The Five Year Itch (Sera and Julian) novel Chapter 25

5 

Liam had clearly seen my giveaway post. 

For years, he’d used social media to find vintage bags for me, paying exorbitant prices for rare leather goods to make me happy. 

The irony was bitter. 

I’d been so touched, but now I questioned whether those bags were for me, or for Chloe. 

If love could be so easily divided, I didn’t want it. 

I controlled my emotions, my voice calm as I met Liam’s bloodshot eyes.“I’m tired of bags. Since I am, I might as well give them away. It’s better to let someone else enjoy them than let them sit unused, don’t you think?” 

Liam faltered, a flicker of unease crossing his face. 

He sensed a hidden meaning, a subtext he couldn’t decipher. 

He probably assumed I was just feeling down. 

He touched my cheek.“Summer, it’s 

cheek.“Summer, it’s my fault. Work’s been crazy, I haven’t spent enough time you. Tonight, I’ll give you a surprise, okay?” 

with 

His eyes 

were soft, tender. In the past, I’d have melted. But not anymore. 

His performance was superb; he’d been at the amusement park, showering Chloe and Milly with affection. Chloe was flaunting their happiness on social media. 

Now, he was putting on this act for me… 

His affection felt cheap. I was exhausted, tired of his charade. I pushed his hand away.“I’m tired. I want to sleep. You go ahead.” 

Liam, playing the perfect husband to the bitter end, scooped me from my wheelchair.“I’ll watch you fall asleep before I go to work,” he murmured, his tone gentle. 

He tucked me into bed, carefully draping a blanket over me. 

The charade was pathetic, sickeningly perfect. 

I closed my eyes, feigning sleep. 

Liam’s phone buzzed. 

He glanced at the screen, rejecting the call. He sat beside me, stroking my hair. Minutes later, the phone rang again. He rejected it again. 

This repeated for fifteen minutes before he finally sighed, heading to his study. 

I wasn’t asleep. 

I slipped on the earbud. 

It was Chloe, her voice laced with hurt.“Liam, you promised you’d spend the whole day with me and Milly!” 

“And the surprise tonight! I want my surprise.” 

Liam’s tone was indulgent.“Play with Milly at the amusement park. I’ll pick you up at seven. I have a big gift for 

you. 

You’ll love it.” 

12:51 

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Chloe was ecstatic.“Baby, I knew you loved me best. Milly and I will wait for you.”