Chapter 395

Olivia knew every inch of his body by heart - the strong lines of his shoulders, the way his muscles tensed when he was angry. She recognized his mannerisms too, those subtle tells that betrayed his emotions.

For months, suspicions had gnawed at her. But never, not even in her darkest nightmares, had she imagined the truth would reveal itself like this.

With a bitter laugh, Olivia shook her head, her voice turning to ice. "Liam, how long do you plan to keep hiding behind that mask? Look me in the eyes."

Liam's intense gaze burned into her. Slowly, deliberately, he reached up to remove the disguise.

Before he could fully reveal himself, Olivia - overwhelmed by a storm of emotions she couldn't name - grabbed a shard of broken glass and slashed it across his right cheek with all her strength.

Years of pent-up rage, confusion, and heartbreak poured out in that single violent gesture.

Liam didn't flinch. Didn't retaliate. He simply stared at her with those dark, mesmerizing eyes as he finally removed the mask completely, exposing the horrific scar marring his left cheek.

To her shock, he smiled. "I was afraid this might frighten you. But seeing you now... I realize you're stronger than that. Olivia, it's been years. You've changed exactly how Henry and I always hoped you would."

Her breath caught as she stared at the grotesque scar. Her heart pounded wildly.

Fresh blood dripped from the wound she'd inflicted on his right cheek, stark against his pale skin. Instead of repulsing her, it made him more magnetic, more dangerously alluring.

Almost against her will, Olivia reached toward him. At the last second, she hesitated - but Liam was faster. His hand shot out, capturing her wrist.

With deliberate force, he pressed her palm against the bleeding cut. His eyes locked onto hers, filled with sorrow and something deeper, something that made her pulse race.

"See this, Olivia?" His voice was rough with emotion. "This is what I earned by betraying you. Do you hate me now? I'm not asking for forgiveness. I don't deserve it."

The usually composed Liam Blackwood faltered, his voice breaking.

Olivia couldn't speak. Torn apart by conflicting emotions, she stood frozen.

Recent events had opened her eyes to many truths, helping her understand some of Liam's past actions. But one fact remained unchanged - he had shattered her heart.

It didn't matter if he'd acted to protect her. The wounds still ached. The betrayal still stung. She hated him with every fiber of her being... and yet, some traitorous part of her still cared. Years of suppressed emotions finally erupted in uncontrollable sobs.

Distressed by her tears, Liam gently wiped them away, his hands trembling. "Don't cry. Please. This is all my fault. Hit me. Scream at me. Do whatever you need to do. I won't stop you."

In her anguish, Olivia grabbed his arm and sank her teeth into his flesh.

Liam hissed in pain, his brows knitting together. "Must you bite quite so hard?" he gasped through clenched teeth.

At that moment, urgent knocking interrupted them.

It was Sebastian, sounding alarmed. "Mr. Blackwood, more reporters are arriving. Security can't hold them off much longer. We need a plan immediately."