22
Chloe’s hatred was swallowed by terror. During her confinement, she’d witnessed Liam’s ruthlessness. Even with constant surveillance, his people found ways to harm her. She’d been lucky to survive.
Sensing her trembling, Liam’s eyes darkened. If I hadn’t disliked his actions, Chloe wouldn’t be alive. Thankfully, the baby didn’t survive, eliminating one problem.
Liam tossed her aside, wiping his hands with a handkerchief.
“Get as far away as possible. If I see you again…”
His threat sent a shiver down her spine. She clutched the blanket tighter.
Meanwhile, after seeing my aunt and uncle off, I headed back to the townhouse. My main task in the city was complete. It was time to return to New Zealand. Staying meant more trouble.
I decided to return the townhouse key.
“What? Someone bought this place and gifted it to you?”
My
eyes widened. The landlord handed me the paperwork.
“See? Your name’s on it.”
I examined the document, noticing my name in the corner. The familiar handwriting made me frown. The landlord pointed to the entrance. “And there’s your benefactor.”
Liam stood silhouetted in the doorway, his gaze as tender as ever.
“Serenity.”
“Liam, what is the meaning of this?” I thanked the landlord and pulled Liam outside. “I don’t need this!”
Pain flickered in his eyes. He tried to hug me, but I pushed him away.
“Serenity, it’s compensation. I’ve solved the biggest problem between us. Chloe’s baby is gone; I won’t bother you again. Please, give me another chance.”
I shook my head. Another chance?
“Liam, I considered giving you a chance. If you’d gone to the master bedroom that night, if you’d confessed the next day… we might have had a chance. But you…”
He’d made love to Chloe in every corner of the house, even near me.
“On the rooftop, I learned your friends knew about your affair.” I slid my hands into my pockets, sighing. “That’s when I realized I was the only fool.”
Liam’s hands clenched. I continued,
“Everyone was willing to help you cover it up.”
I smiled.“So, to punish you, I took all your shares at my birthday party. I don’t need this townhouse. Your gift is useless.”
I turned to leave, but a warm embrace enveloped me. I looked down at the arms around my waist, preparing to pull away, when he trembled.
“Serenity, I’m sorry.”
My words had finally reached him. He finally faced his mistakes. He apologized, seeking forgiveness, hoping for reconciliation.
But his apology was too late. It should have come the day after his betrayal, while I still held onto hope. Not now, after my heart had completely hardened.
< 23
