Chapter 244

NATALIE’S POV The last few days passed in a blur. I hadn’t spoken to Alistair since that night. Every time I saw him in passing, my chest tightened. I was filled with anger and confusion. But after my long talk with Liam, after finally letting myself break open and show him all the scars I carried inside, I felt lighter. Not whole, not healed… but better. For the first time, I wasn’t carrying it all alone. Liam kept a careful eye on me, never pushing too hard, but gently encouraging me to take steps toward healing. One evening, as he held me close, he whispered, “Nat… I think it would help if you talked to someone. A therapist.” I stiffened instantly. “A therapist? You mean… telling a stranger everything?” His thumb stroked my cheek calmly. “Not everything at once. Just… someone who can help you work through the pain. You’ve been through hell, love. You deserve the chance to heal properly. And if you’re not ready, that’s okay. But maybe—try it for me?” I looked into his eyes. Those ste