The Man She Threw Away

y. He looked across the large oak desk at his fath

e, stood up abruptly. "Liam, what are you saying? You c

o room for argument. The words felt foreign in his own

ogether. You love her," his mother pl

nuine concern in her eyes. He knew this decision seemed sudden, insane even, to them. They didn't know

art a new company from scratch with her. He had poured his savings, his time, and every ounce of his energy into O'Conn

collapse. A series of bad investments and a market downturn had left them bleeding money. His father hadn't told him until it was almost too late, his

her, more personal reason h

a guest lecturer at a university, and she was an art student in the audience. She had approached him afterward, her eyes bright with a

estament to his architectural talent and her artistic flair. He was hap

nce re-enter

sy smile that never quite reached his eyes. Liam had tried to be welcoming

rying to get back on his feet, Liam. And he's great with people. It' ll b

s a m

ce table. Noah' s hand on Chloe's arm, a little too familiar, a little too long. Liam would walk int

d to him once, a smirk playing on his lips, after Liam had quest

e, expecting her to def

she' d said instead, her brow furrowed in annoy

st her desk, and Chloe was laughing, her head thrown back. As Liam entered, Noah reached out and tu

Liam' s voice was low, tight wit

d. "Just helpin

ce flushed. "Liam, sto

's defensive one. "I want him out of this company. And ou

p. He never expected the silence that followed. She looked at h

rmth, "this is a professional environment. I think yo

The formal address was a blade th

ned look on his face. "Chloe, maybe he's rig

fluttering over him with concern. "Are you ok

as the villain. A bitter, self-mocking laugh escaped his

the o

office, out of the life he had built, and into the