Chapter 3

2.

Liam was certain I couldn’t leave him.

And honestly, I understood why he thought that.

Everyone knew I was head-over-heels in love with him.

He was the total package―rich, handsome, the works. Everyone thought a girl like me landing him was a blessing I couldn't have earned in three lifetimes.

Once, after a fight, I stayed at a friend’s place.

She just told me, “He’s such a catch, Clara. Of course he has a bit of a temper. Don’t be so petty.”

The consensus was clear: as long as Liam was willing to be with me, I should turn a blind eye to all his flaws.

But I never cared about his money or his status.

I was with him for love.

We met in college. He was nearly killed in a mugging and fell into a deep depression. He wouldn't speak to anyone.

I was the one who painstakingly pulled him out of that darkness and helped him become the smiling, confident man he was.

Back then, he needed me.

He couldn't go anywhere without me by his side.

“Clara,” he used to say, “thank you for always being here for me.”

After graduation, we moved in together.

One Valentine's Day, we were out for dinner. The man who had robbed him had just gotten out of prison and came looking for revenge.

He blindsided Liam, and without thinking, I threw myself over him, taking the blows meant for him.

The last thing I remember is the man stomping on my legs until they snapped.

I woke up in the hospital to the news that I would never walk again.

Liam was by my bedside, his face streaked with tears. “Clara, I’m so sorry. I failed to protect you. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you for the rest of my life.”

Losing my legs was devastating.

But his promise gave me a reason to keep going.

I believed him.

But less than a month later, he started staying out late. Then he started sleeping in a different room.

He said he was worried he’d kick the blankets off and I’d catch a cold.

I believed that too. Now I know the truth.

He was already disgusted by me back then.