One Hundred Twenty Pages of Betrayal Novel

The next day , at the Cedar Crest Hotel . My father had contacted the manager early and secured us the private room next to Liam's reservation . Through a discreet panel . I could clearly hear everything happening next door . And Liam didn't disappoint . The moment I sat down , he sent a checking - in text . [ Honey , where are you now? Met up with the family yet ? Is the drive safe ? ] I knew he was testing me . [ On the interstate . Traffic's bad . Won't get to the hometown until tonight ] I tapped out a vague reply . A moment later , the " typing ...

" bubble appeared , then vanished , replaced by a generic thumbs - up , the kind he'd never use . Probably her idea . Disgust twisted my face . I didn't reply further . Just then , people began filing into the next room . Leading the way were Liam and Chloe , dressed formally , holding the little boy's hand . He wore a bracelet identical to my daughter's . They looked like the picture - perfect fam Auto - added to the Library They were followed by an older couple , the woman in a tasteful knit dress , the man in a tweed blazer . They had the quiet , attentive look of retired academics .

Then , other relatives trickled in , chatting in small groups . Chloe gracefully ushered everyone to their seats , proudly introducing the man beside her . " Mom , Dad . This is Liam . He's been managing projects in Singapore , but he flew back early just to be with us this year . " Liam gave a reserved nod . ' It's a real pleasure to finally meet you both . " In our room , my daughter tugged my hand . Her big eyes were filled with panic . " Mommy , who is Daddy talking to ? Why does that lady say Daddy is her husband ? And that boy ... why does he have the same bracelet as me ?

Daddy said it was only for me . " I comfortingly stroked her hair but said nothing . Next door , Chloe's mother Grace Mitchell took Liam's hand , beaming with satisfaction ' We're so glad you could join us , Liam . Chloe has spoken so highly of you , but she's always been ... private . We've spent our lives around young people . We know what integrity looks like . Seeing you here with her ... It means a great deal The moment the words left her mouth , Chloe's face froze . I knew she was feeling guilty . Chapter 3 Chloe's father Benjamin Mitchell spoke next , patting Liam on the shoulder .

" When you get to our age , you realize it's not about grand things . It's about knowing your kids are safe , and happy , and ... with good people . Seeing the three of you together ... it's all we've ever wanted for her . " As he spoke , both elderly people's eyes grew red . It wasn't hard to imagine the pressure Chloe's five years as an unwed mother had put on them . " Oh , come on now , it's the holidays ! " Chloe's aunt Patricia Mitchell cut in with a breezy wave of her hand , her voice deliberately cheerful . " Let's not get all serious . Our Chloe's got a good head on her shoulders .

Always has . " She shot a pointed , reassuring smile at Benjamin and Grace . " You two worrywarts need to relax . Isn't that right , sweetie ? " No amount of foundation could hide the stiffness on Chloe's face . She nodded robotically . " Yes , Aunt Patricia is right . " " Exactly , Ben , don't overthink it . You and sis have taught for a lifetime ; of course you raised a good child ! " Chloe's uncle Daniel Mitchell added with a laugh . The atmosphere grew lively . Everyone was laughing . Except the guests of honor .

Through the panel , I saw Chloe's hand clutching Liam's , her knuckles white with tension . So scared , yet she still chose to be the other woman ? A derisive snort escaped me . Slowly , I took my daughter's hand , stood up , walked out , and positioned myself right outside their room's door . Inside , Chloe and Liam were being pressed about marriage plans . " So. Liam ," Grace began , leaning forward with a hopeful smile . " So , with you being back for good and the baby growing up so fast ... Any wedding plans on the horizon ? A mother can dream , you know .

" " Yes , we've even prepared the wedding gifts . As long as you and our daughter are happy , we're willing to do anything . Benjamin added with a smile . " Ooh , the tenth is open on the clubhouse calendar ! " one cousin piped up , already scrolling on her phone . " Or the weekend after ! " another added . " The weather should still be gorgeous for an outdoor ceremony . " The family chimed in one after another , completely missing how Chloe and Liam's faces cycled between green and pale . " Wait a minute . Finally , Liam couldn't take it anymore and cut them off . " Chloe and I ...

we can't get married yet . Because ... " Because he's already married , with a five - year - old child . He and Chloe had an affair . " Chapter 3 I pushed the door open , my daughter by my side . " Honey , am I right ? " The expressions on Liam and Chloe's faces solidified into masks of horror . Chapter 3 admin