RECLAIMING ME

Chapter 2

Amber POV

I had prepared myself for many battles: my mother-in-law’s constant insults, Liam’s cold distance, the ache of childlessness.

But nothing had prepared me for Agatha’s return.

I followed them into the house, watching as Liam guided her inside as though she belonged there. His hands never left her for long. The sight made my chest ache, but I refused to react.

‘She just needs help. She’ll leave when she gets it,’ I told myself.

“What do you want? Tea? Coffee? Or should I have them prepare a full meal?” Liam asked, leading her toward the living room.

“I’m not hungry,” she said softly.

“Look at you,” he replied, his voice gentle. “You haven’t been taking care of yourself. You need to eat.”

He wasn’t wrong.

Her hair was tangled. Dark marks bloomed on her skin—bruises that hadn’t healed yet. She looked nothing like the radiant girl in the framed photographs I had first seen when I moved into this house.

She looked like someone who had been broken.

“I’ll have the chef prepare something for you,” Liam said, already heading for the kitchen.

I lowered myself into the seat across from her. For a moment, our eyes met. She offered a small, strained smile. Instead of bitterness… I saw exhaustion.

“How are you?” she asked quietly.

“Fine,” I replied. “And you?”

My response felt foolish and ridiculous. I could obviously see that she wasn’t fine. Did I really have to ask that?

I didn’t blame myself for saying something ridiculous. How does one speak to the woman who had once owned their husband’s heart?

Liam returned with a glass of orange juice.

“Here,” he said gently, placing it in her hands. His fingers lingered longer than necessary. “I told the chef to prepare your favourite,”

“You didn’t have to…” she began.

“I will always go above and beyond for you.” He said leaning forward.

My heart sank at the words.

Agatha cleared her throat, as though suddenly remembering I was there. But Liam didn’t pull away; instead, his hand covered hers.

“Tell me about him,” he said. “The man you need help from.”

She swallowed, her hands trembling around the glass.

“His name is Ares. We’ve been together for two years. Recently… he became possessive. Violent. He would hit me. Slap me.” Her voice cracked. “This time was worse. He said he would kill me over a simple argument. I ran. I didn’t know where else to go. All I could think of was you, your influence and how you can help me get out of this mess.”

A dangerous softness filled Liam’s eyes.

“It’s a good thing you came to me, Agatha. I’ll make sure he’s found. Locked up. And until then…” he hesitated, then added, “you’re welcome to stay here.”

Her eyes widened. “No—I can’t. You’re married and—”

“My wife doesn’t mind,” he cut in, finally glancing at me. “Right, Amber?”

All eyes turned to me and despite the storm raging inside my chest…the word left my lips anyway:

“Yes.” I said slowly.