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I arrived to find Ashley and her mom clutching their belongings and sobbing outside.
Mrs.Brooks accosted passers-by compaining,painting me as a villain who“bought”Liam’s heart,evicting her daughter,leaving them homeless.
Security had spread the truth, so neighbors welcomed me and ignored the pair.
Defeated,the mother and daughter shuffled away.
Now,just Liam.
Neighbors,worried that he’d lash out,escorted me upstairs.
I expected begging,but not this.
The door opened, and Liam dropped to his knees, looking haggard with shadowed eyes. He must have been sleepless, probably worrying about my money.
He clutched my legs,sobbing.“Natalie,I love you.I was just humoring Mom—you can’t forgive that?”
He portrayed himself as a dutiful son, trying to gain sympathy.
Manipulation,his specialty.
I wasn’t the blind fool anymore.
I kicked him off,stepping inside.
The condo was mostly restored,though some damage lingered.
Liam trailed,watching my expression.
I didn’t let him speak. I snapped photos of the ruined items, which were destined for the trash and would be billed to him.
I called movers on the spot.
Watching my hard work hauled away hurt,but I’d been blind too long.A lesson learned.
I tossed Liam the damage estimate.
He exploded,dignity gone.“Natalie,you’re insane—$3 million?”
He lunged,grabbing my collar,raising a fist.
Neighbors swarmed,pinning him,some landing kicks.
Immobilized,he glared as I approached.
“Liam,the Maybach alone was$3.5 million.The leather sofa?$15,000,custom from Europe.Wallpaper,carved table,other pieces?I gave you a discount.”
“Don’t pay?Enjoy foreclosure.”
His regretful face was my victory.
Amid cheers,I left,smiling.
True love isn’t a toy—betray it,and pay the price.
Mom insisted on returning home,saying Dad needed her.
Seeing me thrive,she was at peace.
No more marriage pressure—love deserves careful choice.
Liam harassed me a few times.I called the cops,and he left quietly,gone for good.
Six months later,$3 million hit my account.
Word had it that Liam quit his job, sold his family home, borrowed money from relatives, and scraped together the funds.
To settle debts,he took a shady“high-paying”job in Southeast Asia.
By the time I heard,he’d vanished for months,like he’d disappeared.
I felt nothing,wishing him peace from afar.
