Chapter 11
When Liam burst into the hospital room, he found Joy propped up in bed, eyes shining with
tears.
“Joy!” He hurried over and pulled her into a gentle hug, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s okay. I’m here.”
“It hurts,” she whimpered, tears streaming down her face, soaking into his suit. She clung to him like he was the only thing anchoring her to the world.
“Mr. Mitchell, I just wanted to pick out a tie for you at the mall. I wanted it to be special. And then…I slipped. I’m so sorry,” she sobbed, her voice trembling. “If something happens to this baby, I’ll never forgive myself. I’ll never be able to face your grandmother…”
Liam brushed her tears away with gentle fingers, the other hand resting protectively on her baby bump. “Hey, hey, it’s all right. The baby’s fine. He’s strong–don’t worry.”
Joy looked up at him, her eyes wide and vulnerable. “Mr. Mitchell…I know the only reason I’ve been able to stay by your side is because of the baby. I know you’re only taking care of me because of him.”
She hesitated, voice barely audible. “But the truth is…I’ve always cared about you. That night you collapsed, I didn’t even think. I just wanted to help you.” She squeezed his hand, holding it to her chest. “Even when I saw you in danger, I couldn’t stop myself, not even for my own safety.”
Her voice broke. “Mr. Mitchell–no, Liam–could you ever accept me?”
The more fragile she became, the more unsettled he felt. Liam pulled away suddenly, but he couldn’t bring himself to say anything cruel.
“Joy, after you have the baby, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of. I’ll send you abroad, give you enough money to live comfortably for the rest of your life.” His voice had gone cold, his face unreadable.
“Liam, none of that matters to me,” Joy pleaded, gripping his hand tighter. “What if the only thing I want is you? Please, don’t make me leave. I don’t want to go.”
Liam let out a shaky breath, Esme’s name echoing in his mind.
“No. No, Joy…” He pulled his hand free, stepping toward the door. “You know how I am. My heart’s only ever belonged to Esme.”
“But your grandmother likes me. She said if I had a boy, you’d marry me,” Joy insisted, her face pale, tears streaking down her cheeks. “Liam, have you really never felt anything for me? Not even a little?”
The question hit him hard, and for a second, he lost his footing.
“Joy, it doesn’t matter what my grandmother promised. My heart will always be Esme’s. Please,
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xxx bbl
as it as he tried to catch his breath. Why did his
A wish And on ever out for Esme seem to hesitate when faced with Joy’s tears?
** 40 Pop of the mattered trying to convince himself as he walked to his car
tipped
sock
himself that as long as he stayed busy, he wouldn’t have to
bs own heart–or the man be used to be
He didn’t see the cold glint in Joy’s eyes after he left, or the mocking smile that crossed her
Joy’s tract disappeared in an instant, replaced by a look of icy calculation.
S pretending to be in love after the Mitchells forced Esme out. What a joke,” she muttered under her bream
She pulled out her phone and dialed a number “Hi, is this Mr. Price’s assistant? It’s Joy. Can you tell me his schedule? Don’t worry about the money, just tell me when he’ll be free. I need to see pim
When she hung up, a satisfied smile curled on her lips.
“Liam, if I’d known you’d reject me, I never would’ve wasted my time here.”
She stroked her bell her gaze hardening.
“But lucky for me…”
Her lips twisted into a sly smile. “This baby isn’t even a Mitchell,”
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