Chapter 21 Liam just watched her , that tiny smile still tugging at his lips , even as she glared at him . The more he acted like this , the angrier Esme got . " Liam , we're divorced . You need to stop following me . If you keep showing up , I won't even be able to keep this shop open ." He just stood there , head bowed , looking like a scolded kid . " Esme , I'm not going to chase after anyone else . This is just who I am . It's how I won you over in the first place . " Esme hesitated for a second . Liam really didn't know how to pursue someone . All he ever did was cling to her in that awkward , stubborn way - using his name , his presence , to keep everyone else at bay . She used to find that clumsy devotion kind of sweet . She'd thought he'd always be like this with her , only her . But who could have guessed that even a guy like him could end up hurting her so badly ? " Liam , don't do this . " She let out a cold laugh . " I've told you . There's nothing left between us ." She took a breath , steadying herself . " I'm marrying Neil . Please don't come around anymore . " " Marrying ? " It was like someone dropped him into an ice bath - he could barely breathe . " Marrying ? You and Neil ? " He stepped closer , grabbing her wrist so tightly it hurt . Esme winced but refused to back down . " Yes . We're getting married . You need to let us live our lives . " " No. I won't let you . " He yanked her into his arms , crushing his mouth to hers , desperate and wild . No matter how much she fought , he wouldn't let go . His kiss was rough and hungry , as if he wanted to pull her into himself and never let her go . " Liam , you've lost your mind ! " " Yeah . I think I lost it the second I lost you . " The sharp , clean smell of his cologne wrapped around her , dizzying her senses . His lips grazed her neck , his eyes trailing down to the barely - there strap of her dress , full of heat . " Everything that happened before , it was all my fault . I never should have let my love for you get divided - not for a second . " "Esme , just give me one more chance . I swear , I'll only ever love you . Only you . Always . " Tears stung Esme's eyes . She pushed against him , trying to ignore the sick feeling curling in her stomach , but the more she struggled , the harder he held on . Chapter 21 " Esme ! " Neil's voice cut through the chaos . " Neil ! " Her voice cracked as she called out to him . Neil stormed in , swinging a fist straight into Liam's chest . Liam staggered , loosening his grip , but didn't let go completely . Neil grabbed Liam's wrist , twisted hard , and there was a sickening crack as he dislocated it . He pulled Esme behind him , shielding her . Face dark with fury , Neil shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders , wrapping her up in a fierce hug . " It's okay , Esme . You're safe . Don't look back , just go home . Leave the rest to me , alright ? " He shoved his car keys into her hand . " Go on , honey . I've got this ." Esme nodded , clutching the jacket tight as she rushed outside . Neil only relaxed when he saw her car pull away . He turned back to Liam , eyes hard and cold . " Liam , this has to stop . You're not helping her - you're just making everything worse . " " Do you even realize what you've done ? She still wakes up in the middle of the night , screaming from nightmares . Nightmares where crazed horses trample her , or she's abandoned in a blizzard , about to be buried alive - all because of you . " Liam froze , all the fight draining out of him . " I'm sorry . I'm sorry . I'm so , so sorry … " He kept repeating it , lost , as if those were the only words left in him . " If you really mean that , let her go . " Neil hit him again , sending Liam stumbling , blood trickling from the corner of his mouth . But Liam didn't fight back . He just stood there , shattered , mumbling his apologies . Neil didn't say another word . He turned and left . No one knew h Liam stood in that empty shop . Time seemed to stretch on forever the next day , there was a new sign hanging in the window : stared at it for what felt like an eternity , then finally turned and walked away .