The Five Year Itch (Sera and Julian) novel Chapter 23

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Liam’s gentle voice filled my ears.“Chloe, be a good girl. I’ll only send flowers to you from now on, okay?” 

That tenderness… it used to be only for me. 

My heart seized, a suffocating pain. 

I clenched my fists. 

Chloe cooed, “Don’t forget my birthday party tomorrow! You promised you’d take me and Milly the carousel, then shopping, and a surprise in the evening! I can’t wait!” 

Her voice was dripping with affected sweetness. 

Liam immediately soothed her.“Don’t worry, I never break my promises. I’ll pick you and Milly up early tomorrow.” 

“Milly“… My body trembled. That must be their daughter’s name. Liam and Chloe’s daughter/ 

How perfect, how idyllic! 

They were the happy family; I was an outsider. 

A little girl’s sweet voice chimed in.“Daddy, Milly’s been a good girl! Will you bring me candy, tomorrow?” 

“Yes, Milly’s the best girl. Daddy will bring you tons of candy.” Liam’s voice was thick with affection. 

He clearly adored his daughter. 

For years, 

he’d told me he didn’t want kids, didn’t want me to suffer, that we didn’t need children to solidify our relationship. 

He just didn’t want *my* child… 

My pale fingers traced my belly. 

This little life wouldn’t enter the world. It was better this 

way. 

At least it wouldn’t know its father had betrayed it, and its mother. 

neck to my my 

That night, Liam held me tight, his lips tracing a path from 

shoulder, his breathing growing ragged. His hand moved to my waist, attempting to pull down my pajama bottoms. 

I refused him.“I’m on my period.” 

Liam showed no 

disappointment. Instead, he gently massaged my abdomen. 

For years, he’d been so attentive, so tender. 

“Summer… we’ll never be apart. I love you, I really, really love you…” 

Love? Love enough to have another family? 

How can one man belong to two women? 

I said nothing, jsut closing my eyes. Six days left before my disappearance. 

Then Liam’s love could be reserved solely for Chloe… 

The next morning, Liam prepared breakfast as usual, giving AiYi a large bane. 

12:51 

望 

ww 

Menu 

AiYi settled comfortably on the balcony to nap. 

Everything felt… normal. 

Liam wore a blue shirt, a crisp white tie, and gray trousers that emphasized his long legs. He looked incredibly handsome and energetic. 

I remembered Chloe’s preference for the color white… 

Ironically, that tie was a gift from me, from our last anniversary. 

He was wearing my gift to meet his mistress. 

The irony was almost painful. 

Liam kissed my cheek as usual. “Baby, I’m off to work. See you tonight. I’ve got a little surprise for you.” 

I “accidentally” wrinkled his tie.“Your tie’s creased. Change it.” 

He hesitated, but quickly smiled and went upstairs to change into a tie. 

“Be good, I’ll be back later.” 

I heard his car leaving. I followed in my wheelchair, then called a rideshare.“Pick me up.” 

I wanted to see how happy their family of three truly was. 

The rideshare driver followed Liam’s car to a luxurious villa on the East River.