Chapter 3
Liam froze.
“Are you disgusted by me?“[]
“I have to go out later. I’m going to get changed.“]]
I stated it flatly and turned back toward my room.]
Liam started to follow, but I shut the door in his face and locked it without a second thought.[]
“Fine! Claire, you’ll regret this!“]
Liam seemed genuinely furious this time. After his threat, he kicked the door hard and stormed out.[]
When I came out later, the living room was empty.[]
In the company group chat, Liam had posted a message: “Dinner’s on me tonight, who’s in?“[]
Crickets.
Only Hannah replied, spamming three [happy] emojis.[]
I knew Liam was doing it just to provoke me.[]
It had happened so many times before. Same routine: everyone else would politely decline, and only Hannah would jump at the chance.]]
In the past, I’d get jealous, tag along, and end up being the butt of their jokes.[]
Now? I couldn’t care less.[]
I got changed, went to see the rental apartment, and after confirming it was fine, I paid the deposit on the spot.[]
Then I called a realtor to list my current place.[]
Even though I bought the place and personally oversaw every detail of the renovation, I had put Liam’s name on the deed.[]
Back then, between the two of us, we had almost nothing. To make him feel secure, I drained my entire savings to buy this house.
Now that his company was successful, this apartment was probably nothing to him.[]
The realtor told me that to sell, Liam would either have to be present at the closing or sign a power of attorney.[]
So I had to text him.]
But when I hit send, a red exclamation point appeared.]]
Chapter 3
He’d blocked me.]
It was his go to move. Whenever we had a major fight, he’d block me in a fit of anger.[]
Worried about his safety, I’d sometimes have to borrow someone else’s phone to meekly call him and ask to be unblocked.[]
And he’d lord it over me, demanding to know if I’d learned my lesson.[]
Looking back, the number of insincere things I said just to appease him was staggering.]
After a moment, I called him.[]
“Come home tonight. We need to discuss something.”
“What is it? I’m busy.” Liam’s voice was cold.[]
I pressed my lips together. “We can talk when you get here.“[]
Liam scoffed. “You shove me away, and now you order me to come back? Claire, do I owe you something? Is this your idea of an apology?”
“Have I been too nice to you lately? Did you forget how to say you’re sorry?“|[]
Hearing the sarcasm in his voice, I said softly, just like I always did, “I’m sorry. I was wrong.“]
I’d already made countless insincere apologies. What was one more?]]
Besides, this apology would get me the sale of a house.]]
Even though the place was mine, if Liam wanted to be difficult and refused to sign, I couldn’t sell it.[]
Even with proof of purchase, it would mean a lawsuit.[]
Liam could afford that fight. I couldn’t.[]
Sure enough, my apology instantly brightened his tone. He magnanimously granted his pardon.[]
“Wait for me, then.“]]
Then he hung up.
My mind was calm. I listed the house online, dropping the price significantly to sell it fast.[]
After that, I met Olivia and signed my employment contract.[]
Olivia was ecstatic, kept asking if this was real, and even threw a small celebration dinner for me.[]
I’d planned on going home early, but then I figured Liam wouldn’t be back for hours anyway. There was no point waiting in an empty house, so I agreed to stay.[]
After a few drinks, on my way to the restroom, I heard familiar voices from the private room next door.[]
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Chapter 3
I instinctively paused.]
Through the crack in the door, I saw Hannah nestled in Liam’s arms. I couldn’t hear what she said, but it made the cold expression on his face melt into a smile.]
Seizing the moment, Hannah quickly tilted her head up and pecked him on the lips.[]
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