26
*I regret it every single day, Amelia. I don’t even know what to do to make up for it.
“So, tell me.” His eyes softened as he gazed up at me. “Tell me what I need to do to make you forgive me.” The sincerity in his voice made something inside me ache.
Liam had already proven his commitment, not just with words, but through his actions.
For the past two years, he had prioritized Theodore and me over everything else.
He had worked tirelessly to better himself, stepping away from his job, focusing on rebuilding his character.
I had heard about his involvement in charity events, his attendance at seminars, his efforts to improve his skills on freelance and work from home.
He had changed.
And though I had spent so long guarding my heart, I could not deny the truth any longer.
I had noticed. Even if I had been too scared to acknowledge it.
Liam exhaled, his lips curving into a small smile.
*If you need more time, then how about giving me your answer once you go back to the city?”
His voice was light, but his eyes filled with hope.
I
I closed my eyes for a brief moment, inhaling deeply.
The stars shone above us, silent witnesses to the moment unfolding between us.
7:45 AM
Forget Me Once, Farewell Forever
And for the first time in a long time, I felt the walls around my heart begin to crack
The next morning, Theodore was running around with a group of kids in the camping site, his joyous laughter
ringing in the air as he chased after a butterfly.
Liam and I sat on a wooden bench nearby, watching over him.
I
Just as I was about to sip my morning tea, Liam’s phone buzzed.
He glanced at the screen, his brows furrowing slightly.
“Excuse me for a moment,” he muttered before stepping a few feet away to answer the call.
I did not mean to listen in, but as soon as he picked up, his expression darkened.
I set my cup down, sensing that something was wrong.
A few moments later, he ended the call and let out a deep sigh.
I tilted my head, waiting for him to say something.
Liam ran a hand through his hair before speaking. “Evelyn committed suicide in prison,” he finally said.
I blinked, startled by the sudden news.
“She left a letter saying she wanted to follow her husband,” Liam continued. “Apparently, it’s already all over the news. And because of my resignation, people are talking about me again.”
The weight of his words settled between us like an invisible force.
I was not sure how to react.
Evelyn had been a thorn in my side for years–she had taken everything from me, deceived Liam, nearly ruined my life.
And yet, hearing that, I did not feel triumphant. I did not feel relieved.
I just felt empty.
Liam’s jaw tensed as he continued, “As for Lucas, he was sent to an orphanage. But before that, he was adopted by a family that… wasn’t exactly responsible. They abandoned him when they found out he wasn’t easy to handle.”
A sharp pang went through my chest
Lucas, he was an innocent child, born into circumstances he never chose. And now, he had been discarded by the very people who were supposed to care for him.
Liam must have noticed my silence because he glanced at me.
“I didn’t want to be cruel to him, Amelia,” he admitted. “I didn’t intend for things to turn out this way. But… fate had other plans.”
I closed my eyes briefly, swallowing down the sadness welling up inside me.
“I actually feel sorry for them both,” I murmured.
Liam sighed. “I think this is just how the universe works. Let’s pray they’ll be reborn as good people in the next life.”
I nodded slowly, watching as Theodore laughed in the distance, his world still untouched by tragedy
Silence stretched between us for a moment.
Then, I noticed Liam’s forehead was slightly creased in worry.
I could not help myself. I reached out and gently poked the crease between his brows with my index finger. Liam blinked in surprise.
“You’ve done the best you can,” I said, my tone light. “So don’t stress too much about it.”
For a moment, Liam just stared at me
Then, slowly, a smile spread across his lips.
He reached up, catching my hand before I could pull it away. His grip was warm and firm.”
D
7:45 AM c c
Forget Me Once, Farewelllatever
on.”
“You touched me first, okay?” he said teasingly. “So don’t blame me if I start touching you more often from now
I narrowed my eyes at him, trying to pull my hand back, but he would not let go.
“I was just trying to make you relax,” I muttered.
Liam’s grin widened. “Once it sticks, it’s hard to remove. You know that, right?”
I stiffened. That was the same joke he used to say back when we were dating.
My heart stuttered for a moment, caught between nostalgia and irritation. He was teasing me again, just like
before.
“Liam,” I warned.
“Yes?” His voice dripped with amusement.
I shot him a glare, but he only laughed, his fingers still wrapped around mine.
For who knows how long, our hands remained entwined. Neither of us made an effort to let go until the sound of
little footsteps came running toward us.
“Mom, hungry,” Theodore whined, rubbing his tummy.
I gasped dramatically, kneeling to his level. “Oh my God, my honey bunny is hungry! What should I do?”
Then, with a playful glance, I turned to Liam.
Liam caught on immediately, smirking as he folded his arms. “Then let Papa Bunny cook for you. What do you
want to eat now? We still have ingredients left.”
“Meat! I want meat!” Theodore declared, his eyes shining with excitement.
I feigned a gasp. “But I thought bunnies ate carrots?”
Theodore’s eyes widened, and he quickly covered his mouth, shaking his head. “No, I like meat!”
Liam and I burst into laughter, and the three of us headed toward the portable stove.
After one last meal together at the campsite, it was time to pack up and head home
As I was putting my things into Liam’s car, I sighed to myself, whispering under my breath, “I think I forgave him a long time ago. It’s just that I let my pride get in the way.”
Unbeknownst to me, Liam was right behind me
He leaned in close, his voice barely above a whisper as he asked, “Are you sure?”
