Liam Williams looked down on her so much. Should she be grateful for that?
Two people who don't love each other only bring pain. It's better to end it quickly.
Emma Johnson couldn't stand another second. She was sick of his baseless accusations and explosive temper.
"So you can't wait to leave me and run into someone else's arms? Hah. Let me make this clear, Emma... there's no way."
Liam tightened his grip on her wrist, each word dripping with venom.
No one left without his permission.
Not even Emma.
That terrifying look was back in his eyes. She couldn't help but gasp, her heart aching with injustice.
How could this shameless bastard treat a woman who'd just woken up from a three-day coma like this?
Even if he was angry, how could he humiliate her this way?
Emma's eyes glazed over with tears, blurring her vision. "Why do you even want me? You can have any woman you want. Liam, please... just let me go..."
Before she could finish, his lips crushed against hers.
Liam didn't hesitate. He'd heard those words too many times.
He'd warned her over and over—she wasn't allowed to leave.
But this woman never learned.
Did she really think she could escape?
How could he tolerate that?
Emma felt like she was suffocating under his sudden kiss.
Her small body was pinned against the bed by his strong frame, unable to move. His kiss was as rough and forceful as ever, stealing her breath.
She couldn't even speak.
What had she said wrong?
In his eyes, she was nothing but a woman who didn't know her place. So why...
Why was he doing this to her?
Emma felt her wrist being crushed in his grip. A sharp pain shot through her forehead, making her frown deeply.
Lying on the hospital bed, all Emma felt was sorrow and despair.
She tried to push him away, but her body was too weak. She couldn't muster any strength.
The IV needle in her right hand was dislodged as she struggled. Bright red blood dripped onto the pure white sheets, creating a stark contrast.
For a moment, Liam felt a flicker of annoyance. He pinned both her hands down with one of his, closed his eyes, and pressed his face against hers, continuing to kiss her. He wouldn't give her another chance to escape.
Time stretched on.
Emma felt her lips go numb from his biting kisses. Her head throbbed so badly that she lost the will to fight back.
Gradually, Liam's movements softened.
Finally, he stopped. His lips brushed across her pale cheek before he buried his face in the crook of her neck.
His mind was a mess. The image of that day flashed before his eyes—Emma lying in a pool of blood. The panic and helplessness consumed him.
Alexander's words echoed in his mind. Elijah had completed the first deal, but they still had no clues or evidence.
And Emma kept protecting Elijah.
Was she that worried about that man?
It seemed Emma could be kind to anyone—even a little nurse—she'd stand up for others. But for him...
She always looked at him with such disdain.
Liam laughed bitterly to himself: Look at this woman you're so obsessed with.
Is she really worth it?
And her relationship with Elijah is clearer than anyone else's.
The unease and anger inside him made him lose control again, completely ignoring the injured woman in his arms.
"Liam... let me go... Let's stop torturing each other..." Emma's weak voice echoed in the room filled with the sharp smell of medicine.
Let me go.
Let's stop torturing each other.
Was that all Emma had to say?
Liam lifted his head, propping himself up on his hands near her shoulders. His face was pale, his eyes sharp. A cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth. "You think being with me is torture? Sorry, I don't see it that way. Besides, no one ends this game but me. Maybe one day, when I'm tired of looking at your face... then you'll be free. But not now."
He stared into her eyes, his gaze firm and icy, as he spat out the words.
It was human nature. The more you couldn't grasp something, the more you wanted to fight for it.
The more Emma wanted to escape, the less Liam wanted to let go.
In this city, no one disobeyed him.
Unless they were dead.
Emma bit her lip hard, her eyes empty.
Liam's meaning couldn't be clearer.
There was nothing left to say.
"Emma, do you really want to leave?" Liam grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.
His tone was cold, devoid of any warmth.
She didn't know how to answer.
Emma just looked up at him.
In her determined eyes, Liam saw her resolve.
Some words didn't need to be spoken. He understood.
Just then, the door swung open. Elijah Clark walked in, holding a large bouquet of pink lilies.
But the scene before him made him frown. Without a second thought, Elijah dropped the flowers and strode over to Liam. He grabbed Liam by the collar and yanked him off the bed. "Are you insane, Liam? Emma just woke up..."
He glanced at the blood on the sheets and Emma's disheveled appearance.
Damn it.
When Elijah turned back to Liam, his eyes were blazing with fury, his fists clenched.
Liam didn't seem bothered. He calmly straightened his collar and said, "What's your problem? Jealous? She's my wife. I can do whatever I want with her. What, are you in love with her?"
Every word from Liam's mouth was like a sharp dagger, stabbing into Elijah's heart.
"If you're a real man, you wouldn't hurt your own woman!"
"Which eye did you see me hurt her? I was comforting her, taking care of her. I don't believe me? Ask her yourself." Liam's tone was sly and indifferent. That cold attitude only made Elijah angrier.