Chapter 647

Vivian Bennett was stunned by his slap.

The things in her hands slipped to the floor, shattering with a crisp sound.

The room fell deathly silent.

She turned her head slowly, looking at him with disbelief.

Liam Sullivan had acted in a moment of heated anger. Now, seeing her dazed gaze fixed on him, he realized the enormity of what he had done.

He had actually hit her.

But looking at the scattered fragments of toys on the floor, the words "I'm sorry" stuck in his throat, impossible to utter.

A sharp pain pierced Vivian's heart.

She trembled as she raised a hand to cover her burning right cheek.

A torrent of grievances and agony choked her chest, rendering her speechless, but her tears flowed even more fiercely.

She said nothing, her body trembling slightly, her heart feeling as if gripped by an invisible, tightening fist.

She stood there, tears streaming silently for a while, watching his expression that held no trace of remorse.

Suddenly, she felt like a complete joke.

Yes, the child was gone. What was she still going crazy about?

No matter how much she suffered, in his eyes, it was just unreasonable hysteria, like a shrew.

She really had lost her mind.

Anything involving the child made her lose control, consumed by pain.

But the pain was hers alone.

No one else was obligated to sympathize with her, let alone endure her outbursts.

"I'm... sorry."

She rasped out the three words, staggered as she turned, and fled from the wreckage.

By dawn, Liam came down from the bedroom.

Rose Smith had already prepared breakfast, but only for one.

Liam looked at the exquisite spread on the table, that familiar sense of emptiness washing over him again.

No matter how lavish, it was just for him alone.

He frowned and waved a hand. "Take it away."

Rose was puzzled. "Young Master, these are all your usual favorites. Would you like something different today? I can have the kitchen prepare something else."

Her concerned tone made Liam falter for a moment.

"No need," he shook his head, gesturing toward the dining table. "Why is there only one setting? I've said before, no matter what, you must always prepare for two."

Even if she didn't eat, this ritual could not be omitted.

He hated the feeling of eating alone, as if abandoned by the whole world.

"But Madam left early this morning," Rose explained. "I saw her go out, so I didn't prepare hers."

Liam's expression changed abruptly.

"She left?" His voice dropped sharply. "Did she take anything with her?"

Uncontrollable panic flashed across his handsome face, thick fear rising in his eyes.

Had she left?

Because of that slap last night, was she so angry she ran away from home?

But he hadn't meant to... He just...

Remembering how she had covered her face in shock, she probably never imagined he would raise a hand against her.

Truthfully, he hadn't expected it either.

She must hate him utterly.

Their relationship was already strained to the breaking point. Now, this was like adding frost to snow.

It was all his fault.

Why couldn't he control himself?

Liam stared painfully at his own palm, wishing he could cut it off to undo last night.

Vivian, don't be angry... He truly knew he was wrong.

Her breakdown, smashing things like that, must have had a reason.

Why hadn't he asked? Why hadn't he tried to understand her pain?

He was only focused on his own hurt, never truly stepping into her heart.

"Young Master? Young Master?"

Seeing his pale, distracted expression, Rose called his name several times.

Liam snapped back to reality, looking at her blankly.

Rose sighed, understanding dawning. "You're worried Madam has run away from home?"

Liam pressed his lips together, not speaking, his eyes filled with gloom.

Having served him for so many years, Rose could always see through his worries at a glance.

Rose offered a gentle smile, trying to comfort him. "Don't worry. Although Madam left in a hurry, she didn't take anything with her. She just drove a car out. It doesn't look like she's running away... Probably just in a bad mood and wanted to go out to clear her head."

Only then did the tension in Liam's nerves ease slightly.

Looking at Rose's kind smile, he suddenly felt utterly wretched.

Clearing his throat softly, he glanced at the dining table. "Leave the breakfast. Remember, from now on, it must always be for two."