Chapter 2

I had no idea how I made it out of that private room.

What I did remember was the gravestone.

The tombstone was engraved with the names of my parents.

My legs gave out. I slid down against the stone, clutching it the way I used to cling to my parents' shoulders when I cried as a kid.

I let Liam lie to me for six years while they searched for me and came up empty. I didn't even get to see them one last time.

After crying for a long time, I pushed myself up and walked away.

By the time I got home, it was already evening. The living room was packed.

The engagement party they had planned for us was still going on. I walked in late, and just like that, I became the punchline.

"Well, look who finally showed up. The bride-to-be."

Demi Hale raised an eyebrow and swung her leg across Liam's lap.

He didn't move it. He just looked straight at me.

"Don't say that. She hasn't said yes yet." He gave a faint smile. "There's no guest of honor tonight. Everyone, just relax and enjoy yourselves."

Glasses clinked. Laughter filled the room.

I didn't react the way I used to. I didn't rush over to pull her off him. I didn't pretend I saw nothing and leave.

I hung my coat up and said, calm and flat, "I'm going to bed."

Liam shot to his feet and grabbed my wrist, pulling me back down.

Demi was already holding out a glass.

"Let's play a game of truth," she said with a bright smile. She set an empty bottle on its side and gave it a spin. "Whoever it lands on has to answer a question."

Everyone jumped in immediately. Liam didn't give me a chance to refuse.

The bottle spun, slowed, and then stopped in front of someone.

Demi spoke first. "During these six years you've been under contract with Liam, what stands out the most?"

"Oh, I've got one." The guy grinned and pointed at me. "Two years ago, their anniversary. She caught Liam with you that night, right? She just stood there with red eyes, then ran out. I still remember her face."

I froze. My throat tightened.

That was our sixth anniversary. I had reminded Liam ahead of time.

I cooked a full dinner and waited until after midnight, and then I saw Demi's post. When I rushed to the bar, Liam looked like it had just hit him.

"Sorry, Keira. I forgot." He smacked his forehead, playing it off. "But it's Demi's birthday today. I've been celebrating it with her for years…"

The message was obvious.

I didn't belong, so I had no right to be jealous. I could only wait my turn.

Under the low laughter around me, I walked out, eyes burning.

"Your turn, Demi."

The voice pulled me back. The bottle had landed in front of her.

"Here's my question," the same guy said, leaning forward. "What's it like going from the other woman to the real one? Fun?"

"Of course."

Demi smiled and looped her arms around Liam's neck.

"Knowing he bought me a place here and gave me the master bedroom that used to be hers… That feels pretty great. And I've been using all the luxury stuff at her place in Josselville for six years, and even her man. She didn't even dare say a word. Imagine how that feels."

My breathing hitched. I looked at Liam without thinking.

He stayed completely at ease, as though none of it mattered. He reached out and casually rubbed the sole of Demi's foot.

"Alright. Keep it going."

She got the hint and stopped.

This time, the bottle pointed at me.

Liam lifted his eyes slowly. "Keira, is there anyone in your heart besides me?"

He watched me closely. There was a faint redness in his eyes.

I smiled. "If you have someone else in yours, then yes. If you don't, then no."

"That doesn't count," Demi cut in with a laugh. "Answer properly or finish the bottle."

I didn't hesitate. I picked up the bottle in front of me and drank, swallowing until my throat burned.

Liam tried to stop me, but he was too late. By the time I finished, my stomach had already turned. His expression darkened.

"You have stomach problems. What are you doing?"

"Again."

I ignored him and spun the bottle.

It stopped in front of Liam.

I spoke before Demi could.

"If one day I disappear from your life, what would you do?"

He froze. His lips moved, but no sound came out at first.

A flicker of unease crossed his face. He grabbed his drink and took two quick swallows before answering.

"I'd go abroad with Demi and start over. Forget you completely."

I met his eyes and said nothing.

Then I stood up, walked into the bathroom, and climbed out through the window.

I made my way to that street corner, the place where everything had started.

I tossed my phone into a dark corner. Then I looked up at the moon and raised my hand, forming a small circle with my fingers.

"Send me back."