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."

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

in no time. Just as he reached

He would've stormed out on

piece, and held it to his mouth. "Alright, I'll quit messing with you.

Liam's throat. He wanted to snap at her but couldn't quite bring himself to do it. She had

a few seconds of sulking, he caved

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

care about someone, he wouldn't waste a word on them. The more he cared, the more he'd talk trash like some

one he ever unloaded all those ridiculous demands on. Alice's hand clenched at her side, the color

scrambled to fix it. "Alice, Grace is here too. Can we just call a truce today? For

for some air. Actually, there are a

the family today? I'm in rough shape here. You don't even know how

had gone through as he had been simmering with helpless frustration. This