Chapter Ze Esme sat in the softly in Michelin restaurant , staring at the elegant French dishes ser before ther Once , she'd have devoured every bite . Now she couldn't bring herself to take ever a taste . Across the table , Liam watched he , ariety etched in every line of his face . He spoke gently almost afraid of her answer . " Esme is something wrong with the food ? Do you want to try somewhere dis She didn't even finch to . This is fine A cold pause settled between them . Esme finally looked up , her voice fat . If you have something to say just say it . After tonight , were done . For good . We won't see each other Liam froze , the words cutting deeper than held expected . His eyes stong " You really mean that ? What's left to talk about , Liam ? I've alsady stepped aside for your little family of threet " Esme , that's not far - it's not even my child Regret fickered across his face . I told you , the only child I ever wanted was with you " He searched her face for anything hose , lore , even anger . But she just stared at him , eyes cold , voice steady Liam , if you have something to say , spit it out I have somewhere to be ? She glanced at her wach , imolence dex in her tone He looked like he might fall apart fight there . " Where are you going ? " he asked , voice choked . She rolled her eyes . " Does it even matter ? If all you want is to argue , then we're done . " She stood up , pushing back her chair , Liam Blocked her way , desperation raw in his eyes . Please , Esme Tell me . What could be more important than us ? " She didn't hesitate . " Everything is more important than you right now . But if you're dying to know , I'll tell yout "A wedding dress fitting " He went pale , his hands clenched so tight his knuckles turned white . " What ? " he rasped , as if he hadn't heard her right . His voice broke , " Don't lie to me , Esme . If you say that just to hurt me , you might as well kill me He grabbed her arm , holding on like she was the only thing keeping him afloat . " Esme , don't lie to me " She shook her head , annoyed . " Let go . You're the one who wanted this goodbye . I showed up because you asked , but clearly , you just needed an excuse " Chapter 23 " I should never have trusted you again . " " How many times have you lied to me , Liam ? I lost count after Joy got pregnant . It's been nothing but lies since then . " All she wanted now was to leave . " Let me go , Liam . Let yourself go , too . We're over . I'll live my life , you'll live yours . Wouldn't it be better to end things with some dignity ? " But whatever self - control Liam had left snapped . He shook his head , almost pleading . " Esme , I can't do this without you . I can't live without you … " His voice trembled . " Please . Come back to me . Please ? " She pulled her hand away . " Did you ever think , Liam , that marrying you was already a huge compromise for me ? " " All I wanted was to live freely . For you , I gave up everything . I put on that stupid mask and played the perfect Mrs. Mitchell . " " And you ? You didn't appreciate it for a second . You went and had a child with someone else , expected me to just accept it , and all you ever said was that you had your ' reasons . What reasons , Liam ? Tell me . " Her throat felt dry . She grabbed the water glass she hadn't touched all night and drained it . " Esme , don't - don't drink that- " Liam reached for her , but it was too late . She looked at him , confused . " What ? Is something wrong with the water ? " " Esme , come on . Let me take you to the hospital . " Panic replaced everything else in his voice as he tried to pull her up . She tried to fight him off , but suddenly a strange heat rushed through her body . Liam shrugged off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders , hustling her out to the car . " What's happening ? " Esme gasped as she collapsed onto the back seat . The scent of pine in the car , usually comforting , now seemed dizzying and overwhelming . Her skin burned with need , a soft moan escaping before she could stop it . Liam's heart twisted with guilt . He'd gotten to the restaurant early - he'd put something in her water . He couldn't believe he'd actually done it . Grandma Mitchell's voice echoed in his head : " Can you really trust her out there on her own ? Better she has your child - then we can make it up to her . Women always say they don't want kids , but once they're pregnant , they never want to let go ." Esme clawed at his arm , her grip desperate . Her other hand fumbled for his cuff . " Esme , do you know who I am ? " His eyes darkened as he looked at her , flushed and disheveled . His own resolve was crumbling . 2/3 14:40 * killed me , seeing you with someone else , " he whispered . " You have no idea how much it He pressed his lips to her ear , his fingers threading through hers , holding her tight . " Did he ever kiss you here ? Does he know how sensitive your ears are ? " He traced her earlobe with his tongue , almost punishing her , their breathing ragged and heavy . " Youte . Her words dissolved into a broken moan . " Who am I ? " Liam kissed her , his voice coaxing and low . But even with the drug clouding her mind , Esme suddenly pushed him away . " You're not Neill Who are you ? "