Chapter 2When Love Ends in Tears and Heartbreak

He stared directly at me, as though trying to make sure I really meant what I'd said.

"You two grew up together. You've known each other longer than you've known me, and the engagement was our parents' decision. It's none of my business.

"Don't worry. I really am resigning. I'm not jealous, and I'm not doing this out of spite."

Liam opened his mouth to say something else.

But Hailey poked her head out of the office.

"Liam, where did you put my panties? The lace pair..."

Her eyes met mine. Only then did she seem to realize I was still there.

She put on an innocent expression.

"Sorry. I didn't know you were still here. Liam and I have known each other for so long that I forgot for a second that you're still his girlfriend."

I gave her a perfunctory reply and left the building.

Early the next morning, my mother called as soon as she heard I'd been discharged.

"Sweetheart, how are you feeling? I'm getting old, and all I want is for you to come back sooner and spend some time with me.

"You've already given Liam so many years of your life. You've followed him around all this time with no real place in his life, while his family continues to look down on you.

"Also, I'm glad you've finally come around about the inheritance.

"Your stepfather's estate isn't enormous, but it's more than enough to keep you comfortable for the rest of your life. You won't have to spend every day worrying about what comes next anymore."

In the past, I probably would have argued with her.

I used to think being with the person I loved was enough.

Money didn't matter.

But now, I couldn't bring myself to say a single word.

In all nine years I'd spent with Liam and his family, there had never truly been a place for me.

"When are you planning to come back? I need some time to get everything ready."

I glanced at the calendar on the wall.

One date had been circled in bright red.

In ten days, Liam and I would have been together for ten years.

"Ten more days. I'll come home once I've wrapped everything up here."

After hanging up, I realized Liam had been standing behind me for who knew how long.

He frowned slightly and tried to look at the contact name on my phone.

"What happens in ten days? Who were you talking to?"

I placed my phone facedown on the table and brushed him off.

"A friend found me a new job."

"There's still a place for you at the company. You don't have to rush to leave. Even if Hailey has taken your position, there are plenty of other roles."

Liam pressed his lips together, clearly unable to understand why I was so determined to resign.

"No, thanks."

My attitude seemed to irritate him, but before he could say anything, Hailey called up from downstairs.

"Liam, we're having dinner at the family estate today. Let's not keep your parents waiting."

My fingers trembled slightly at her words.

When Liam and I had first started dating, his parents hadn't thought I was good enough for him.

To them, I was nothing more than some country girl from the middle of nowhere. Nowhere near worthy of someone from a wealthy family like his.

But every time Liam went home, he always took me with him. He defended me without hesitation and stood up to his parents for my sake.

He had once promised me that as long as he was there, I would always have a place in his family.

This time, however, Liam avoided my eyes, and there was something unnatural in his voice.

"You know what happened last time. My parents aren't in the best health. If they see you and get worked up again...

"And don't get the wrong idea. I'll talk to them again about the engagement.

"They watched Hailey grow up, so naturally they're closer to her. Once all this blows over... they won't hold it against you anymore."

Every word out of Liam's mouth was in Hailey's defense.

He hadn't forgotten his promise to me.

There was simply someone else he considered more worthy of his effort now.

I smiled, just as I always did.