Liam’s POV
The house was quiet when I got home.
I stepped inside, loosening my tie as I shut the door behind me. The lights in the living room were dim, and the air felt heavy, like everyone had already gone to bed. My eyes moved around automatically, searching for Nicole without even thinking about it.
I climbed the stairs slowly, my footsteps sounding louder as they touched the floor.
When I reached Nicole’s door, I hesitated.
I turned the handle gently and pushed the door open just enough to peek inside.
She was asleep.
Nicole lay on the bed, still in the dress she had worn out. One shoe was on the floor, the other barely hanging off her foot. Her hair was messy, spread across the pillow, and her face looked tired but peaceful.
Then I noticed it. Then there was the smell of alco
