114 Chapter 114 – Rooftop Confessions and Impossible
Solutions
“While they destroy Hazel in the process?” I shake my head. “Clairemont threatened to disappear with the baby and make sure Hazel knows it’s her fault. You know Hazel- she’d never forgive herself.”
I
“I’m drowning in quicksand, and every move I make pulls me deeper,” I say, embracing
each of them.
“Stella hasn’t filled you in?” Damian asks.
“Hold on.” Adrian looks confused. “What am I missing here?”
“Then we drink until the world makes sense again,” Adrian suggests, already reaching for his flask.
“What about when Leo’s father left her?” I ask, grasping for perspective.
“What’s the emergency, man?” Damian’s face shows genuine concern as he emerges onto the rooftop with Adrian, Noah, and Owen trailing behind him. When I called, my voice was breaking like a teenager’s, begging them to come immediately.
Owen raises his glass in a mock toast to that observation.
“She made peace with raising Leo alone because there was no relationship to mourn,” Noah explains. “But with you, she opened her heart completely for the first time in years. She let herself believe in forever, and now that’s being ripped away from her.”
“There has to be another way,” Adrian finally says.
“Clairemont and Clairemont are waging psychological warfare against Hazel,” Noah explains, his voice tight with anger. “They’re following her, cornering her in public places, telling her she’s a homewrecker who needs to disappear so Liam can do the right thing and marry the mother of his child.”
“Are you certain they have that kind of power?” Noah challenges.
The city sprawls beneath me like a glittering web, and I find myself wondering if jumping might be easier than facing what’s coming. The thought terrifies me, but not as much as the alternative.
(114 Chamer 118 Frantop Confessions and Impossible Solutions
Up here, I call back from the rooftop of my penthouse apartment.
“Clairemont’s been more direct with his threats, Noah adds. “He’s made it clear that if Liam doesn’t comply, they’ll make Hazel’s life unbearable. They know exactly how to manipulate her guilt.
Liam’s POV
“Absolutely not.” My voice carries more force than intended. “Drinking got me into this mess. One night of too much whiskey, and now I’m trapped with Clairemont forever:
“Talk to us. What’s eating you alive?” Damian settles into one of the chairs, his expression serious.
The silence that follows is deafening. My friends stare at the city lights below us, each lost in their own thoughts about this impossible situation.
“Liam?” Damian’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts.
Noah gives me a strange look. “You don’t know the whole story, do you?”
“Exactly.” The admission burns my throat worse than any alcohol ever has. “I’ve tried everything – offered them the entire company, my inheritance, anything they wanted. But Clairemont and Clairemont have one demand, and it’s non–negotiable.”
“Same with Copper. She’s barely been home,” Damian adds. “And Owen’s practically moved into my guest room to avoid dealing with his own drama.”
“Clairemont has connections everywhere,” Damian says grimly. “Business, politics, media. He could make Hazel’s life miserable indefinitely.”
“Like hell you are,” Adrian explodes. “We won’t let you destroy your life over one
mistake.”
“I’m getting married.” The words taste like ash in my mouth. “It’s my execution date, and I’ve already agreed to it.”
“They’re what?” Adrian’s face flushes red with fury.
“Smart choice. I’ll make us something without the poison,” Noah offers, moving toward the outdoor bar like he’s preparing liquid salvation instead of simple sodas.
“They want the wedding within a month,” I answer, each word feeling like a nail in my
114 Chapter 114 Rooftop Confessions and impossible Solutions
coffin. “Clairemont’s already picking out venues and planning our honeymoon like this
le instead of elaborate blackmail. is some romantic fairy
“I’ll still be drinking because dealing with Thea sober is impossible,” Owen mutters, earning chuckles from everyone except me. Nothing feels amusing anymore.
“If there is, I haven’t found it,” I reply. “And I’m running out of time:
“Stella’s been glued to Hazel’s side since this started. The girls have been taking shifts watching over her,” Adrian explains.
“Clairemont ambushed Hazel at her favorite cafe last week,” Owen continues. “Made a scene, crying about how Hazel was destroying her family and stealing her child’s father. Hazel was humiliated in front of everyone.”
Chapter 114 – Rooftop Confessions and Impossible Solutions
When I shake my head, he continues, “Leo’s father wasn’t a boyfriend who abandoned her. He was a one–night stand during a work conference in Denver. Hazel’s not the type for casual encounters, but she said he was magnetic, impossible to resist. She never expected to see him again, and when she found out she was pregnant, she had no way to contact him.
My chest tightens as I relive every failed negotiation. “I brought in lawyers, mediators, anyone who might help us find another solution. I offered Clairemont enough money to live comfortably for ten lifetimes. But they don’t want money or property. They want my complete submission, and they’re willing to torture Hazel to get it.”
I cannot wrap my mind around the disaster I’ve created. What possessed me at Evelyn’s farewell party that night? The alcohol turned me into someone I don’t recognize, and now I’m paying a price that feels like eternal damnation.
“This is extortion,” Adrian says, pacing across the rooftop. “It’s criminal harassment. We can fight this legally.”
The revelation hits me unexpectedly. “She never told me that.”
“It’s not that simple,” Noah interrupts, handing me a glass of ice–cold Coke. “Thi about protecting Hazel, isn’t it? They’re using her as leverage.”
Seven days of negotiations, seven days of trying to find another way out of this nightmare with Clairemont’s pregnancy, and every door has slammed shut in my face.
114 Chapter 114 Rooftop Confessions and Impossible Solutions
They’ve cornered me like a wounded animal with nowhere to run.
“When is this nightmare supposed to happen?” Adrian asks.
“I’m killing her by inches, I whisper, tears blurring my vision. “But if I don’t marry Clairemont, they’ll systematically destroy everything she cares about
“She’s already blaming herself, Noah says quietly, his words hitting me like physical blows. “When Ethan cheated on her, she was hurt but she bounced back. This is different. She’s breaking apart from the inside”
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