My eyebrows knitted together, struggling to understand his words. Was Liam now expressing regret? Had he done something wrong that I can't remember? By the way, what was it?

Williams might have intentionally erased those calls to conceal a secret. Numerous questions raced through my thoughts as I tried to remember the past, yet nothing emerged.

Clearing my throat, I answered honestly, "I don't remember what you did, Liam. Could you please remind me one more time?"

This was asked sincerely but also with the purpose of forcing the truth from him. If I took a patient approach, maybe Liam would eventually confess to everyone.

He hesitated briefly, and when he eventually spoke, his voice carried a tone of doubt. "Okay, I'll fulfill any request you have. Simply say that you've pardoned me. Alright?"

To follow up, he added, "Did Williams say anything to you? How about you stay with me instead? You are in a relationship with me, not him! Aurora?"

Immediately, my interest was ignited, driven by the surge of feelings and the flurry of questions that came one after another. Directly asking him wouldn't reveal the truth, and I wouldn't bother Williams, who was extremely secretive.

Furthermore, I prefer he does not think I was reborn solely to take revenge on him. Thus, I chose to fulfill his wish, while remembering to seek the answers I desired.

"You are forgiven, Liam Hoods. Just make sure it does not repeat itself." My tranquil voice was comforting, yet tinged with dishonesty.

The young man on the opposite side let out a scornful laugh before regaining his composure. However, it was too late-I had already heard it.

"I bought a new apartment, Aurora. Why don't you come join us? I was just about to invite you the other day when-" He paused, recalling the event from the other day.

However, I intervened to prevent the discomfort. "Of course, I will be there. I'm always here for you, Liam. But then, there's something important you need to know." The change in my tone was sudden, becoming cutting and laden with resentment.

"What is this?" He inquired, entirely unconcerned, while releasing a slow yawn. I genuinely found it amusing. This was a person who pleaded with his life just a minute ago, yet now appeared indifferent. Of course, he was an expert in deception and emotional control.

"The details will be told at the party. Why don't you get some rest? You just yawned after I talked to you. You must be exhausted. End the call, Liam." I instructed.

I returned to the laundry room, only to find that Lawrence was not there. When I arrived at his office, prepared to say sorry, it was vacant. It was only then a colleague of mine brought up his sudden departure while walking through the slides.

By noon, Lawrence still hadn't come back, so I decided to leave and went back to the mansion for the upcoming party. On the bed rested a dark knee-length dress, next to a white purse, a black hairband, and a coordinating black pair of stilettos - all thanks to Ms. Latrice.

A different driver sent by Williams soon showed up to take me at the mansion. Although Williams's backing for me remained constant, he loathed Liam and viewed him as an opponent. Reflecting on it, I continue to question why I chose to leave him for that enemy.

Previously, Sage had sent me a message that I didn't take the time to read, knowing that it contained information I was already familiar with - the location of Liam's party.

Liam's new building was situated near gigantic building, one he couldn't purchase due to its outrageous cost. The majestic black gates were open wide, and a number of elegantly dressed guests formed small groups, clutching champagne bottles.

I stepped down when the vehicle stopped next to the tall white-painted fence, drawing the interested glances of those around, who greeted me as I walked by.

My gaze went straight to the busy garage, a spot where I was certain Sage would be, just as it had happened before.

But just as I walked closer, Liam Hoods unexpectedly appeared from a black car, parked in a corner, accompanied by a striking young woman whose attire was overly revealing. His arms lay on her left shoulder, with half of his dark shirt unbuttoned, and his hair messy.

He tore off his arm and pushed the woman forcefully as soon as he noticed me standing at a distance. A constrained grin spread over his face as he approached me, quickly buttoning his shirt along the way.

"Aurora." He shortened the space between us, likely intending to embrace me, but I stepped back, unaffected by the fake smile that appeared on his face.

"I apologize for that. There's nothing happening between us. I promise." He tried clarifying, giving the woman a dismissive gesture. I nodded quietly, choosing not to say anything.

At that moment, I sensed his hand brushing against my skin, which I acted like I didn't see, while concentrating on a small group where attendees spoke softly.

"When will the actual party take place?" I began to walk after spotting an unoccupied chair hidden behind the small group. He rubbed his head, surprised by the absence of warmth that was so out of character for me.

"In just a couple of minutes," he replied, unexpectedly stepping away from me as we neared Sage. Sage was unaware of our approach until the man in front of her glanced forward.

For a brief moment, an inscrutable look lingered on her face before a fake smile appeared. Sage was my stepsister, but once I discovered her hidden relationship with Liam, my view of her changed.

As she waved off the man, three elegant black cars rushed in, immediately grabbing everyone's focus. These weren't merely cars, but ones with personalized license plates.

Shortly, a medium-height blonde, a tall brunette, and a redhead stepped out, confidently showcasing their affluence apparent in every aspect of their presence.

I chewed my lip, realizing that those expensive items came at the cost of someone else. Liam not only spent the money on himself, but also wasted it on his useless siblings. And this was the money I worked hard for.

I gave everything I had to fulfill his dreams. However, all he did was spend the money freely and make me feel like an unimportant person in his life.