Page 111 of The Contract Marriage

I stride past as though he’s invisible. Everyone’s eyes follow, then swing to Simon. Under different circumstances, I might say something to spare Simon’s dignity. But he brought this on himself. He can deal with it.

I drive to Kingswood Stones & Designs. I have to see Liam and explain that I didn’t mean any of what he heard. He isn’t a disposable pawn, damn it!

My mind races. I run through numerous scenarios. What I would say. How he might respond. Start with an apology first. Then tell him what happened.

Tell him you care about him, and it’s scaring the shit out of you.

Explain you can’t afford any distractions.

My hands flex around the steering wheel as I struggle to control the tremors rushing through me. One thing at a time.

I park my car and head inside. Nobody stops me as I cross the marble floor. Walking briskly, I slip into the corporate elevator and go up to the executive level.

My legs are shaking; I stiffen them. Maintain eye contact. Show him I’m serious about him.

I can do this.

The moment the elevator reaches Liam’s floor, I step out into the hall. Emmie’s at her desk outside his office, but she immediately stands and blocks my way.

I arch an eyebrow, my unblinking eyes on hers. “Move.”

“No.” She crosses her arms.

“I’m—”

“I know who you are. His wife. But he isn’t here, and it seems you don’t know that. He isn’t answering calls or texts.” She scowls up at me. “What did you do?”

Her question hits me like a wrecking ball because it’s all my fault.

She continues, “He’s never done this before. He loves his work, and he’s always so happy and positive. Then you show up, and he’s—” She shakes her head.

“It’s a misunderstanding.” I hate it that Emmie has noticed the changes in him, none of them good. As his wife, I should’ve observed them first, but I’ve been too caught up in my plan.

“A misunderstanding?” She frowns in confusion. “He’s one of the sweetest, most even-tempered people I know. He’d never jump to conclusions, especially with you. He loves you, you know. Everyone at work can tell.”

I bite my lip, unable to say a word.

“Anyway, he’s not here. So please leave.”

I swallow, then nod. If Liam isn’t here, I have no reason to linger.

I walk out, my whole body numb.

Back on the street, I lean against the roof of my Audi and breathe hard. Oh my God, Liam loves me. But I knew it, deep inside, didn’t I? I just didn’t want to acknowledge it because if I did, I’d have had to do something about it. Either to come clean and tell him I’ve come to love him, too…or cut him loose because anything else would be stringing him along. Except I didn’t want to act because I was consumed by my desire for justice for Mom. I didn’t want to acknowledge anything that might soften my resolve.

Now look what I’ve done.

My hands curl into fists against the hot metal. I’m the biggest fool in the world. Liam was never a pawn. He’s the king—my king—without whom the game is lost.

And I just kicked him off the board.

I squeeze my eyes shut. My heart knew long ago he’s much more important than I pretend. It knew when I said to his parents that he was the most important person in my life.

I should’ve realized it sooner.

“You don’t look so good. Pregnancy messing you up?”

I tense. Then, inhaling quietly, I push myself off the car, put on my impassive mask and turn around.