Chapter 7
While Sophia was locked in that creep’s dark basement, getting tortured like some stray dog.
I was on beautiful Sicily, trying on a custom wedding dress covered in diamonds.[]
I’ll never forget that day when I was dying – seeing the person I’d dreamed about rushing through that door.
“Lauren!!”
He ran toward me.
This commanding, cold presence following him, his black coat flying behind him, his footsteps like thunder.]
He had some papers in his hand and told the doctor in this deep voice:]
“I’m her temporary guardian and emergency contact.-
“Her father left instructions before he died.“[]
“When necessary, I’m authorized to make all decisions, including keeping people without visitation rights away from her.”
The doctor looked confused.
“But… her husband is still…
He gave him this ice–cold look:
“Ex–husband.”
His voice was calm but every word cut like a knife: “She just filed a power of attorney agreement. I’m now in charge of all Montgomery family business.
“From now on, I’m taking over her life.“||
His authority made the doctor back down immediately.
Then he dropped to his knees beside my bed with tears in his eyes, kissing my hand like he was praying:
“Lauren, my dear, my name is your magic word. Whenever you call for me, no matter where in the world, I’ll be right there beside you.”
Tm back. And this time, I’m never leaving again.“]
I was feeling a bit better and looked at the man in front of me, my voice still scratchy as I said his name:
“Liam Thornton, take me away, okay? I don’t want to stay here anymore…]
His shaking fingers held onto my rough hands tight.]
He stared at me without blinking, like he was scared I’d disappear any second.[]
“Yes, yes.”
He answered so earnestly.
His voice was choked up, but it still had that same warmth from when we were kids.
Full of this special comfort that pulled me back from the hell of betrayal, bit by bit.
While Dominic was still lost in Sophia’s fake sweetness, Liam had already gotten me on a private jet to beautiful Sicily.]
Right before getting on the plane, I took one last look in Dominic’s direction
“Dominic, three years of this toxic mess ends here.“]
Then I walked onto that plane without looking back, flying toward my freedom.
The sunshine in Sicily was soft and bright. The air smelled like ocean breeze and lemon blossoms.
I was lying on a wicker chair under an umbrella, my feet soaking in this cool shallow pool, wearing a sheer wrap that Liam had picked out for me.]
Next to me was a whole table of healing foods made by a Michelin chef. Everything was labeled with nutrition facts and what body type it was good for.[]
Liam was kneeling in front of me, his long fingers peeling a cooked shrimp, gently bringing it to my lips.
I blinked but didn’t open my mouth.
He smiled softly and took a bite himself first: “See? It’s really good.”
“You don’t trust me to be your food taster?”
He was teasing me.]
I couldn’t help but laugh I took the shrimp from him and bit into it.
All the pain from these three years seemed to melt away in that one sweet bite.[]
Tears started coming up out of nowhere. I felt so hurt but couldn’t say why. I put my arms around his neck and wiped my tears on Jus neck:
“You should’ve shown up way
earlier.“]
He paused, let out a soft sigh, his voice low and rough:
“I was always there. It’s just you…”
“You never looked back at me.”
His voice had this rare hurt in it, but he was being so careful.
Like he was terrified of losing me.
“You only watched Dominic. Even when he crushed you into the d dirt, you wouldn’t turn around.“[]
I looked down, feeling depressed:[]
“But I had to keep my promise to my father.“]
“He said his biggest regret was not being able to save his friend on that rooftop. So he begged me to take care of his friend’s son for three years.“[]
I looked up at him seriously:
Liam, I did it.“]
“Now… I’m finally free.”
He leaned down and kissed the scars from that horrible night, his voice full of heartbreak:]
“Yes, Lauren, you did it.”
“You’ve paid back everything your father owed.“]
“You don’t owe anyone anything anymore. You don’t have to live for anyone else.”
“I’ll stay by your side forever, until the end of time.”
Looking at how sincere he was, my eyes started tearing up.
It was only then that I realized–not all love comes wrapped in torment, and not all affection cuts like a knife.
“Thank you, Liam.“]]
I hugged him tightly.
Tears of happiness streaming down my face.]
