Chapter 7

Liam came out of the kitchen and heard what I said. He frowned and grabbed my phone to look at my mother and Jake.

He sneered and said, “You’ve always wanted her to be mature and obedient, but have you forgotten just who the culprits, who caused all this, are? You’re not worthy of asking her to go back now.”

Before they could say anything, Liam had already ended the call for me.

“Trash! All of them!”

Liam helped me up and put a jacket on me before wrapping a scarf around my neck.

“Let’s go.”

I was puzzled. “Where to?”

Liam put his hands on my head and smiled. “We’re celebrating your birthday.”

The wind on the roof was really strong that night, but my palms were warm.

As brilliant fireworks exploded in the sky, Liam put on a birthday hat for me and said in embarrassment, “I couldn’t buy one in time, so I just grabbed random stuff at home to make you one.

“Here’s to your 22nd birthday, Maria.”

I stared dazedly at the fireworks exploding in the sky for me, and I could not hold