7 The company headquarters were in my hometown , so I drove straight home to pick up some documents . My mom , wanting me to live comfortably , had bought a small villa with a garden . I pushed open the gate , but was startled when I went to unlock the password . A person was sitting in the hallway by the door . He turned , and a pair of bloodshot eyes met mine . I frowned . " Liam Thorne ? How did you get in ? " Suddenly , I noticed his bruised and scraped knees . My frown deepened. " You climbed over my gate to get into my house ? What do you want ? " The person , who had been silent , stared straight at me , then abruptly spoke . " Aria , you've lost weight . " I didn't understand what he wanted with this random pleasantry and turned to leave . But he suddenly lunged and grabbed me , holding me with a force that felt like he wanted to crush my arms. Good thing my self - defense training wasn't just for show . I quickly threw him off , then disgustedly wiped my arm . " Liam Thorne , have some self - respect He chuckled darkly . " You're telling me to have self - respect ? " " Aria Blackwood , you and Julian Sterling did everything together abroad , didn't you ? What nerve do you have to tell me to have self - respect . " He sounded like he was suppressing something to the extreme , almost yelling . " How could you do this to me ? I've been going crazy looking for you back homel " traised my hand and alannad hi P P < I raised my hand and slapped him hard , without the slightest hesitation . " Watch your mouth ." Seeing his persistent clinging , I thought for a moment , then calmly said , " Wasn't me going abroad what you wanted ? " " You faked being bullied and let me take the punches and humiliation . What , you achieved your goal and you're still not happy ? " All color instantly drained from Liam's face ! His eyes widened , his ashen lips trembling uncontrollably . " You , you know everything ... " " Aria , I can explain ... I ... " shrugged . " But I don't accept it . " I stepped closer , staring with a hint of dark amusement at Chloe , who had suddenly appeared outside the door. My voice was low , but loud enough for both of them to hear . " That bloody bedsheet picture has been posted online . What nerve do you have to keep harassing me ? " " Liam Thorne , you're utterly despicable . " I turned and walked into my house , calling the bodyguard who lived nearby to take him away . Passing by the window , I suddenly heard an angry shout . " You bitch , you've disgraced me ! " The sharp sound of a slap was clearly audible , even through the thick soundproof glass . In my peripheral vision , Chloe seemed to be clutching her face and crying . I drew the curtains , then sent Julian a quick text , my usual check - in : " Busy , miss you ."