Chapter 98

"Did I hurt you?" Liam's voice was rough with concern.

Olivia instinctively curled into herself, creating a physical barrier between them with her folded arms.

Liam's brow furrowed. "What's wrong? Are you in pain?"

Her fingers brushed against her stomach before she shook her head, avoiding his gaze as she gestured about her menstrual cycle.

A harsh laugh escaped Liam's lips as he gripped her chin. "If you don't want me touching you, just say so. I could recite your cycle better than you. Did you really think that excuse would work?"

Heat flooded Olivia's cheeks - equal parts anger and embarrassment. How could he possibly know her that intimately? It shouldn't have been possible.

Her brief hesitation only confirmed Liam's suspicions. His expression darkened dangerously, making Olivia shrink back against the headboard.

With one swift movement, Liam pulled her against his chest, their bodies pressed together while his voice remained icy. "You've become quite the liar. I'm canceling your independent living arrangement. I'll call Westfield University myself. We're leaving tonight."

Leave with him? Olivia's eyes widened in panic. Pushing through her discomfort, she signed rapidly - she had commitments here, he couldn't just dictate her life anymore.

Liam's lips curled in a cruel smile. "Consider this the price of deception. If you don't want to come, then tell me the truth. Do you find me so repulsive? Or is there someone else? Was it Daniel who put these divorce ideas in your head?"

As Liam's accusations grew wilder, Olivia's anger gave way to crushing hurt. She stared at him defiantly. Here she was, carrying his child, while he hurled baseless accusations without even realizing her condition.

Seeing the pain in Olivia's eyes, Liam's tirade faltered, an uncomfortable weight settling in his own chest.

The silence between them grew heavy.

Olivia watched from the corner of her eye as Liam pulled out his phone, booking two first-class tickets with sharp, angry taps.

Unable to take it anymore, she sprang from the bed and flung the hotel door open, gesturing violently toward the hallway in clear dismissal.

Liam stood frozen, his face like carved marble. "Is this really what you want?"

Her hands moved sharply - they were getting divorced, her choices were no longer his concern.

Liam's eyes narrowed dangerously as he seized her wrist in an iron grip.

He opened his mouth to respond but froze when Daniel emerged from the elevator, a gift box in hand, walking purposefully toward Olivia's room.

Daniel stopped short at the unexpected sight of the open door and the tense scene before him.

All warmth drained from Daniel's expression the moment he saw Liam.

Feeling Liam's grip tighten painfully, Olivia turned to see Daniel standing there. She instinctively tried to pull away.

Instead of releasing her, Liam yanked her closer against him.

Silent but furious, Olivia struggled against his hold, her entire body screaming resistance despite her physical disadvantage.

Liam maintained his possessive grip, smirking challengingly at Daniel.

Daniel took an aggressive step forward, his voice steel. "Let her go. Can't you see she doesn't want this?"

Liam's response was deceptively calm. "Her wants are irrelevant. I'm her husband. Who would know her better than me?"

Daniel's hands clenched into fists, his protective stance unmistakable.

"If you actually cared about Olivia, I'd step aside. But seeing how you treat her, flaunting your mistress... I thought Evelyn was shameless, but you've outdone her completely today."

Panic fluttered in Olivia's chest. She tried to intervene - everyone knew Evelyn held a special place in Liam's heart.

Liam's face hardened, his voice cutting. "You seem to have too much free time, meddling where you don't belong. Whatever issues exist between Olivia and me are ours to resolve. We don't need interference from outsiders."

Daniel took a deep, frustrated breath, his gaze shifting to Olivia still trapped in Liam's arms. "Come with me, Olivia. Let's go find Natalie," he urged.

Olivia instinctively struggled again, trying to break free.

Liam's grip became punishing.

A sharp gasp escaped Olivia's lips, tears springing to her eyes from the pain.

Liam's voice turned glacial. "I'll be staying with my wife tonight. I trust you won't disturb us?"

His words landed like physical blows.

Daniel's fists clenched helplessly.

Seizing the moment of distraction, Olivia finally wrenched free. She turned to Daniel, signing quickly: "Don't worry about me. You should rest."

But Daniel remained stubborn. "Olivia, you don't want to be alone with him, do you? Don't be afraid. I'll protect you. He lost any right to you after what he's done."

Olivia shook her head vehemently.

The hope in Daniel's eyes dimmed. Her refusal was clear - she wouldn't leave with him.

With visible effort, Daniel extended the gift box. "I brought your favorite fruits. Get some rest, okay? Call me if you need anything."

Before Olivia could accept it, Liam snatched the box and threw it into the nearest trash bin.

His face was unreadable. "She's fine. You can leave now."

Daniel stormed off, his frustration evident in every stiff movement.

Olivia turned back to Liam, her expression equally icy. Her hands moved: "I don't want to share a room tonight. I need rest, and Evelyn might visit. You'll only disturb me."

Liam's irritation flared. "What's really bothering you, Olivia? Afraid I'll interrupt your sleep? Or worried you'll miss another chance to see Daniel?"

His hand closed painfully around her shoulder. "We're still married. Isn't it a bit soon for you to be getting so close to Daniel?"

Olivia had a dozen retorts about his relationship with Evelyn ready, but the words died unspoken. Arguing with Liam never felt fair. She always ended up feeling indebted to him and the Blackwood family in some way. Maybe she was.

A heavy sadness settled in Olivia's chest, forming an ache she couldn't swallow away.