Regret Came Too Late

Alice's smile faded. There was a time when her sweet words could convince Liam

to do anything. But now, he wasn't so easily swayed.

Grace couldn't hold back a laugh at their exchange from the doorway.

At the sound of her voice, Liam stirred as though ready to get up. But then, something seemed to click, and he settled back down, deliberately turning his

face away.

"What are you doing here? My leg's been broken for 18 hours. You could've waited until I was dead before showing up."

He scowled, too furious to look in her direction. Then, he noticed Grace's empty hands. Even strangers knew to bring flowers, but his own sister came with nothing like she couldn't even be bothered.

And that was when it hit him-how she had used him and tossed him aside. His anger flared even hotter.

"Grace, just leave. I don't want you here."

he really wanted something. She eased into the chair beside him, plucked a piece of fruit from the

almost immediately. She had the apple peeled in no time. Just as he reached for it, she took a bite from

gasket, his chest heaving with frustration. He would've stormed out on the spot

grinned, sliced off a piece, and held it to his mouth. "Alright, I'll quit messing with

quite bring himself to do it. She had him figured out, plain and simple. Still,

seconds of sulking, he caved and took the bite. "Meh.

banter unfolded like a private show, and Alice found it painfully irritating to watch. She knew Liam was spoiled

about someone, he wouldn't waste a word on them. The more he cared, the more he'd talk trash like some kid acting out just to get

unloaded all those ridiculous demands on. Alice's hand clenched at her

been ignoring her, and he scrambled to fix it. "Alice, Grace is here

step out for some air. Actually, there are a few things I need to go

turned his full attention back to Grace. "And you. Can you try not to stir up drama with the family today? I'm in rough shape here. You don't even know how terrified I was last

of what he had gone through as he had been simmering with helpless frustration. This was all Sloan's fault, but there wasn't a damn