Chapter 16
Liam ignored the doctor’s orders and went straight home. The sight of the empty apartment, which used to feel cozy and inviting, sent panic rushing through him.
All traces of Stephanie were gone from the living room, bedroom, and study. She was completely out of his life.
Liam felt helpless, like a boat drifting aimlessly in the dark. He aslord his friends to contact Stephanie, but he found out she’d cut ties with connected to him.
everyone
Her resolve to cut him out for good threw him off balance. He lost it and roamed around Javerton, ignoring his hand, which hadn’t fully healed.
He checked the parks they used to visit, the charming alleys she adored, and the yoga studio she always went to, but she was nowhere to be found. He didn’t get a minute of rest for a whole day and night.
When morning came, Liam headed to Stephanie’s old workplace, clinging to the hope he had. He eventually found out where she was from one of her old colleagues
“I think Steph’s back in her hometown.”
Her hometown, Riverton?
Without wasting any time, Liam booked the first flight there.
Seeing how desperate he was, Ivan tried to talk him out of it. “Liam, your hand’s still healing. There’s no reason to rush. Since you know where she is, you can go once you’re better. It won’t make any difference.”
Liam could tell Ivan meant well, but he couldn’t wait any longer. He knew better than anyone that Stephante must’ve gone through endless disappointments before finally giving up on him.
He’d already wasted five days. If he waited any longer, his chances of getting back with Stephanie would be next to nothing. So he tuned out everyone who tried to stop him and boarded the plane..
Once he landed in Riverton, his secretary texted him the address she’d found.
Liam and Ivan went right over. They knocked several times, but no one came to the door. It seemed like Stephanie wasn’t home.
They waited at the apartment complex entrance all afternoon, and by sundown, they finally saw her. She got out of a black sedan, and when her eyes met. theirs, she paused, a small frown crossing her face.
Liam jumped to his feet, eager to approach Stephanie, but stopped short after a few steps. He saw her turn away and start talking to someone else.
It was a guy in his mid–20s, wearing a sleek trench coat and gold–rimmed glasses, looking sophisticated and scholarly.
y were close enough for Liam to hear every word of their conversation.
They
“Mr. Leith, thanks for everything today. I had a great time. I’ll treat you to coffee next time.”
“It’s a deal, Ms. Rowell. I’ll wait for your call. See you then.”
“See you soon.”
After saying her goodbyes, Stephanie watched as Daniel Leith’s car drove off before she turned to head home. She kept her gaze on the magnolia trees in the distance, her expression unreadable.
She breezed past Liam, clearly not interested in talking to him.
Liam lost it when she walked past him like he was invisible. He caught her wrist with his left hand, his voice low, carrying a hint of disappointment. Steph, who was that guy who just took you home?”
Stephanie glanced at his hand on her wrist and shrugged it off. “My blind date.”
