Chapter 3

The temperature dropped a few days ago, and Liam started coming home later and later.

But I couldn’t demand anything from him, even though we were getting married.

Liam paid off my loans.

Liam paid my tuition.

My life… Liam saved it.

So, I didn't even have the right to resist, not even a little bit.

I stared at the dinner on the table, wondering if I should microwave it again, when Liam returned.

He casually hung his suit jacket on the hanger by the door.

He leaned in slightly, smiling at me.

"Help me untie my tie, wife."

His tone was both flirtatious and natural.

As if the man who’d exploded in rage yesterday because of Scarlett’s appearance wasn't him.

As if the man who’d calmly told everyone to get out wasn't him either.

I walked up to him, tilting my head to study the structure of his tie.

I knew he was looking down at me, his gaze as bright as the overhead lights.

Until he raised his hand and gently took my wrist.

He whispered into my ear, "Clumsy."

"..."

After becoming an adult, I’d only ever done that with Liam.

He was always unhurried.

This time, though, he paused when his hand brushed over a scar on my back.

How that scar got there.

Both of us knew perfectly well.

Scarlett Thorne had made it, with an X-Acto knife, cut by cut.