Chapter 22
Stephanie was fed up with Liam constantly bothering her. She thought it was about time to deal with it once and for all.
She came up with a reason to send Hubert and Rita ahead before walking over to Liam under his intense stare.
“Say whatever you need to say, and make it quick. I’m giving you ten minutes. Once time’s up, you’re out of my life for good.”
For a second, Liam thought he saw a sliver of hope in what she said. But by the end of it, he realized all he had left was just a slim chance. Still, whatever it was, he knew he had to grab it and never let go.
Without wasting a second, he blurted out everything he’d been thinking about for so long. “Steph, remember on your birthday you said you wanted to get
married?
“I knew you meant it for me, but I needed time to think it through. And now, I’m ready to marry you. Will you give me another chance to build a family together?”
These were the words Stephanie had always dreamed of hearing.
Before she knew the truth, she’d dreamed over and over about how Liam would propose, what kind of wedding dress she’d pick, and what their life. would be like, but that was a long time ago.
Stephanie didn’t feel a thing when Liam told her he wanted to marry her.
She looked up just in time to see the lights in the sixth–floor apartment flicker on. A gentle smile spread across her face.
Stephanie realized more than ever that the home she belonged to wasn’t some distant dream or a far–off place like laverton–but right here, within her grasp.
She shook her head and said earnestly, “No, I’m not giving you another chance, and I’m not marrying you. Liam, you’ve got someone you love and a family I could never live up to.
“We’re from different worlds, I’ve finally let go of this eight–year obsession, so please, let me go, too”
Each of her words felt like a blow to Liam, sending his heart crashing into an abyss. He never thought she was aware of his feelings for Marve
Panic gripped him, and he rushed to explain, “Steph, it’s not what you think. I did have feelings for Marve, but that’s in the past.
“I’ve moved on, and all I want is to be with you. I was wrong to keep this from you. I’m sorry. Can you forgive me for once?”
Stephanie didn’t need his apology. Even though she’d fallen for the wrong person and been deceived, she was ready to own up to her part. But that didn’t mean she was going to dwell on the past..
She knew when it was time to let go. Now that she knew the truth, she wasn’t going to hold on to someone who didn’t deserve her.
She wasn’t looking back now that she had walked out of the maze that had kept her trapped for eight years. She was determined and fearless, and Liam’s meaningless words weren’t going to change her mind.
Stephanie looked at him, her expression calm and composed. “Since you’ve let go of Maeve, you must understand how it feels when someone’s heart shatters. You wouldn’t repeat your mistake, so why are you asking me to make the same one?
y own life to live,
“Liam, I’m not just some backup for you, nor am I your second choice because things didn’t work out with Maeve. I’m a person with my and you’re part of the past I’ve moved on from. Do you get what I’m saying?”
