"I have something to confess to you, Hope," Liam whispered, his voice barely audible as she gently placed their daughter Beth into the cozy crib, the soft lullabies from the mobile above providing a comforting backdrop.

Hope turned to him, her heart filled with maternal bliss and growing concern. "What is it?" she asked, sensing the weight in his tone.

Liam gestured toward the staircase, his expression serious. "We should talk downstairs."

An uneasy feeling settled in Hope's stomach as she followed him out of the nursery. Now that Beth was back in their lives, the idea of anything shattering their happiness felt unbearable.

"What is it?" Hope inquired again, her voice edged with nervous anticipation as they descended the stairs.

Liam took a deep breath, his demeanor more serious than she had ever seen.

"I need to tell you something," he replied, his eyes downcast and regretful.

"Just tell me," she urged, urgency tinging her words.

"Sit down," he suggested, but she shook her head firmly.

"I'd rather stand. Just tell me, Liam."

He ran his fingers through his hair, a gesture of frustration. "When you were married to Thomas before I knew about Beth… I went on a work trip for Spencer. Something happened—I slept with another woman."

Hope's heart raced. "Was it with Steffy?" The question hung heavy in the air, a pulse of anxiety coursing through her.

"No, for once, it wasn't Steffy," he replied, his voice a mixture of relief and sorrow.

A strange sense of weight lifted from her chest. As long as it wasn't Steffy, she thought, maybe she could find a way to move past this.

"Where did it happen?" she pressed, her heart still pounding with uncertainty.

"In some hick town called Falls Church. I swear I'll never go there again!" he exclaimed, his grip tightening around her hand. "She didn't mean anything—she just reminded me of you."

Hope sighed deeply and shook her head, trying to process his confession. Just then, Liam's phone vibrated insistently on his hip. "Dad, could you call back later?" he answered, looking irritated.

"Just go," she said softly, trying to mask her turmoil. "It'll give me a chance to bond with Beth."

She watched as he reluctantly stepped away, feeling a mix of emotions swirl within her as she returned to their daughter.