Chapter 12: If I’d Known Liam Was He…
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Chapter 12: If I’d Known Liam Was Here…
A cheerful young voice cut through the air.
“Mom, next time I want the limited edition one. It’s not that expensive, only a million or so.” It was Riley’s younger brother, Carson Aldrin.
Jane responded dotingly, “Okay, darling, if you like it, I’ll buy it for you.” “Thank you, Mom! I knew you were the best.”
“You’re my son. Everything I have is yours. If I don’t get you what you want, who will?” “Mom, I love you.” Carson snuggled up to Jane.
Riley watched their interaction impassively. She wasn’t surprised. Jane was a good mother when She was little. She had been so nice to her before that she almost believed her mother preferred girls to boys. But after her father’s accident and the subsequent family responsibilities, including the company’s crisis, Jane had grown distant. The favoritism had been an act. Jane was surprised to see Riley here.
“Riley, what brings you here?”
Before Riley could respond, Carson rushed to hug her.“Sis, you’re finally back! I missed you so
much!”
Riley stood still, letting him hug her. They were very close. Despite her absence, they kept in touch.
She ruffled his hair.“You’re almost eighteen. Act your age.”
Carson didn’t care.“I love my sister! Can you stay home and not leave?”
Jane watched them, saying, “Okay, honey, take your things to your room. I’ll chat with your sister.” Carson remembered his new purchases. He was about to show Riley when Jane subtly stopped- him. He dejectedly carried his stuff upstairs.
Jane approached Riley, instructing the maid, “Jessica, go wash the grapes.” Then she began a casual
conversation.
“So, how was your visit to the Perrys? What did they say?”
Jane, like a loving mother, reached for Riley’s hand. Riley subtly avoided it.
Jane feigned hurt.“Riley, are you still mad at me?”
Riley changed the subject.“Mom, I went to the hospital today.”
We year.
Jane paused, guessing what was coming. She choked back tears.“I had no choice. The company’s struggling, and Carson’s going to college next
need money.”
“But you
shouldn’t have sent Dad to that place. It’s where people go to die.”
“What could I do? I’m just a woman. Holding this family together hasn’t been easy.” She grabbed Riley’s hand, sobbing.“Your dad spoiled your brother so much. He’d understand. We can’t afford your father’s medical bills.”
Riley’s expression didn’t change, but she saw through it. No money? She’d seen the bags Carson carried each item costing six figures or more. How could she say that?
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Chapter 12: If I’d Known Liam Was He…
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Riley felt helpless and resentful on her father’s behalf. She remembered how sweet her parents ased to be. Yet, in just over a decade, Jane could disregard her husband’s life. Did love have an expiration date? What would her father think if he knew?
Jessica brought them the fruit. Jane offered one grape to Riley.“You love grapes.”
Riley shook her head silently. Jane looked embarrassed.
She smoothly changed the subject.“We’re having seafood tonight. Stay for dinner. It’s been a long *time since we ate together as a family.”
Riley didn’t stay. Before leaving, she said, “Mom, you can give Dad up, but I can’t. And I don’t like grapes, and I’m allergic to seafood.”
Outside, Riley texted Gina.
“Mrs. Perry, I accept your offer.”
After seeing the reply, she put away her phone.
“Riley? Is that you?”
A familiar voice called from behind. Seeing Liam’s grandmother, Riley felt a pang of sadness.“Yeah. It’s me.”
Rose pulled her hand warmly.“Five years! I thought my old eyes were failing me.” Riley smiled.
“You haven’t eaten, have you? Come, I’ll take you to my place.”
Riley almost refused, but she hadn’t seen Rose in years and agreed.
“Liam, look who’s here!” Rose called excitedly.
Riley froze, realizing Liam was there. She felt awkward. If she’d known, she wouldn’t have come. Liam took the basket from Rose.“I told you to let
“You don’t know how to pick fresh ones.”
me buy the groceries.”
“I can ask Miranda to go with me. You should take more rest.” Miranda was their longtime housekeeper.
Riley watched them, noticing how much Liam had changed.
“Riley, what are you staring at?” Liam took out a pair of slippers, identical to the ones from six years ago – hers were pink, his blue.
Rose smiled warmly.“Don’t you recognize him, dear? This is Liam. You used to follow him everywhere. Remember?”
Riley stammered, “Yes… I remember.”
“Good. Come in. It’s been ages. I will cook for you both.”
Riley’s face fell. She remembered getting food poisoning from Rose’s cooking. So did Liam.
He quickly said, “Grandma, you should rest. I’ll cook.”
Rose was surprised.“You can cook?”
“Yes, I cooked most of the time when I was abroad.”
“My, my,
look how grown up you are!” She pulled Riley to the living room.“Riley, dear, let’s chat
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Chapter 12: If I’d Known Liam Was He…
and leave it to him. I’ve never tasted his cooking yet.”
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Despite the years apart, Rose still cared about Riley. Riley’s nose felt tingly. Holding Rose’s hand, she smiled. “I’m fine. I’m about to graduate.”
“Have you thought about working?”
Riley shook her head. She’d been drifting, without hope for the future.
Rose sighed with sympathy.“I heard about your father. It’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself.” Riley nodded. Rose changed the subject.“Now that Liam is back, you can talk to him about finding a job. He’ll help you.”
Riley glanced towards the kitchen. Liam, in a checkered apron, was preparing the groceries. He seemed more grounded, more real than at the Perry mansion.
Then Liam turned. Riley met his gaze, her heart pounding. She lowered her head.
“Riley, come here.”
