Part 3The Thorns We Bloom

I never thought I'd be living in a cliché romance novel. The elegant woman in front of me told me... My boyfriend, the one working part-time jobs, was the heir to the massive Pei Corporation. She didn't say much else. But her eyes said everything.

Liam came home from work and collapsed into my arms. "So tired."

I stroked his hair. "Liam, are you hiding something from me?"

I felt him stiffen. "Yes. I haven't told you about my family."

I bit my lip, tracing the shell of his ear. "I don't think secrets are inherently bad in a relationship. I allow you your secrets."

Liam looked up. Seeing I wasn't angry, he relaxed. "I'm sorry. I hate that life. That's why I never brought it up."

Seeing him so careful broke my heart. But the image of his mother's condescending face flashed in my mind. I looked away, forcing a smile. "I never thought the Prince and Cinderella story was for me. And there are some decisions I don't want to make after your mother throws a check in my face."

Liam's voice trembled. "You're breaking up with me?"

I nodded.

He grabbed my hand tightly. "No. Don't break up with me." Tears fell from his eyes without warning. "It's my fault..."

I shook my head, interrupting him. "It's not your fault." I wiped his tears. We looked at each other in silence.

"You know what? The way your mother looked at me... it was humiliating."

"I'll explain to her."

I buried my face in his chest. His heart was beating so fast. The pain in my own chest tried to sway my decision. Liam wrapped his arms around my waist, holding on for dear life.

"Explain what? That I'm not a gold digger? For a second, I wished I was. Then I could happily take the check and leave."

He kissed the top of my head. "Don't say that. This is all because of me."

"But my upbringing, my life, and... my love for you, won't let me do that." I felt him shaking. I pulled away. He tried to grab my hand, but missed.

I cupped his face, forcing him to look at me. "Liam, I'm not leaving because you hid things from me. It's the gap between us. I don't have the courage to face your family with you. I don't want to compromise myself. I don't want a marriage full of war. I love you, but I don't want to lose myself."

Our breakup was dignified. I remember the last time I saw him. His mother came with a fleet of cars to take him away. I stood in the crowd. Surrounded by whispers of awe and hidden mockery aimed at me.