Chapter 9
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were participating in some kind of role-playing game,” said the preschool teacher.
mom, they’re
She continued, “Ivy withdrew from the school a long time ago. According to her mom, planning to move to another country. They probably left the country about a week ago.”
Liam instantly froze.
“What?” he asked in disbelief. “They’re moving to another country?”
He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He lost his balance for a split second before he stammered, “H-How is this possible?”
For years, I’d stayed at our marital home and patiently waited for him to return. When he went abroad for three whole years, he told me not to follow him. I obeyed his instructions and built a life for Ivy and myself back in our home country.
On multiple occasions, Liam couldn’t bring himself to think about how I managed to raise Ivy all by myself.
However, despite how he felt, he still blamed me for what happened on the night we slept together.
In his opinion, the punishment he’d given me was not enough. Hence, he’d constantly try to come up with different ways to punish me further. He needed me to prove that I’d actually
loved him.
Liam didn’t understand why, but he was beginning to regret everything he’d done in the past.
Afterward, he utilized every connection he had and started looking for me and Ivy like a
madman.
“I need to find them no matter what!”
For the last couple of days, he refused to leave the house.
After he returned to the country, I’d always made sure that every single one of his suits was neatly ironed. I also kept the floors of our house spotless.
Ivy’s and my laughter used to echo through the entire house. But now, the building seemed empty and lifeless.
Liam felt more regretful and alone with each passing day. He wanted to see us again more than anything else.
Throughout that time, Amy and Jenna stopped by to visit him on several occasions.
“My birthday is tomorrow, Daddy. Can you go to the amusement park with me?” Jenna asked as she tugged on his arm in a spoiled manner.
Liam couldn’t understand why he ever thought Jenna was cute. Now, he just found her extremely annoying.
He was reminded of Ivy once again.
What was Ivy doing when he was showering Jenna with love?
Ivy didn’t have a father who spoiled her with love and affection. He couldn’t help but recall how upset she looked when she cried.
“I’m such a jerk!” he yelled as he pounded his fists against his head.
He felt extremely guilty for what he’d done.
“I can’t just sit here and do nothing. I broke Yvonne and Ivy’s heart-I need to find them!” he
declared.
Sobbing, Amy tried to stop him.
“Since Yvonne has decided to leave you, she probably doesn’t want you to look for her. Please just let her go,” she cried.
She continued, “Since you’ve been spending all your time with me and Jenna for the last few years, she’s probably given up on your marriage by now.
“Why don’t we start over, Liam? Even after all the years we spent apart, I still love you. Together, we can give Jenna a family.”
Usually, Amy’s crying made his heart ache.
This time, however, he yanked his hand away from her and barked, “If you want a family, go back to your ex-husband! I have a wife and a daughter, Amy. I think we shouldn’t keep in touch anymore.”
Liam started looking for me himself. He utilized live broadcasts and posted missing persons posters all over the internet. He even contacted various media outlets and news reporters in hopes that they’d be able to provide him with useful information.
To his dismay, he was told that neither Yvonne Smith nor Ivy Jenkins existed anywhere in the
country.
He buried his face in his hands and wallowed in regret. Then, as if he’d recalled something important, he abruptly lifted his head.
“I’ve got it,” he declared. “I know where Yvonne and Ivy are.”
I didn’t think I’d see Liam again.
