I hesitated. I knew Jackson wasn’t lacking
women. But the idea of sharing him made me
uncomfortable.
“No, thanks.”
I walked downstairs, sadly realizing I had
nowhere to go. During my five–year search
for Liam, my parents urged me to give up.
When I refused, they gave up on me too. My
only home had two people I didn’t want to
see.
My phone rang repeatedly; most calls were
from Sarah. One was from Jackson, which I
ignored.
Sarah sent several 60–second voice
く
messages. Knowing I wouldn’t listen, she
ended with a text:
[You scared my baby. Come apologize, and I
might forgive you.]
She was giving me an out, but I didn’t want it.
I calmly replied:
[Move out.]
Could I congratulate them? No. Even after
five, ten years, or until I died, I couldn’t
forgive them, let alone bless their child. If I
forgave, my five years would be a joke.
I stayed out until 3 a.m., Sarah still hadn’t left.
After showering, Jackson called. I hesitated,
then answered.
“Come out.”
I said calmly, “It’s late. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
Since he had other women, there was no
need to continue.
Jackson clicked his tongue. “You use me,
then run away? Ungrateful.”
I was speechless. I put on my pajamas and
went out.
Jackson leaned against the wall, a cigarette between his long fingers. He dropped it when he saw me and pulled me into the stairwell.
He pinned me against the wall, lifting my nightgown. His kisses landed on my back. His breathing grew heavier. As he was about to
go further, I stopped him.
“Jackson, don’t touch me if you have other
women.”
“I’ll feel uncomfortable.‘
He didn’t stop, kissing me, murmuring.
“Who else do I have?”
I hesitated, unsure whether to mention what I
saw. If I didn’t, he wouldn’t stop. If I did, I
would feel pathetic. It wasn’t my business
who his other women were.
I remained silent. Jackson turned me around,
his tone teasing.
“Jealous because you saw someone at my
place today?”
I was stunned. He knew. I shook my head.
“Not jealous, just don’t like sharing a toy.” His eyes narrowed. He chuckled after a
moment.
“This toy is yours. No one else touches it.”
My cheeks flushed. Before I could speak, he
picked me up and carried me into the
apartment.
I left Jackson’s place near dawn and saw
Liam sitting on the sofa. The living room was
dark. I could only see his silhouette in the
moonlight.
I was surprised but didn’t speak.
Liam crushed his cigarette. The room was so
dark I couldn’t see his expression, but I could
feel his eyes like sharp knives, as if trying to
bore holes into me. I heard the cracking
sound of his knuckles.
<
He stood up abruptly and walked toward me,
stopping before me. His voice was harsh, like
a brewing storm.
“Did you do it again?”
“Lily, are you that starved for men?”
I found it funny. When he gave me the key, didn’t he know what would happen?
I looked up at him, our faces inches apart,
seeing the terrifying madness in his eyes.
After a long moment, I slowly spoke.
“Liam, did you come back three years ago?”
This question had haunted me for a long time.
If I didn’t ask, I wouldn’t feel at peace.
He avoided the question, his jaw clenched.
“I asked if you slept with him again!”
“Are you itching that badly? Can’t you live
without a man?”
“Don’t you understand? Even if I married
Sarah, it doesn’t mean I don’t love you.”
“If you want it tell me: I’ll satisfy you Why do
He threw me onto the sofa and leaned over
- me.
My eyes widened. Before I could speak, he
fiercely kissed me. I tried to push him away, but Liam easily pinned my hands above my
head.
He kissed me passionately. I clenched my
mouth to stop him.
He was crazy. Sarah was sleeping in the
room, and she would see this scene if she
opened the door. Liam didn’t care.
A brief hesitation, a struggle. A desire for
revenge welled up. I’d suffered; shouldn’t she
suffer too?
But that thought was quickly dismissed. Sarah
couldn’t become the next me.
I turned my head to speak, and the lights
suddenly turned on.
Sarah stood silently at the bedroom door,
watching for some time.
L
The air was thick with silence.
Liam silently stood up, wiping his lips,
smirking nonchalantly.
“You’re awake.”
Sarah’s gaze was venomous, fixed on me,
then on Liam.
She sneered, “Bad timing. I interrupted your
fun, right?”
She turned to me. “Bitch, was I not good
enough? You even stole my husband?”
“I worried about you, so we moved in to take
care of you. This is how you repay me?”
I knew this day would come, but not like this. I
wasn’t happy, but I didn’t feel guilty.
I stood, my expression calm.
“I never stole your husband.”
You stole mine.
My denial enraged her.
