His Private Chef (by Amycee) novel Chapter 109

Chapter 109

I stayed quiet.

“So Grandpa added a condition,” Sophia continued, choosing her words carefully. “Liam has to get married and have his own biological child within two years of marriage. If he doesn’t, the inheritance goes to a foundation instead.”

I swallowed. “And… he’s giving that up?”

She nodded, eyes soft. “He said if marrying you comes with the pressure to have a child, he won’t do it. He doesn’t want to put that on you. He said love is supposed to feel like freedom, not a deadline.”

I stared at the wall, heart thudding.

“Emily,” she said gently, “you don’t need to feel guilty. Liam’s a grown man. He knows what he’s doing.”

I nodded, even though nothing felt sure anymore.

That night, I curled into him on the couch, letting the sound of some movie we weren’t watching play in the background.

He stroked my hair, his fingers soft and easy. Like he didn’t notice the storm behind my stillness.

But he did.

“You’re quiet,” he murmured.

I hesitated, then asked, “Were you close with your grandfather?”

His hand paused. Then resumed. “Yeah. Very.”

“Tell me about him?”

“He was brilliant. Sharp. Knew how to read people like books. He taught me everything, how to negotiate, how to hold a room, how to think three steps ahead.”

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Chapter 109

I turned to look at him. “Was it hard when he passed?”

Liam’s jaw flexed. “Hardest thing I’ve ever survived.

Silence.

“Then why…” I swallowed. “Why are you giving up the inheritance he left you?”

He froze.

Slowly, he sat back. “What?”

“You heard me.”

His voice dropped. “Who told

you

that?”

“Does it matter?”

“Yes. It does.”

I sat up too. “Why didn’t

you tell me?”

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“Because it’s not your burden.”

I blinked. “Not my burden? Liam, I am the reason you’re giving it up.”

“I didn’t want you to feel guilty.”

“Well, guess what? I do.”

He sighed. “Emily…”

“How many things are you going to sacrifice for me without telling me?” My voice cracked. “Do you think I want to be the reason you lose something you’ve earned?”

“I don’t care about the money…”

“It’s not just about money! It’s about your grandfather. Your legacy.”

He looked pained. “I’m not losing anything if I have you.”

My throat tightened. “That’s sweet. But it’s also terrifying. Because now I’m afraid of every step we take next.

“I just didn’t want you to feel pressured. That’s all.

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Chapter 109

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“But I am pressured. Liam. And confused. And honestly…” I took a breath. “I need a few days to think.”

His expression faltered. “Emily. Don’t do this again.”

“I’m not breaking up with you.”

“Then why do you look exactly the way you did when you ended things with me in the hospital?”

I didn’t answer.

Because I didn’t have one.

Not yet.

Liam didn’t understand what I meant when I said I needed space.

Because he spent the entire day calling. Texting. Leaving voice notes that tried to sound calm, but weren’t.

He was falling apart in his own way. And if I was honest, so was I.

Don’t overthink this, Emily.

We’re okay. You and me, we’re solid.

Please don’t shut me out.

I read every message. Every word.

I didn’t respond. Not because I didn’t want to. But because I didn’t know how.

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