mentioned wanting it in passing, and it was meant as both a birthday gift and an apology.
Liam stared at the gift, until the gates to the estate swung open. He rushed into the house, leaving the car door open.
“Serenity!”
The house was eerily silent. He flicked on the lights, only to be greeted by emptiness. The faint tick of the clock and the pounding of his heart filled the
void.
Liam stood frozen for a long moment, then moved toward the living room. A flash of crimson caught his eye – the divorce papers on the table.
He rushed forward, picking them up. The watch he was carrying slipped from his grasp, shattering on the floor.
Darkness clouded his vision. His hands trembled as he picked up the divorce certificate. The official stamp seared itself into his consciousness. The
powerful CEO was suddenly powerless.
“Sir,” a voice broke through his stupor. It was the butler.
Liam shoved the papers into his pocket. The butler and several staff stood nearby, holding packages.
“Sir, when Mrs. Sterling left this morning, she gave us gifts. She said she wanted to share her joy.”
“We thought they were too valuable, so we wanted to return them, but she insisted…”
Liam’s focus shifted to the packages. They were the carefully chosen, handcrafted gifts he’d given Serenity over the years. She’d cherished them once. But now, they were scattered among the staff like meaningless trinkets.
The divorce papers felt scorching against his skin. His hands shook. Yet, his voice remained astonishingly calm, even to himself.
“Butler, you said Mrs. Sterling went out. Do you know where she went?”
He had to find her, to understand. Why, after such a seemingly happy life, had she filed for divorce? Why abandon him?
The staff exchanged glances.
“Sir, we don’t know. We were too happy to see her so joyful, we didn’t think to ask.”
