The Five Year Itch (Sera and Julian) novel Chapter 22

2 

He bent down, wrapping his arms around me from behind. 

His breath tickled my neck; he chuckled, a sound of contentment. 

“For 

you, 

lilies of the valley. Do you like them?” Liam leaned in, kissing my cheek softly. 

I stared at the lilies. 

Suddenly, Chloe’s face flashed in my mind. 

He adored white lilies of the valley, Lily of the valley means eternal love… He’d probably visited Chloe and their daughter first, then “conveniently” come home. 

I didn’t reach for the flowers. 

I just stared at Liam’s radiant smile, my voice flat, “I remember Chloe loves white lilies.” At the mention of Chloe’s name, a flicker of panic crossed Liam’s eyes, quickly masked. He blinked, ruffling my hair, his voice dripping with false tenderness. 

“Summer, what’s wrong? Why did you mention Chloe? Don’t 

mention Chloe? Don’t you like white lilies? If not, I won’t buy them again.” 

I looked up at him. Those once captivating eyes, now held a chilling emptiness.“Nothing,” I said calmly.“Just remembered Chloe liked white lilies. By the way, she hasn’t visited us in a long time. Should we invite her for dinner tomorrow?” 

Another flicker of unease in Liam’s eyes, swiftly concealed. 

He squeezed my cheek, his touch condescending.“Baby, have you been lonely lately? It’s my fault; work’s been crazy busy. I’ll try to take the weekend off. How about a sunrise trip to the beach?” Since my paralysis, I avoided crowded places. 

I’d found solace in quiet contemplation, watching sunrises and sunsets, appreciating the tranquility of nature. 

Liam, in his extravagant fashion, had bought a private island overseas for me, filled with rare plants and exotic flowers. 

For seven years, he’d taken me there, spending days watching the sun rise and set with me. How could someone who loved me so deeply change so drastically? 

My voice remained steady.“I just haven’t seen Chloe in a while. She mentioned that she got a new boyfriend, but I’ve never met him. Tomorrow was her birthday. Let’s invite her and her boyfriend over. We can have a nice get–together.” 

I met Liam’s gaze directly.“My phone’s in the bedroom; it’s inconvenient for me to get it. Call her for me.” 

Liam visibly hesitated but, under the guise of caring, stroked my hair.“Sweetheart, you look tired. Maybe we should go out to eat tomorrow?” 

“I don’t want to go out,” I insisted, my tone firm.“You know I can’t easily get around.” 

“Okay!” Liam smiled, pulling out his phone and dialing Chloe’s Chloe answered, her voice dripping with saccharine 

number. 

sweetness.“Liam, baby…” 

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He cut her off swiftly.“Chloe, Summer wants to invite you to dinner for your birthday tomorrow. Are you free?” 

Chloe’s voice faltered for a moment.“Give the phone to Summer.” 

Liam handed me the phone. Chl 

oe’s voice was now perfectly normal, apologetic.“Summer, sweetheart, so sorry! I promised my boyfriend I’d spend my birthday with him. I know you love me, but I’m finally in a relationship… you know, cut me some slack!” 

Finally in a relationship? With my husband? 

searing pain shot through my chest.“So, your boyfriend really cares about you.” Chloe’s voice brimmed with pride and happiness.“Yeah! He’s amazing. He sends me flowers every day.” 

“White lilies?” I asked. 

Liam’s face froze. 

you 

I continued nonchalantly.“Funny, Liam sent me white lilies today too. I remember love them.” 

Silence, then a forced laugh.“Liam’s always been thoughtful for you, Summer. You’re truly lucky. Gotta run, I’m swamped at work. Talk later!” 

The call ended. 

I handed Liam the phone.“Looks like I won’t be eating Chloe’s birthday cake. I even got her a special gift! Such a pity!” 

“Another designer bag?” Liam chuckled. 

After all, every year for Chloe’s birthday, I start choosing gifts long in advance, all kinds of designer bags, limited editions, and Liam was accustomed to this. 

I maneuvered my wheelchair to a cabinet, retrieving a beautifully wrapped box. 

I handed it to Liam.“This is Chloe’s present.” 

Sure enough, it was an Hermès box, exquisitely packaged. 

“My baby is so generous,” Liam said, pinching my 

cheek.