Chapter 26: Seeing through his facade.

The following afternoon, Liam parked outside his mother’s house, the grand facade as familiar as his childhood memories. He took a deep breath, glancing in the rearview mirror as if to steady himself. Visiting his mother often left him feeling exposed—she could see through every façade he put up, every wall he tried to build. But he was here for his grandmother, who had been unwell lately, and he needed to make sure she was alright.

Entering the house, he was greeted by the scent of fresh flowers and the quiet hum of the housekeepers bustling around. His mother, elegant and composed as always,...