Chapter 3

3

When Liam heard I was on a hunger strike, he came to the hospital.

I hadn't eaten or slept for two days. I had no strength left.

I drifted in and out of consciousness.

When I woke up, Liam was telling a nurse to give me an IV drip.

"The procedure is tomorrow. Don't let her faint on the table."

He saw my eyes open. He paused, his eyes narrowing.

"Are you hungry? Want something to eat?"

I didn't say a word.

"I had someone buy you some warm broth and snacks. Eat when you're ready."

Seeing I wasn't going to talk, Liam felt a bit stifled.

He walked out and called his assistant.

"Go to the mall. Order two designer bags and two diamond necklaces. Bring them to the hospital."

On the day of the procedure, Liam texted me saying he was busy. He said he'd pick me up when I was discharged.

I stared at the screen as memories flooded back.

Three years ago, I was in a hit-and-run on my way home.

It was a pitch-black night.

I lay on the ground, broken and terrified.

Liam was the one who picked me up and rushed me to the ER.

When I first found out I was paralyzed, I had a horrible temper. Even when I threw things and told him to leave, he never complained. He stayed by my side.

Looking back, maybe it was just the last shred of his guilt.

The procedure was over quickly.

In a daze, I heard the doctor's voice full of pity.

"The fetus was developing so well. Such a waste..."

Hot tears rolled down my face.

My heart felt like it was being shredded.

"Mrs. Jennings, your legs have recovered so well. Mr. Jennings will be thrilled."

The maid looked at me using my crutches with a relieved smile.

Her words felt like acid.

The baby was gone. Liam would be thrilled, indeed.

I passed by the next room.

Liam and Serena were both inside.

My heart twinged with pain.

So, Liam wasn't too busy. He just didn't want to be with me.

Serena saw me at the door and waved me in.

"Oh, is the Mrs. in the hospital too? Liam, why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm just pregnant, and Liam is making such a big deal out of it. Honestly."

"Are you feeling unwell, Avery? Why isn't Liam with you?"

Serena rubbed her belly, laughing triumphantly.

Liam just looked at her with doting eyes.

I touched my empty stomach and didn't answer.

Liam frowned. "Serena is just looking out for you. What's with the attitude?"

"Don't be so mean, Liam," Serena chirped. "Has Avery eaten? I have half a bowl of oatmeal left. Want some?"

Her red-tipped fingers held the white porcelain bowl like a witch offering poison.

I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"What are you laughing at?" Serena's smile faded when she didn't see me get angry.

Liam also felt uneasy.

"Nothing."

I smiled at them both.

"I just wanted to wish you two a long life together with your precious child."

As soon as I left the room, Liam chased after me.

"It was just one child!"

He grabbed my crutch.

I shook him off.

"Don't touch me."

Liam snatched the crutch and threw it on the floor.

"You think because you can walk now, you're something special? I'm telling you, I always get what I want."

"A private jet will pick you up in two days. You'd better behave."

Liam signaled a bodyguard and pointed at the crutch.

"Throw that away."

He pulled me into a forced embrace, stroking my back.

"Avery, we'll have our own children later."

He didn't know that for us, there was no "later."