5
Liam’s shocked gaze met mine as I spun around, phone still in hand. Before I could explain, he rushed to me, gripping my wrist.“Serenity, who’s immigrating?!”
I remained impassive.“An old college friend. She’s leaving the country and wanted to get together one last time.”
My calm demeanor seemed to convince him. He hugged me, relief flooding his voice.“I thought it was you. You scared me to death.”
I offered a wry smile. “It’s just immigration. Why such a big reaction?”
His face grew serious. “Serenity, you know my family background. Three generations of military service. We can’t leave the country.” His tone turned pleading, almost desperate. “If I’ve done something wrong, you can hit me, yell at me, even kill me, but don’t leave. I’d never find you again. It would kill me.”
His embrace felt hollow.“I understand,” I murmured.
From that moment, Liam hardly left my side. His anxiety was palpable. Even when his brother invited their circle of friends to celebrate the opening of a new club, Liam insisted on bringing me along. His constant presence made it impossible for me to visit the immigration office unnoticed.
Entering the private room, his friends swarmed us.
“Serenity, have fun tonight! We know you like it quiet, so we changed the music to piano and cleared out the place.”
“Right! We even got you your favorite desserts.”
“Come sit here, Serenity, the fruit’s all cut and ready.”
Liam raised an
eyebrow, feigning annoyance.“When
did you all become SO good at flattering people?”
One friend laughed.“Everyone knows she’s the apple of your eye! If we didn’t flatter her, how would we stay in your good books?”
“Exactly! Since you got married, you’ve forgotten about us brothers. We’re suffering. We have to help you shower Serenity with love!*
Laughter filled the room. Then, the door opened, and Chloe appeared.
The manager tried to stop her.“I’m sorry, miss, this room is booked for private guests.”
Chloe breezed past him.“Serenity, Liam! What a coincidence! Mind if I join you?”
She slid into the seat beside me, leaning in close. Beneath the dim light, I noticed her subtle movements as she slipped Liam’s hand under her
skirt.
My body trembled. Liam’s expression shifted; he seemed about to dismiss her, but the moment his hand was beneath her skirt, he closed h eyes and subtly moved his fingers.
My breath caught in my throat.
I controlled my emotions, pretending nothing was amiss.
During the party, I excused myself to the restroom. I splashed cold water on my face again and again, trying to regain my composure, until a taunting voice broke through.
“Serenity,” Chloe sneered, her reflection in the mirror a twisted mockery of triumph,“you’re so young, yet you dress like an old maid. Don’t be so… prude.”
Chloe stood in the mirror, a sneer on her face.
“Look at me-” She threw open her coat, revealing a revealing fox–themed lingerie.
“Men are visual creatures,” she said smugly.“Want to bet? If I tell Liam I’m wearing this, will he stay with you… or come to me?”
My body shook. I said nothing, simply drying my hands and returning to the room.
Chloe followed shortly after, subtly tapping Liam’s phone as she passed him.
hard and his eyes darken.
He opened it–a short text message, enough to make him swallow
Casually, he pocketed his phone and stood.“Serenity, I need to take a call. Stay here, I’ll be back soon.”
Without waiting for a reply, he left. Chloe followed shortly after.
Watching them disappear, I struggled to breathe. The pain was a knife, twisting relentlessly. I wanted to drag Liam down to hell with me, to make him hurt as much as I did.
Hours passed. Liam didn’t return. His friends shifted uncomfortably.
One finally stood, offering to take me home.“He’s probably delayed. I’ll drive you.”
I nodded silently but realized I’d forgotten my purse. Returning to the room, I stopped short at the sound of their voices.
20:12
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“Finally, she’s gone! If we’d stayed any longer, I would’ve blown my cover. I don’t know how Liam pulled it off.”
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