Chapter 35: Chapter 35

As I drag myself to my room, my head is throbbing with anger and uncertainty—uncertainties about how Liam and I will survive in this house after today. My future in this house seems so clouded. My stomach is rumbling from hunger. I feel so lost in thought, but the hunger is so loud. I do not want to give up, but this last blow is weighing me down.

The fact that I do not know what Liam is planning to do about us now is taking a huge toll on me as well. I left him standing like a statue in the living room. He did not even try to stop me as I walked up here. He did not have anything to comfort me with today.

I slam on the bed with my back, squeezing my eyes tight in an attempt to dodge this cursed night. But minutes pass, and there is no hope of me getting sleep any time soon tonight. I give up forcing myself to sit up.

I curse this Mitch! May the devil screw her! She is just so heartless and impossible. I mean, I understand if she wants to starve me to death because, well, she was hostile toward me from the first day we met in high school. I have accepted it, you know. Even if Liam was not in the picture, she and I could never see eye to eye.

But why can't she have even just a little humanity for the man who is supposed to be her husband? The man who has been able to bear her unbearably bitchy self for two good years God knows how fed up I am with her right now.

The sound of my door opening saves my mind from overthinking. Liam strides in.

I know. It is risky for him to come here. I should worry. But I have snapped at him countless times because of this, and each time, I end up feeling like a fool in the end. I trust him. He knows his wife’s moves better than I do. He is not just about to risk all that is at stake.

He crouches on the bed beside me, his arms taking refuge around my shoulders.

“I ordered food for us.” He says this, rubbing my shoulders.

I nod my head, short of words for what to say. I appreciate his efforts, his wise thoughts, and his care for me, but how long can we manage this way? Today, that witch ordered the housekeeper to starve us to death. What next? What bomb will she drop next? And when again will she strike, huh? Tomorrow, just before we can overcome what has been done today, The day after? Or maybe the next minute? Will we have a way out of her next action?

“I am sorry.” Liam whispers, lifting my chin so that I can face him, and I look at him. I let him see the weariness in my eyes and on my face. “Don't worry too much, okay? I am here. I will take care of you.” He assures me.

But as much as I would like to cloak this weariness with at least a fake smile to make him feel that I believe him, I cannot. Today, I cannot fake that his words made me feel any better.

“She is closing in on us, Liam.” I say.

“I won't let her catch us, Lynn; trust me.” He says this, stroking my cheeks.

Of course, none of us wants our secrets to be exposed. But with the speed at which this bitch is chasing us, how far can we run? How long can our secrets remain hidden? Her mind is made up about ruining us. She has started making her moves. Her determination is so unnerving.

“We need a plan ASAP, Liam; otherwise, we will be screwed even before we know it. And until we draft a plan, we should stay away from each other and...”

“What are you saying, Lynn? No! I have to see you every single minute, if possible, to make sure you are fine. That is the only way I will be at peace.” He says, his eyes pleading with mine to right his opinion.

But we all know that that will be like giving room for Mitch to catch us. And the minute that happens, we are doomed for good.

“Look, Liam. I will be fine, trust me. We need to stop giving that woman any more reasons to suspect us. I know she will still haunt us, but at least let us not give her justifiable reasons to do what she is doing.” I plead, hoping that he gets my point.

He keeps quiet for a moment that is too long to unnerve me. I understand his worries. This is not easy for me at all. But it is a sacrifice we need to make if we want to succeed. If we do not want to be ruined. I hope he knows that I am hurt even by the mere notion of us staying away from each other.

“I have a better suggestion.”

That made me snap my eyes at him, and ours locked.

A better suggestion? Great!

“Tell me about it,” I ask enthusiastically.

“I cannot stay away from you, Lynn, and that is a fact, and you know it.” He starts, and my face darkens a little.

Oaky. Okay. So, staying away is not an option. I should be happy, and I feel that glee stroking my face. The fact that we don't have to keep our distance is a glee worth basking in. But until I know what his plan is, I better cloak this glee.

“I am listening,” I say.

He springs to his feet, dipping his hands in his pockets. I stand too, and I stand in front of him, the curiosity of his plan stroking me badly.

“I will take you to one of my rest houses. You will be safe there. I will come to see you all the time, and I will be at peace knowing that you are safe.”

He what?

So, he will take me to a safe house while he is left here for this she-devil to fuck with him all she wants? I will be safe, and he will be dancing in danger. Well, I sincerely appreciate your care and concern for me, Mr. Liam Morgan Adams, but it is me who will never be at peace resting in a damn safe place while you are here confronting only God knows what kind of demons.

“No way, Liam!” I was content, gawking deep into his eyes.

“Listen, Lynn, you...”

“No, Liam.” I cut him off, slipping from his grip. “You listen to me. We are in this together, do you hear me? Where you stay, I stay. So I am sorry, Liam, but there is no way in hell I will consent to this.” I affirm, and he closes his eyes.

“All I want is to know that you are safe, Lynn. please understand.” He pleads, reaching for my shoulders again and caging them in his palms.

I don't move. I let him feed me his warmth, but I refuse to go back on my words.

“Believe me I understand you, Liam, and it gives me so much joy knowing you have my best interests at heart. But the same way I understand you, Liam, I please ask that you understand me too. I forbid you from ever proposing such a thing to me. We are sticking together for better or for worse, and that is final!”