The five 26

Posted by AdminM, ? Views, Released on December 21, 2024

6

My heart shattered.

Liam’s family knew about Chloe and Milly. They’d watched him cheat, raise a child out of wedlock, and hadn’t said a word to me.

I’d been close to them usually. Just last month, Liam’s mother had visited specialists overseas, desperately seeking a cure for my paralysis. His sister, Vivian, had visited every weekend; we’d shared secrets.

‘was all a lie.

Liam’s mother was beaming, holding Milly, showering Chloe with affection. She’d given Chloe a million–dollar diamond necklace.

Chloe, acting like the favored daughter–in–law, had thanked Liam’s mother, “Thank you, Mom.”

That “Mom” sliced through me, leaving me trembling. Liam’s family had accepted Chloe. Everyone had lied, and everyone had played a part.

My fingers curled into fists, the pressure causing pain.

I heard Vivian saying, “Chloe, you have such a good relationship with my brother. But… this is stil a secret. Don’t be so high–profile. If my sister–in–law finds out, she might not take it well.” Liam’s aunt chimed in, “What’s the big deal? It happens in wealthy families all the time. Liam didn’t mind her paralysis, and he took care of her for years. Shouldn’t he be allowed to have another woman?”

“Besides, Liam’s so wealthy, and his companies need an heir. She’s paralyzed; she can’t have kids. What if she has a disabled child?”

“We’ve all kept it a secret. As long as we don’t mention it, she’ll never know.”

My heart pounded. It wasn’t that Liam feared pregnancy would harm me; he feared I’d give birth to a disabled child…

Tears streamed down my face.

I heard Liam’s low voice, “Aunt, I don’t want you calling Summer disabled. No matter what, I love her. If any of you

breathe a word of this to her, I won’t hesitate to turn on you all.”

Chloe’s face fell.

Then Liam’s aunt said, “Alright, alright. It’s Chloe’s birthday. She gave you a daughter; she deserves celebration. Let’s forget about Summer. Let’s toast! Happy birthday, Chloe! And may your family be happy forever.”

The clinking of glasses, the singing of “Happy Birthday.”

I felt numb, frozen, as if plunged into an icy lake.

The pain was unbearable.

My heart was broken.

I don’t remember exactly how I got out of the restaurant, only the kind driver comforting me.

“Sweetheart, life’s long. You need to let it go.”

12:51

<6

Mnow

Let it go? How? My life was a cruel joke; everything I believed in had crumbled. And maybe it’s impossible to ever get back.

Back home, I locked myself in my room. Sitting on the balcony, I took Liam’s thousand origami cranes, one by one, tearing them apart and burning them.

I burned my love for Liam to ashes.

Liam arrived at ten. He picked me up and sat me on the balcony. He didn’t notice the burnt remnants of the stars. He pointed at the night sky.“Baby, look! It’s my surprise. I hope it cheers you up.”

were turned on. soon as his words fell, the lights in the entire villa area Countless balloons floated into the air, each bearing a banner:“Summer Anderson, I’ll always love you, Liam Sterling.”

Romance filled the air, but he didn’t see the despair in my eyes…

Liam held me, his eyes filled with happiness.“Summer, do you like it? Nine thousand nine I want our love to last forever…” hundred and ninety–nine balloons. I love you.