Chapter 70
Who’s real? Who’s not? Emilia Janice Carter, the poor bakery owner, or Emily Margaux Vanderbilt, the estranged daughter of billionaire couple Genevieve and Andrew Vanderbilt?
The headline loops in my mind, over and over, like a bad dream I can’t wake
My stomach twists violently, and I hunch over the toilet, retching.
up from.
Liam is right beside me, one hand rubbing slow, soothing circles on my back, the other holding my hair away from my face. His touch is steady and reassuring, but I can hear the worry in his voice.
“Breathe, love. Just breathe.”
I squeeze my eyes shut. I can’t breathe.
Because it’s out now.
The truth.
The secret I’ve spent years protecting.
Exposed for the whole world to see.
Liam helps me up and I stand in front of the mirror, leaning onto the sink for support. I open the tap, rinse my mouth and face. My movements are automated and I can vaguely feel Liam let go of me.
Then I hear the sound of the toilet flush.
My chest tightens.
The air feels too thick, too heavy, like I’m drowning in it instead of breathing it in.
I clutch the edge of the sink, but my hands are shaking so badly I can’t hold on. My vision tunnels, black spots creeping at the edges. The headline those awful, damning words – keeps flashing in my mind, looping, taunting.
–
I can’t breathe.
I can’t-
A sob rips from my throat, the sound is raw and broken and takes me off guard.
Liam’s hands are on me in an instant, warm and steady. One presses against my back, the other cups my cheek, tilting my face toward him.
“Em,” his voice is soft, but firm. “Look at me.”
I try. God, I try. But my body won’t listen. My breaths come in quick, shallow gasps, my chest rising and falling too fast, too hard.
“Breathe with me,” Liam says, his forehead pressing gently against mine. His breath is slow, steady. “In for four. Out for four. Just follow me, love.”
I shake my head. 1–I can’t-
“Yes, you can,” he murmurs. “You’re not alone. I’ve got you?
His thumb strokes my cheek, grounding me. His other hand slides down my arm, finding my fingers and set
tight.
I cling to him like he’s the only solid thing in the world.
And maybe he is.
Slowly, painfully, I match my breathing to his. In for four. Out for four. Over and over until my heart jen’t trying to break free from my ribs, until my lungs don’t feel like they’re collapsing.
Until I can finally meet his eyes.
He gives me a small, reassuring smile. “There you are.”
I swallow hard, my throat burning. “I—*
“You don’t have to say anything.” His fingers brush against my jaw, light and comforting. I’m right here, Em. No one’s going to touch you. No one’s going to hurt you.”
But the damage is already done.
And I have no idea how to fix it.
We stand there in silence, the only sound between us the soft rhythm of our breathing. Liam doesn’t rush me. He just stays steady, patient – like he’s anchoring me in place.
–
After a while, his voice breaks the quiet. “Is your stomach still upset?”
I shake my head.
“Do you feel like throwing up?”
I hesitate before shaking my head again, embarrassment heating my cheeks.
Liam studies me, his gaze gentle but unreadable. Then, as if making up his mind, he exhales. “Alright. Go sit down for a bit. I need to step out, but I’ll be back soon.”
His voice is so soft, so careful, that something in my chest tightens.
