Chapter 11 When Liam burst into the hospital room , he found Joy propped up in bed , eyes shining with tears . " Joy ! " He hurried over and pulled her into a gentle hug , his voice barely above a whisper . " It's okay . I'm here . " " It hurts ," she whimpered , tears streaming down her face , soaking into his suit . She clung to him like he was the only thing anchoring her to the world . " Mr. Mitchell , I just wanted to pick out a tie for you at the mall . I wanted it to be special . And then … I slipped . I'm so sorry ," she sobbed , her voice trembling . " If something happens to this baby , I'll never forgive myself . I'll never be able to face your grandmother … " Liam brushed her tears away with gentle fingers , the other hand resting protectively on her baby bump . " Hey , hey , it's all right . The baby's fine . He's strong - don't worry . " Joy looked up at him , her eyes wide and vulnerable . " Mr. Mitchell … I know the only reason I've been able to stay by your side is because of the baby . I know you're only taking care of me because of him . " She hesitated , voice barely audible . " But the truth is … I've always cared about you . That night you collapsed , I didn't even think . I just wanted to help you . " She squeezed his hand , holding it to her chest . " Even when I saw you in danger , I couldn't stop myself , not even for my own safety . " Her voice broke . " Mr. Mitchell - no , Liam - could you ever accept me ? " The more fragile she became , the more unsettled he felt . Liam pulled away suddenly , but he couldn't bring himself to say anything cruel . " Joy, after you have the baby , I'll make sure you're taken care of . I'll send you abroad , give you enough money to live comfortably for the rest of your life . " His voice had gone cold , his face unreadable . " Liam , none of that matters to me ," Joy pleaded , gripping his hand tighter . " What if the only thing I want is you ? Please , don't make me leave . I don't want to go . " Liam let out a shaky breath , Esme's name echoing in his mind . " No. No , Joy … " He pulled his hand free , stepping toward the door . " You know how I am . My heart's only ever belonged to Esme ." " But your grandmother likes me . She said if I had a boy , you'd marry me ," Joy insisted , her face pale , tears streaking down her cheeks . " Liam , have you really never felt anything for me ? Not even a little ? " The question hit him hard , and for a second , he lost his footing . " Joy , it doesn't matter what my grandmother promised . My heart will always be Esme's . Please , 14:39 xxx bbl as it as he tried to catch his breath . Why did his A wish And on ever out for Esme seem to hesitate when faced with Joy's tears ? ** 40 Pop of the mattered trying to convince himself as he walked to his car tipped sock himself that as long as he stayed busy , he wouldn't have to bs own heart - or the man be used to be He didn't see the cold glint in Joy's eyes after he left , or the mocking smile that crossed her Joy's tract disappeared in an instant , replaced by a look of icy calculation . S pretending to be in love after the Mitchells forced Esme out . What a joke , " she muttered under her bream She pulled out her phone and dialed a number " Hi , is this Mr. Price's assistant ? It's Joy . Can you tell me his schedule ? Don't worry about the money , just tell me when he'll be free . I need to see pim When she hung up , a satisfied smile curled on her lips . " Liam , if I'd known you'd reject me , I never would've wasted my time here . " She stroked her bell her gaze hardening . " But lucky for me … " Her lips twisted into a sly smile . " This baby isn't even a Mitchell , " 14:39