Page 128 of The Contract Marriage

Even her texts made it clear she doesn’t want me. She wants the crystallized ginger. She has food cravings. I asked Frederich to make more ginger and sent oranges to the hospital so she could have them, asking them not to tell her they’re from me because that would seem manipulative and pressure-inducing. Hey, look at all the things I’m doing for you—don’t you feel guilty for not picking me forever?

That isn’t what I want.

It kills me to stay away, but I won’t appear in front of her and force a decision. She’s emotionally vulnerable with the pregnancy and the aftermath of the pool attack. She’s probably also high from finally kicking out Hugh and company from her mother’s house and cutting off their access to her mother’s fortune. Probably not totally rational at the moment.

Besides, I’m terrified she’ll serve me with divorce papers. She honestly doesn’t need me anymore. I walked out like it could make a difference, but even though I’ve decided on all or nothing, I can’t bear to cut our marital ties.

It isn’t Olivia’s fault that I thought I could change her mind when she told me multiple times that our marriage wasn’t about feelings, she didn’t want to keep me, and nothing mattered but getting justice for her mother. I’m just a piece that happened to be necessary for her plan.

It’s better this way—to end things before she starts to begrudge my presence in her life. At least now there’s a possibility she’ll still care about our baby, and we might become friends at some point. I might even stop hurting eventually.

But accepting that in my head doesn’t stop my heart from bleeding.

Chapter Fifty-Four

Olivia

I lie in bed and stare at the ceiling. It’s another SoCal morning—bright and sunny. I listen to the clock tick.

I don’t know why this new day doesn’t feel any different. I finally got rid of the disgusting trio, but… there’s still a strange sense of emptiness. Mom and Pochi finally got the justice they deserve. But my life… It hasn’t really changed. I still need to run Luminary & Co. I have a baby growing in my belly. Time passes, just like it always has. The heavens didn’t open up and bathe me in golden light. Neither Mom nor Pochi has been magically resurrected. But at the same time, I’d do it again without hesitation.

I roll over and hug a pillow. If Liam were here, would he understand? If he were here, holding me in his arms, would I feel less hollow?

The next day is the same. If anything, the void in my heart only grows bigger. I reach for my phone to occupy myself with something, then stop. The social media algo keeps pushing videos of Tyler attacking me at Ted’s party on my feed. I lived through it once, and I don’t want to revisit the experience.

I sigh and rest my hand on my chest. The achievement of my life’s goal has brought about a pang of panic:

Now what?

I’ve never given much thought to what I’d do once justice was served. My eyes drift to the pavé ring Liam gave me. I’m only thirty—I’ve got almost a whole life ahead of me. And a baby, too.

Family.

Images of Liam pop into my head like a kind of montage. Holding out the gardenias. Crooning into my ear as we danced on the terrace after we became husband and wife. Swimming and showing me dolphins jumping from the ocean. Giving me the most beautiful birthday celebration. Stroking the tie I gave him with a smile like it was the greatest treasure he owned.

Every moment was special because it was with Liam.

I want him back. But I don’t know how to get him. Still, I waited twenty years to bring down my enemies. I could figure out a way. Be patient. Methodical. Relentless. Liam wouldn’t know what hit him.

But he isn’t the enemy, Olivia. He’s your husband. You can’t manipulate him with secrets like you did Hugh and his family. That simply isn’t fair.

Then how am I supposed to strategize and win him?

I wait a few beats, but nothing comes to mind.

Okay. The goal is clear, so maybe I should start working toward it and adjust my plans as needed. Just like I did with Hugh.

The most basic first step is: text Frederich. It takes half an hour before he responds.

–Frederich: Liam was with Silas, then moved in with Finn, but is now with Rhys. He can’t seem to settle.

–Me: Where does Rhys live?

–Frederich: I’m not at liberty to disclose that. But Liam needs time, I think. He isn’t adjusting well to living alone.

Frustration eats at me, even though I sympathize with Frederich’s reticence. Part of me wants to take the easy way and lie. If I claim that the baby isn’t doing well… Or that I’m having complications, Liam might come. But then what? Lies never work out in the end. I don’t want him to feel betrayed and unappreciated any more than he already does.

It’s obvious the brothers are on Team Liam—as they should be—so I message Max and ask for an appointment.