Instinctively , Liam slipped an arm around my waist , a clear claim of territory in the most subtle , effortless way . His voice deepened , carrying the quiet authority of a leader , someone used to being obeyed . " Well now , Mr. Connor Gregory . What a surprise to see you idling around . Running a company isn't child's play , you know . " Connor immediately swallowed his anxiety , lowering his voice . " That was my fault before . But I've changed . Helen , just give me a little more time . I'll prove it to you . " With that , he turned and left , glancing back at me three times with every step . I let out a sigh of relief - and realized Liam had done the same . We exchanged a knowing look and then , without thinking and for no reason at all , burst into laughter together . Liam kissed my forehead , a playful , mischievous glint in his eyes . " Let him work harder for once . As for me , I'm not done enjoying our honeymoon yet . " No one expected that just a few months later , Connor would land in serious trouble . In his impatience to prove himself , he overreached - using the Gregory family name for illegal dealings . Eventually , he was arrested and sent to prison . When I saw him on TV , handcuffed and being led into the prison gates , a flicker of regret stirred in me . In my past life , even though he had been spoiled and unfaithful , he had never broken the law . Even his quarrels with his rowdy friends were smoothed over by Liam's quiet intervention . Now , Connor had brought disaster upon himself - and even the Gregory Group suffered alongside him . His father could no longer protect him . Once Connor was sentenced , it was no surprise that the mess fell onto Liam's shoulders . By then , the old Mr. Gregory was gravely ill . On his deathbed , he summoned us both . Looking at Liam , he entrusted him with the group's future - without a single word for Connor . It was clear he had given up on his only son . That evening , Liam cooked a lavish dinner . But as we ate , I noticed a flicker of hesitation in his eyes . " Helen , " he said quietly , " once I take charge of the company again , I may not have as much time for you . Will you resent me for it ? " Outwardly , Liam exuded decisiveness and command . Only with me did he reveal this tender vulnerability . I clasped his hand , speaking with quiet conviction . 1/2 Chapter 9 +25 Bonus " On our wedding day , I promised you that no matter what happens , I'd stay by your side . I'll return to the company with you , and I know you'll put it back on track soon . " Liam's eyes softened , brimming with affection . He rose to embrace me . " Having you in this life ... it makes all the difference . " I froze for a moment . Then , with a sudden clarity , I wrapped my arms around him . " Do you believe in past lives ? In mine ... things ended so badly . I mistook someone else for my savior , took the wrong step , and everything unraveled . He tricked me out of everything - even my life . " Liam gently patted my back , his voice thick with emotion . " I think I was there too , in the past life you speak of . It was like a nightmare . I watched you marry Connor , and you weren't happy . He abandoned you in a foreign country , left you to fend for yourself . " I tried to guide him , hoping that if he changed , you'd have a better life . But he was hopeless . He kept neglecting you . " In the end , I could only watch as you grew more and more worn down . After you died in that accident , I finally discovered he had already married someone else long before . " It was also Liam's second life . No wonder he knew my every preference by heart . No wonder our first meeting had felt like a reunion after a long separation . Tears shimmered in my eyes , and I buried my face in his chest . Liam cupped my cheeks in his hands . " Thank heaven . This time , we can finally be together . No matter what happens , I'll never let go of your hand . Helen , I love you . " I pressed my hand against his , my voice soft but steady . " I love you too - with a love that will never change , not even in death . " A few days later , we boarded a plane back home . The road ahead was uncertain , but one thing was certain : as long as I was with the man I loved , every journey would be filled with happiness . Continue Reading 2/2