Chapter 1 Everyone said Liam loved Esme like she was his whole world . He chased after her for ten years , spoiled her for ten years . If she so much as frowned , he'd worry about it for half the day , But even someone like Liam betrayed her - not once , but three times . The first time , at a business gala , his rival slipped something into his drink and he ended up spending the night with a college girl . The day Esme asked for a divorce , Liam put the girl on a plane out of the country that very night . Then he stood outside Esme's apartment building , letting the rain soak him for three days and three nights . He begged her , " Esme , I messed up . Please , just forgive me this once " As she staring at his pale , miserable face , Esme's heart softened , The second time , Esme caught him at the hospital , accompanying that same college girl for a prenatal checkup . His eyes were red as he tried to explain , " Esme , two weeks ago I went abroad for work and got into a car accident . She pulled me out , even though the car could have exploded . She saved my life . " " Later , we found out she was pregnant . My grandma threatened to cut ties with me if I didn't keep the baby . " He held Esme tightly , his voice shaking . " Please don't leave me . I swear , once she has the baby , I'll send her away . The kid can stay at my family's estate - they'll never show up in your life again ." She believed him . The third time , he outbid Esme at an auction for her mother's keepsake . It was a sapphire necklace - her mom's favorite , the only thing she had left from her . But Liam kept bidding , each time more relentless . In the end , he went all out and won , just to give the necklace to that college girl . Esme barged into the private room and demanded an explanation . Liam only rubbed his temples , exhausted . " She's been struggling with prepartum depression … she really wanted that necklace . " " Esme , can't you just let her have it ? Just this once ? " Esme just laughed , tears running down her face . " And what if I say no ? " she asked . He frowned , " Esme , don't be unreasonable . Joy's about to give birth . Once the baby's here , everything will go back to the way it was . " 01 11 " Esme stared at him , feeling like her heart had been split open . " Go back to the way it was ? " Back when she was the only one in his eyes ? When he'd drive three hours through a storm just to buy her a slice of strawberry cake ? Did he even remember ? " Mr. Mitchell- " A gasp came from behind them . The girl called Joy was leaning against the wall , one hand on her belly , her face pale . " I twisted my ankle … it hurts … " Liam's whole expression changed . He pushed Esme aside without a thought and rushed to scoop Joy up in his arms . His shoulder slammed into Esme , making her stumble back . Her hip hit the table hard , pain shooting through her and cold sweat breaking out along her back . " Liam ! " she called , voice trembling . But he didn't even look back . He carried Joy out , leaving Esme with nothing but his retreating figure . Esme just stood there . The more she laughed , the more she cried . He owed Joy his life , and now there was a child between them . Liam , you'll never get rid of her . How could we possibly go back to the way things were …. She steadied herself , wiped the blood from her forehead , and got into the car . The driver glanced at her nervously . " Ma'am , should I take you back to the house ? " " No ," she said , closing her eyes . " Take me to the law office . " Two hours later , Esme walked into the hospital clutching the freshly printed divorce agreement . Outside the top - floor VIP suite , the bodyguards looked away awkwardly when they saw her . She stood at the end of the hallway and watched . Liam had booked the entire floor for Joy - doctors and nurses on standby , never leaving her side . If Joy so much as frowned , Liam looked like the world was ending . " I want tiramisu from that bakery on West Street … " Joy pouted softly . Liam didn't hesitate . He grabbed his car keys . " Wait for me . I'll be back soon . " Hiding in the shadows , Esme felt like her heart was being carved out of her chest . 213 Chapter 1 Only after Liam left did she finally push open the hospital room door . The moment Joy saw her , her eyes filled with tears . " Ms. Hiller , are you here to blame me ? I'm sorry , I really didn't mean for any of this to happen . I just … I just really liked that necklace … " 3/3