Chapter 16

Liam ignored the doctor's orders and went straight home. The sight of the empty apartment, which used to feel cozy and inviting, sent panic rushing through him. All traces of Stephanie were gone from the living room, bedroom, and study. She was completely out of his life. Liam felt helpless, like a boat drifting aimlessly in the dark. He asked his friends to contact Stephanie, but he found out she'd cut ties with everyone connected to him. Her resolve to cut him out for good threw him off balance. He lost it and roamed around Javerton, ignoring his hand, which hadn't fully healed. He checked the parks they used to visit, the charming alleys she adored, and the yoga studio she always went to, but she was nowhere to be found. He didn't get a minute of rest for a whole day and night. When morning came, Liam headed to Stephanie's old workplace, clinging to the hope he had. He eventually found out where she was from one of her old colleagues. "I think Steph's back in her hometown." H