Chapter 3

As Liam and Chloe turned to leave, presumably for their wedding suite, I stepped forward.

"Liam," I said, my voice tight.

Chloe, ever the actress, stumbled slightly, her hand flying to her mouth as if I' d startled her. "Oh! Savannah, you frightened me."

Liam immediately rounded on me, his face darkening. "What is it, Savannah? Can't you see we're busy?"

"I just wanted to congratulate you," I said, my eyes fixed on Chloe. "You got what you wanted. Again."

Chloe' s lower lip trembled. "I don't know what you mean. I never wanted to cause any trouble."

"Don't talk to her like that, Savannah," Liam snapped, stepping in front of Chloe protectively. "This isn't her fault. It's mine. I made a mistake, and I'm fixing it."

"A mistake?" I laughed, a harsh, bitter sound. "You call destroying my life, our children, a 'mistake'?"

His face went pale. "Don't bring that up. Not now."

Chloe let out a small sob. "Liam, please, don't argue. It's supposed to be a happy day." She looked at me, her eyes full of feigned pity. "I'm sure Savannah just misunderstands. She's been through a lot."

The condescension in her voice was unbearable.

"Misunderstand?" I repeated, stepping closer. "I understand perfectly. You're a manipulative liar, Chloe. And you," I turned to Liam, "are a weak, selfish fool."

Liam's hand shot out, striking me across the face.

The sting was sharp, but the shock was worse. He'd never hit me in our first life, not directly. His cruelty had been more insidious then.

"Why are you being like this, Savannah?" he yelled, his face contorted with anger. "Blame me, not her! If you dare lay a hand on Chloe, I'll..."

He trailed off, but the unspoken threat hung heavy in the air.

The root cellar.

Chloe peeked out from behind him, a small, triumphant, pitying smile playing on her lips.

"I wouldn't dream of touching her," I said, my cheek burning. My voice was cold, devoid of the emotion churning inside me. "She's not worth the effort."

I met Liam's furious gaze. "You've made your choice, Liam. Live with it."

He looked momentarily uncertain, the anger faltering.

But Chloe clutched his arm, her eyes wide with manufactured fear. "Liam, I'm scared."

His expression hardened again. "You brought this on yourself, Savannah."

He turned, leading Chloe away.

I stood there, the echo of the slap on my skin, the image of the root cellar seared into my mind.

The token pulsed, a frantic beat.

Not long now.