Chapter 16
I put my umbrella by the door and walked into my flat after unlocking the door and shivering from the cold. I was met with the same silence, although it wasn’t as oppressive as it had been. Despite
its small size and imperfections, this place had become my haven.
My phone was vibrating on the counter as I took off my coat and poured myself a glass of wine. I
didn’t recognize the number that flashed across the screen
I was hesitant to respond. “Hello?”
“Nora.”
I gasped. Even though I hadn’t heard him in weeks, I could still clearly hear how he said my name.
I flatly said, “Liam,” while holding onto the counter’s edge.
“Don’t hang up,” he added hastily. “I simply… I must see you. Only once. I must give an explanation.
“What can you explain?” My voice was sharper than I meant when I asked. Why did you lie to me, please? Why did you allow Isabel to ruin all we owned after bringing her into our lives?
“It’s not what you think, Nora-”
I interjected, “Don’t.” “Don’t make me feel offended by acting like you have more to say I am already aware of the reality.
A lull occurred, and the agonizing quiet between us lasted. Then he lowered his voice “Since you
left, I’ve been paying for my mistakes every day. I keep thinking about you all the time. about us.
“There is no “us,” Liam,” I stated in a firm tone. “No longer.”
He begged, “Please.” “Allow me to see you. Only once, I’ll leave you alone if your feelings remain the same
My heart tightened as the part of me that still desired closure fought against the hurt and rage. In defiance of my better sense, I said, “All right. Just one meeting. However, don’t count on anything from me
“I’m grateful,” he said. “The time and location will be texted to you.”
Without another word, I hung up and put the phone down as my chest constricted.
A tiny café on the outskirts of the city served as the meeting spot. I came early, picking a seat near the window where I could see the rain streaking down the glass.
I didn’t have to wait long. Liam strolled in moments later, his hair moist from the rain and his coat slung over his arm. His eyes found mine quickly, and he made his way over, appearing more unkempt than I’d ever seen him.
“Nora,” he whispered softly as he sat across from me.
“Say what you need to say,” I answered, putting my arms across my chest.
His hands were locked together on the table as he leaned forward. “I am aware that I caused you. pain. Furthermore, I am aware that I am not deserving of your pardon. However, you must realize that my love for you has never diminished.
I spat out a sour laugh and shook my head. “Liam, you don’t harm the people you care about. You don’t tell them lies. You don’t minimize them in order to feel superior.
His voice was heavy with guilt as he replied, “I never meant to make you feel that way.”
But I yelled, “But you did.” “And that cannot be undone by any amount of apology”
He started to reply, but the cafe door opened again before he could finish. Isabel entered, her heels
clicking on the tile floor, and my stomach fell..
She saw us right away and strode up, a mixture of annoyance and smugness on her face.
She stood next to our table and folded her arms, saying, “Well, isn’t this cozy?”
“Why are you in this place?” Liam’s tone was stern as he asked
Isabel looked at me and said, “I could ask you the same thing” However, I believe I already know.
I didn’t let her presence scare me, so I stood. Isabel, what do you want?
She narrowed her eyes and uttered, “I want Liam to stop acting like a saint.” “He isn’t. You should be aware of that, too.
Calmly, I replied, “I already do.” However, I am also fully aware of your identity. You’ve been attempting to undermine me for months by playing games. But what do you know? You lost.
Her self–satisfied grin wavered.
I said, “I’m done with you both,” in a steady voice. “It’s not me that you believe you are fighting over. I will no longer participate in this destructive circle.
Liam stood up and whispered, “Nora, wait.”
“No,” I firmly responded, looking him in the eye. “You are no longer able to present your case. You threw away everything I had given you. I will never do this again.
I retreated when he grabbed for my hand. “Goodbye. Liam. Isabel, too? Since I won’t be cleaning up your mess, I hope you enjoy
Without waiting for an answer, I picked up my bag and left the cafe, the rain already seeping through my coat.
My chest felt lighter than it had in weeks as I strolled down the street. I felt completely free for
the first time, not just from Liam, but also from the version of myself that had allowed him to
determine my value.
I took out my phone, anticipating another message from Liam, when it buzzed in my pocket.
However, it wasn’t.
A fresh message from the unidentified number appeared on the screen
“Nora, you underestimate your strength. However, this is not the end.
I felt cold as I gazed at the screen while the rain trickled onto my palm.
They weren’t finished with me, whomever they were.
I also wasn’t sure if I was prepared for what was about to happen.
The train’s steady clatter provided an odd sense of comfort as it sliced through the countryside Gazing through the window, I observed the verdant hills passing by, interspersed with tiny homes that looked so disconnected from the turmoil of my former existence. The solitude and the
remoteness here were just what I needed.
