Chapter 107 When Truth Burns Louder Than Lies

Chapter 107 When Truth Burns Louder Than Lies
Liam’s POV

Liam paced relentlessly across his living room, his long strides sharp and restless, his polished shoes striking the marble floor in uneven rhythms. Back and forth he went, fingers raking through his hair, jaw clenched so tightly that a dull ache throbbed beneath his temples. He was supposed to be attending a shareholders’ meeting that morning, one he had personally scheduled weeks ago, but he had cancelled it at the very last minute. Concentration was impossible. His mind refused to cooperate.

Fury simmered beneath his skin, hot and consuming. Betrayal sat heavily in his chest, tightening with every breath. The woman he had grown to love, the woman he had trusted with his heart, had kept the truth from him. The more he thought about it, the more his anger deepened, turning inward, clawing at his sanity. Why had Maureen hidden something so important? Why had she looked him in the eyes and pretended everything was fine? His thoughts spiraled, darker with each passing second. Had she ever loved him at all, or had he been fooling himself from the beginning?

He stopped pacing briefly and lifted the glass of whiskey in his hand, staring into the amber liquid as though answers might be hidden there. His grip tightened before he took a slow sip, the burn sliding down his throat without offering comfort. He barely noticed the taste. He was too lost in his thoughts to hear the faint sound of movement behind him until a familiar voice cut through the silence.

“Liam.”

He stiffened instantly. Angela.

What was she doing in his house? His head snapped toward the sound, disbelief flashing across his face. In one swift movement, he dropped the glass onto the side table and sprang from the couch. He rushed toward the entrance hallway and planted himself firmly at the threshold, his broad shoulders blocking the way as if he could physically bar her presence from his life.

“Why are you here?” he demanded, his voice sharp and cold. “What do you want again?”

Angela hesitated, her eyes flicking to the discarded whiskey glass before returning to his face. Her brows furrowed, concern creasing her forehead. “Were you drinking?” she asked softly.

“That is none of your business,” Liam snapped, his eyes narrowing. “Why are you here?”

She took a small step closer, her hands clasped tightly in front of her, shoulders slightly hunched. “Come on, Liam. I came to check on you. You don’t deserve to be betrayed like this, and I…..”

He didn’t let her finish. A bitter scoff tore from his lips, loud and mocking. “See who’s talking about betrayal,” he taunted, his laughter hollow. “You know, for once, I thought that since my mother wanted you and me together so badly, I’d just accept it as my fate. I tried, Angela. I tried so hard to love you.” His eyes darkened. “But do you know what you did? You slept with Carlos. The Spanish guy.”

Angela’s mouth fell open. Her eyes widened dramatically as she staggered back a step, feigning shock. “W-what are you talking about?” she stammered.

“Oh, now you want to act innocent?” Liam continued, his voice rising. “Let me refresh your memory. Carlos, the Spanish guy. One of the five friends in our squad. Remember? You slept with him because he was hot, and I was nothing compared to him. Those were your words.” His jaw tightened. “I overheard everything. And you always wondered why I despised you so much. Now you have your answer.”

“I—I…” Angela’s voice trembled as her words trailed off. Her hands shook slightly at her sides, and her eyes darted around the room, searching desperately for an escape from the truth.

Liam let out a short, humourless laugh. “What do you have to say now? That you’re sorry? That I should forgive you?” His expression hardened. “You don’t deserve my forgiveness. Now get out of my house.”

The tears she had been holding back finally spilled over. Angela broke down, sobbing uncontrollably as her shoulders shook. “It’s not what you think, Liam,” she cried. “You weren’t giving me the attention I needed. I wanted to feel desired. I just wanted to get laid so badly, and I couldn’t….”

“Yeah, I understand you perfectly,” Liam cut in, his tone thick with sarcasm. “Now you can leave. Go back to Carlos. I don’t care.” He straightened, his voice firm. “And whatever scheme you and my mother are still cooking up, I suggest you back out now. Nothing you do will ever break me and Maureen.”

He slammed the door in her face before she could respond.

“Liam!” Angela cried from outside. “Please listen to me. I love you. I really do. This isn’t about our families anymore. It’s about how I feel. Please.”

“I don’t love you,” Liam whispered under his breath, his forehead resting briefly against the door.

After several minutes of pleading and sobbing, her voice faded. The building fell into an eerie silence. Liam remained standing, shoulders slumped, chest rising unevenly. Then, as if something struck him suddenly, he jolted upright. He grabbed the whiskey glass and dropped it onto the centre table before rushing into his bedroom. He yanked a shirt from the wardrobe, pulled it on hastily, and dashed out.

Minutes later, he was in his garage. He slid into his car, started the engine, and drove off at reckless speed. Every movement was precise, every turn sharp. In no time, he arrived at his mother’s house.

He barged in without knocking. Mrs. Alexander was in the living room. When she saw him, her face lit up.

“Hello, son,” she greeted warmly.

“Are you happy now?” Liam asked flatly.

“Of course I am,” she replied with a wide smile.

“Even at the expense of your son’s happiness?”

Her smile faded instantly. “What do you mean?” she asked.

Liam chuckled bitterly, averting his gaze. “You’re happy that Maureen and I are falling apart because of your callousness. You don’t care about my feelings. You never did. Now that you’ve gotten what you want, congratulations, Dear Mother.”

Silence followed. Her eyes burned with fury. Liam laughed again and dropped onto the couch. “What did I ever do to you?” he cried. “All I wanted was to love someone. You tried to kill her, humiliated her, nearly destroyed her life. And still, she stayed.” His voice broke as tears streamed down his face.

For a brief moment, Mrs. Alexander’s face softened. Then she wiped it away coldly.

“What kind of man cries over a woman?” she thundered. “A woman who keeps secrets? A gold digger?”

Liam glared at her. Without another word, he stood, turned, and walked out.