CHAPTER 89: LIAM

I drive through the city streets, weaving through traffic as fast as I can without getting pulled over. Emma's phone call echoes in my mind, her voice shaking with something between anger and despair. She sounded like she was barely holding it together, and I knew I had to get to her as quickly as possible.

When I finally pull up to the address she gave me, I see her standing outside a small café. She looks pale, her arms wrapped tightly around herself like she's trying to keep from falling apart. I rush over, my heart pounding, desperate to hold her, to make everything okay, even though I know I can't.

"Emma," I call out, my voice barely more than a whisper. She turns to face me, and I see the tears pooling in her eyes. Before I can say another word, I pull her into my arms, holding her as tightly as I can. The tears spill over, and she buries her face into my chest, her body trembling with each sob. I feel my own eyes stinging, guilt and anger warring inside me.

How did we get here?