Chapter 19 " Esme , what do you want for dinner tonight ? " Neil pushed the shopping cart as they wandered the aisles , Esme right by his side . She laughed and rattled off a few dishes she'd been craving . Neil agreed to every single one without a second thought . His smile was contagious , lighting up his whole face . He squeezed her hand a little tighter as they made their way out of the store , bags full of groceries dangling from their arms . " I want to stop by the café first and sort out the coffee beans for tomorrow , " Esme said , swinging their joined hands between them . " You coming with me , Mr. Artist ? " Neil leaned down and kissed her forehead . " Wouldn't miss it . " Their sweet moment didn't go unnoticed . Someone else was watching . Liam appeared out of nowhere , storming over and yanking Esme into his arms . His eyes were wild , full of jealousy . " Esme ! " He gripped her shoulders , his voice raw as he pressed a desperate kiss to her forehead . " How could you let someone else touch you ? How could you do this to me ? " His eyes were red , and his pain was written all over his face . " Do you even know how much it hurt , seeing you with him ? " He held her tight , refusing to let go , no matter how much Esme struggled . Then , out of nowhere , he kissed her - hard , like he wanted to wipe away any trace of another man . " Esme , you're mine . Only mine …" She saw her own fear reflected in his dark eyes . " Let her go ! " Neil shouted , stepping forward and landing a punch right across Liam's face . Stunned , Liam finally let go . Esme broke free and ran straight into Neil's arms , tears streaming down her face . " Neil … " Her voice was barely a whisper . Neil pulled her behind him , holding her close . Liam wiped the blood from his lip , his eyes wild and desperate . " Esme . " She clapped her hands over her ears , not wanting to hear another word . " Please , Esme , don't do this ." Liam's voice cracked , all his pride gone . " If you turn away , it'll kill me … " " Just look at me , please . " He was begging now , all dignity lost . But Esme just squeezed her eyes shut . Seeing her like that , Neil wrapped his arms around her even tighter . Chapter 19 " Liam , let her go , " Neil said , his voice suddenly cold . " Haven't you hurt her enough ? What right do you have to show up now ? " Liam didn't respond . He just stared at Esme , heartbreak etched deep in his eyes . Neil didn't wait for an answer . He lifted Esme gently and flagged down a cab , carrying her inside . He kissed her temple and whispered soothing words as the taxi pulled away , leaving Liam standing alone on the curb . Liam watched the car disappear , pain hollowing him out from the inside . So this is what it feels like , he thought - watching the person you love leave with someone else . If he'd known before , he never would have let Joy walk into the Mitchell family . *** " Esme , are you okay ? " She opened her eyes , realizing she was lying in a soft bed . Neil sat beside her , worry creasing his features . When she woke up , he finally let out a sigh of relief . " Neil … " she murmured , rubbing her eyes as he offered her a mug. " Don't worry about any of that now . Just drink some water . " Esme nodded and took the mug from him . Pearl , her cat , jumped up and nudged her hand , meowing insistently . " She's been waiting for you to wake up , " Neil said with a small smile , scratching Pearl's head before turning his gentle eyes back to Esme . " I made your favorite veggie porridge . Promise me you'll rest and not overthink things , okay ? " Esme met his gaze , her heart pounding in her chest . " I already sorted out the morning delivery for the café . Once you finish your soup , I'll take care of everything else . " " Just rest , my Esme . " He kissed her , slow and lingering , like he never wanted to let her go . " I'll go get your soup . " Neil smiled and headed downstairs , not noticing Esme's cheeks turning bright red the second he left the room . 14:40