Chapter 192
Liam was just about to knock when he caught the sound of soft sobs coming from the room.
His face fell, and he skipped the knocking, twisting the doorknob and stepping in. He approached the bed and gently took Celena's hand, his voice full of concern, "What's going on? Did something happen?"
Celena sat up quickly, dabbing at her eyes, and managed a smile that looked more painful than any tears. "I'm fine. Let's go grab sdinner, okay?"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAt the dinner table, Celena was visibly upset, her gaze fixed on the noodles on her plate, picking at her food without much interest.
Catching Liam's eye, Jovie got the hint. She put sveggies on Celena's plate and asked with innocent concern, "Mommy, why the tears? Did someone mean to hurt you? Tell Daddy, quick! Daddy can take care of the bad guys. He'll make sure they never bother you again!"
Celena looked up, fighting back the tears, and gave a small laugh. She affectionately tousled Jovie's hair, "You're such a little rascal, Jovie. Everything's okay! Mommy's just tired, that's all."
However, as she lifted her head, Liam saw the red mark on her face. His face hardened, a flash of anger in his eyes that was gone as quickly as it appeared. He ladled schicken soup into a bowl for Celena and asked gently, "Celena, what's going on? Talk to me, please. We'll figure it out together."
Celena froze, her usual routine of accepting the soup bowl interrupted. She locked eyes with Liam, her voice heavy with sincerity. "Liam, I can't tell you how much I appreciate all you've done lately. However, let's be honest, there's not much of a spark between us. I'm not the catch you think I am. Marrying you was for Jovie's sake—to give her the family she deserves. She adores you, and I couldn't stand the thought of her growing up fatherless."
Liam's whole body tensed at her words, a flicker of unease crossing his face as he managed a strained smile.
"What's going on, Celena?"
She inhaled sharply, dabbing away a tear, her face a tapestry of conflicting emotions. With a look of resolve, as if reaching a hard-fought decision, she said, "It's nothing new, just the truth. I've said my piece. Liam, your support means the world to me. However, I just can't let you in. There's something inside that won't budge."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThe room fell into a heavy silence.
Liam sat there, guilt-ridden, struggling to find the words. After an agonizing pause, he spoke, his voice laced with pain and regret. "I'm sorry, Celena. I've messed up. I hurt you seven years ago, and I've only added to that pain since. I swear, I'll spend the rest of my days making it right. Can you truston that? I want to bring happiness to you and Jovie. Just givethat chance, please?"
Celena's eyes darted around, avoiding Liam's gaze. His words of regret, his pleas, sliced through her heart. She held back her tears until they overwhelmed her, blurring her sight. Only then did she quickly dab at her eyes.
"Jovie, did you have enough to eat? Let's go back to your room, take a bath, and get ready for bed, okay?"
Jovie shook her head with a playful whine, "Mommy, I don't wanna. I wanna play with Daddy."
Celena lifted Jovie onto her lap with a sigh, "Sweetie, Daddy's tired today. How about we let him rest, and he can play with you tomorrow, okay? You're a good kid, aren't you?"