Chapter 16

Liana’s POV

I didn’t know when the tears started. But once they did, they wouldn’t stop. It was as if my body had given up trying to hold it all in.

Killian was breathing heavily. He wasn’t speaking. Just standing there with that strange look in his eyes. Some mix of anger, regret, guilt. But I didn’t care anymore.

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration pouring out of him. “Liana…” he whispered, stepping closer. “I’m sorry.”

I didn’t look at him. I couldn’t. I was trembling. My legs were shaking, and my arms wrapped around my body as if that could keep me together.

“I didn’t mean to— I didn’t mean to go that far,” he said, his voice cracking. “I lost control. I didn’t want to hurt you.”

I cried harder. My throat was tight. Everything inside me was screaming.

He reached for his hanger and pulled out one of his shirts. Quietly, he walked over and held it out to me. My eyes dropped to the shirt, then to the shredded pieces of fabric