Part 3Silent Goodbye To My Billionaire Husband

Liam’s grandfather, Arthur, eventually found out about the birthday incident and called Liam into his study.

"Is she complaining to you again?" Liam’s voice was cold, drifting through the half-open door.

He was referring to an incident the month before. It had been pouring, and I’d asked if he could pick me up from the office. He told me he was too busy. I couldn't get an Uber in the storm and ended up walking to the bus stop. I caught a fever that turned into a severe middle-ear infection. Arthur had found out through the housekeeper and had lit into him.

Arthur shook his head. "You misjudge Audrey. She never says a word against you. That’s the problem." He sighed heavily. "She’s been a devoted wife for four years, Liam. It’s time you two had a child. What kind of marriage is this without a family?"

Liam didn't even hesitate. He let out a dry, mirthless laugh. "Grandfather, if you’d let me marry Serena like I wanted, our kid would be starting kindergarten by now."

I heard the sharp thwack of Arthur’s cane hitting the floor. "Don't you dare speak such nonsense! You are married. You owe Audrey your heart and your future."

"I only married her because you forced my hand," Liam replied, his voice dropping to a glacial chill. "I’m not interested in playing house. I don’t want a child with her. I’m not interested."

My heart went numb.

It made sense now. Every time we were intimate, he was meticulous about protection. On the one occasion a condom broke, he’d subtly left the morning-after pill on my nightstand with a glass of water, claiming we weren't "ready" yet.

I had told myself it was fine. I was climbing the corporate ladder; a baby would complicate things. But the truth was simpler and far more cruel: he was still mourning his ex, and he didn't want a permanent tether to a woman he didn't love.

Then why did you propose? I wanted to scream.

He walked out of the study and nearly collided with me. I was standing in the hallway, my eyes rimmed with red. He looked startled for a split second, but then his expression hardened. He brushed past me without a single word of explanation.

Arthur came out and tried to comfort me. "Don't mind him, Audrey. He’s just lashing out because I scolded him. A baby... a baby would change everything. It would bring you closer."

I swallowed the bitterness in my throat and lied. "I know, Arthur. But I’m not feeling great lately. Let’s wait on the baby talk."

That was the first night I seriously considered filing for divorce.