Chapter 45

LIAM

Days had passed since that horrible night, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Ava had been avoiding me, and every time I tried to get close to her, she would find some excuse to leave the room. I couldn’t blame her, though. I had failed her when she needed me most. I couldn’t protect her, couldn’t do anything but stand there, frozen in fear like the helpless child I had to pretend to be.

I know that acting like a child is supposed to keep me safe, but at what cost? How could I just stand there and watch while she was in danger? Every time I close my eyes, I see the fear in her eyes, hear the desperation in her voice as she begged me to do something. But I couldn’t. I couldn’t break the facade, and now I’m paying the price.

It hurts more than I thought it would. It’s like a knife twisting in my gut every time she turns away from me. I miss her so much, and I hate that I’m the reason she’s pulling away. I’m supposed to be her husband, the one person she can