Chapter 7
Liam’s smile froze on his face. Disbelief filled his eyes.[]
“What did you say?“]]
“You wanted to break up, didn’t you? I agree.“[]
My voice was calm.]
I thought agreeing would be exactly what he wanted, that he’d be relieved.[]
But strangely, his tone held no relief. Only shock and anger.]
“Claire, have you lost your mind? You’re breaking up with me over something this small?“[]
He stared at me, eyes wide.[]
I didn’t understand.
Wasn’t this what he wanted?]]
Why was he reacting like this now that I’d agreed?]
Hannah seemed confused too. She gently tugged on his sleeve. “Mr. Moore, Claire’s the one who wants to break up… Maybe we should…”
Before she could finish, Liam snapped, “Shut up! This is between us. It’s none of your business!“[]
It was probably the first time he’d ever spoken to Hannah so harshly.
Hannah froze, stunned into silence, her mouth agape.[]
Liam seemed to realize his mistake and quickly softened his voice. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. Go wait outside. I don’t want to drag you into this.“[]
Hannah’s eyes reddened with resentment, but she was smart enough not to provoke Liam further. She quietly left the room.[]
Once she was gone, Liam took a deep breath.[]
He was about to speak when his gaze fell to the floor. His voice softened. “Your foot is hurt? Why didn’t you say anything? I’ll get a bandage.”
He moved toward the bookshelf.
But I knew it was just his way of changing the subject.[]
Whenever a topic he didn’t want to discuss came up, he’d feign concern for me to derail the conversation. I used to fall for it every time, basking in the illusion that he still cared.[]
32%
Chapter 7
The original issue would get buried without us realizing it.[]
But the problems never went away. They just festered inside me, only to be unearthed later, uglier than before.[]
“Where are the bandages? I thought we had some.“[]
Liam muttered to himself, rummaging through the shelf.]
He seemed to have forgotten that the last time he’d set foot in my room was two years ago. After the time I had a 104–degree fever and he went on a date with Hannah, I moved the first–aid kit to a more convenient spot.]
“Claire, why is so much of your stuff gone?“]
Liam finally noticed something was wrong.
I didn’t hide it. “I sold the house.“]
“I’ve found a buyer. We close in two days. You should get your things out by tomorrow.“]
Liam stiffened, his anger rising.]
Then, as if remembering something, he let out a short laugh. “Stop messing with me. This house is half mine. You can’t sell it without my signature.”
“Alright, Claire. I know you’re mad. I’ll make Hannah leave. Just stop this nonsense, okay?“]]
He still didn’t believe me.[]
I picked up the sales contract from the desk and handed it to him.[]
“There’s a power of attorney at the bottom. The realtor said it’s all that’s needed.“[]
“Oh, and you signed it the day Hannah was drunk driving. You remember that, right? Even if you don’t, it’s still legally binding.“[]
Liam took the contract.\]
When he flipped to the last page, his body went rigid.[]
