When I Left, He Found His Way Back-Chapter 18: Another encounter

Our eyes met, and for a moment, time stood still. The air seemed to vibrate with tension, memories, and unspoken words.

As he marched in my direction, I felt a flutter in my chest, a mix of surprise and curiosity. What was he really here, in his enemy’s territory, looking for me?

"Jessica," he said, his voice low and smooth, sending chills down my spine.

I stood tall, my grip on my handbag tightening. "Liam." The sound of his name on my lips hung in the air, heavy with emotion.

What did he want? Why was he here? I raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to speak, my heart pounding in anticipation.

"Come with me," he commanded, his voice firm and authoritative, leaving no room for argument.

I hesitated, my mind racing with questions. Where was he taking me? What did he want from me?

But Liam’s determined gaze and resolute jawline brooked no dissent. He reached out, his hand wrapping around my elbow, gently but firmly guiding me toward the exit.

My heart pounded faster, a mix of trepidation and curiosity. What did he want? I repeated in my head. I couldn’t embarrass him in the lobby. All eyes were on us, so I followed him out.

As we walked out of the hotel, the bright sunlight seemed to fade into the background, overshadowed by the intensity of Liam’s presence.

"Where are we going?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Liam’s response was curt. "Somewhere we can talk."

Talk? About what? The past? Zoey? Our tangled history?

I shot him a sideways glance, searching for answers, but his expression remained unreadable.

With each step, my unease grew, but I refused to back down. I had to know what Liam wanted, why he’d sought me out.

As we reached his car, he opened the door, ushering me in. I slid onto the leather seat, feeling a sense of trepidation wash over me.

Liam got in beside me, starting the engine. The car purred to life, and we glided into the unknown, leaving my doubts and fears trailing behind.

Inside the car, I watched his side profile, my gaze drawn to the stark contrast between his usual robust appearance and the worn look that now beset him. He looked pale and sick, his skin lacking its usual vitality.

His lips were dry, his eyes sunken, and the sharp angles of his face seemed more pronounced. The tension in his jaw was evident, even as he focused on the road ahead.

A flicker of concern stirred within me, despite our complicated history. What could have taken such a toll on him? Was it guilt, regret, business, or something more?

As I studied his profile, Liam’s eyes darted toward me, our gazes meeting briefly. For an instant, I saw a glimmer of the man I once knew, the one who had captured my heart.

But it was fleeting. His mask slipped back into place, and he returned his attention to the road, leaving me with more questions than answers.

"I’m sorry," he suddenly said, his voice barely above a whisper.

The apology was unexpected. For a moment, I failed to register it. Liam wasn’t one to apologize; he never did, not to anyone. His pride and stubbornness had always stood in the way.

But now, his words hung in the air, sincere and raw. I turned to face him, searching for clarity.

"I’m sorry, Jessica," he repeated, his voice laced with emotion.

I felt a crack in the armor I’d built around my heart. Liam’s apology was a key that unlocked a door I’d thought was sealed forever. But no, that’s not what I wanted. His apologies won’t bring back our child, it won’t mend what he broke.

"Whatever for?" I asked, my tone measured, masking the turmoil brewing inside.

Liam’s eyes searched mine maybe for emotions or vulnerability, but my expression was blank.

"For the pain I caused," he said, his voice laced with regret. "For not being the man you needed me to be."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "You think a simple apology will erase everything?"

Liam’s jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with determination. "No, I don’t. But it’s a start."

A start? After all this time? After all the heartache?

"You broke me, Liam," I said, my voice cracking. "You shattered our family, our home. Apologies won’t bring our child back."

The words hung in the air, heavy with grief. Liam’s face contorted in anguish, but I couldn’t muster sympathy.

"What do you want from me, Liam?" I demanded, exhaustion creeping into my voice.

Liam’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. "I want to make it right," he said, his voice resolute. "I want to prove I’m capable of change."

I laughed, a bitter sound. "Prove it to who? Me? Yourself?"

Liam’s eyes locked onto mine. "Both."

The depth of his eyes were genuine, pure, and free from manipulation, but I don’t want him. "Why now?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Liam’s gaze faltered, and he looked away, focusing on the road ahead. "Because I realize I lost you, and I don’t know how to get you back."

His words struck a chord deep within me. I’d thought I’d long moved on, but the ache in my chest told a different story.

"What makes you think I want to be gotten back?" I asked, trying to maintain a fragile grip on my emotions.

Liam’s eyes snapped back to mine, filled with a glimmer of hope. "Do you?" he asked, his voice barely audible.

My expression turned icy, and my voice hardened. "No."

The single word hung in the air like a guillotine, severing any lingering threads of hope he had.

"I’ve moved on," I continued, each word a deliberate strike. "When I signed those divorce papers, I knew I wasn’t coming back to you." I bite the inside of my mouth and stilled my heart as I added, "Kristen is my boyfriend now."

Liam’s face fell, his eyes clouding over like a stormy sky. The vulnerability he’d shown moments before vanished, replaced by a mask of controlled fury.

"You’re still my wife!" he snapped,

I felt like I’d been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me. "What?"

Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m