Chapter 103

LIAM

I stood outside Ava’s house, nerves tearing through me. It had taken me far too long to realize how deeply I had hurt her. I had been a fool—letting my own uncle, John, manipulate me into casting her aside. My heart raced as I stared at the door, hoping, praying, she would listen.

I lifted my hand to knock again, but the door suddenly opened. Isabella, her stepmother, stood before me. The hostility on her face was unmistakable, her lips curling into a sneer as she crossed her arms.

“What are you doing here, Liam?” Her tone was icy.

“I need to see Ava,” I said, my voice pleading. “I need to talk to her. Please.”

She laughed bitterly, stepping forward, almost blocking the doorway. “Talk to her? After what you did? You have no right.”

My heart clenched, but I refused to give up. “Isabella, I know I made mistakes. I just need five minutes—”

“No,” she cut me off sharply. “You’re not coming in, Liam. She doesn’t need to hear more of your excuses.”

I was about to respond when, s