"Liam," I said suddenly, my tone softening just a bit, "didn't you promise to be with me forever? But if I die early, who's gonna be there for you?"
His eyes brightened instantly. He'd been chasing after me for a while now, but I hadn't let him get close. He was desperate, and he fell right into my trap.
"Grace, didn't you say you had some savings for a down payment on a house? Why don't you give that money to Bella?" Liam suggested, his voice oozing with fake concern.
Grace shot him a fierce look but then bit her lip and nodded. "If it's for Bella's health, I guess buying a house can wait."
These two were expert liars—one playing broke and helpless, the other pretending to be sweet and selfless.
Grace quickly transferred the money, and I got up, ready to head back to my room. But Liam grabbed my arm. "Bella, does this mean you'll be my girlfriend?"
To get what I wanted, I'd have to play along. For now, keeping him close was all part of the plan.
But just because I was plotting my revenge didn't mean I had to agree to be Liam's girlfriend. I patted his head and said, "Liam, once I help you clear your debts, we can talk about being together. I don't want our relationship to be tied to money, you get that?"
At that moment, Liam's eyes actually showed real emotion. It wasn't just a performance; he was genuinely touched. But paying off his debts wasn't the end of it. He'd played with my emotions, and he needed to make up for that.
Liam nodded. "I get it."
I turned to Grace. "Grace, I've been really tired lately. I want to sleep alone, so Liam can use the guest room, and you can take his room."
Without waiting for their response, I headed straight to my bedroom. The wrinkles in the bed told a story—clearly, two people had been using it. I could even guess their positions from those creases.
I changed the sheets, took a shower, and then lay down on the bed, turning on the home security camera I'd kept off for a while. It had been installed before Grace moved in, originally to keep an eye out for burglars.
After a good night's sleep, I got up early. Liam had made breakfast as usual. I ate a little and casually asked, "By the way, Liam, didn't you have plans to meet up with your friends today?"