the following morning Maria left for work returning to her appartment to get changed, she was relieved to see that Mark had already left for work

Arriving at the salon Maria walked straight through to her office where Mark was waiting

Mark: So you never came in with Natalie then

Maria shuffled awkwardly

Maria: I went home to get changed........

Mark: Yeah, thats what she said...

Maria was relieved they had both given the same excuse

Maria: Look Mark, I think you should go.....I've got a job to do

Mark: I'm going away now for 4 days on business

Maria: well we'll talk when your back

Mark nodded looking disapointed

Mark: I'm not losing you Maria

Maria looked away and started to log into her computer

Maria: I'll speak to you later

Maria logged into her computer and an email immediately flashed up from Liam

Thanks for last night can't stop thinking about you, see you tomorrow

Liam xx

Maria smiled as she hit the reply button

How about tonight? Not sure I can wait until tomorrow.

Missing you

Maria xx

Liam smiled: Hey Tom..........she wants to see me again tonight

Tom: Just be careful mate, she's spoken for

Liam hit the reply button

8pm at mine - can't wait

Maria smiled standing up from her desk to go out to her first client, before she knew it the day was over and she was trying to find something to wear, she decided on a little black dress and some killer heels.

Liam: Wow, you look amazing...........too good to stay in, let me take you out

Maria: We'd get arrested if we did what I had in mind in public

Liam laughed as Maria pushed him towards the bedroom emerging later in Liam shirt as Liam followed her like a love sick puppy in his boxers

Liam: I never thought we'd be doing this again

Maria: Me neither, just wish we didn't have to sneak about

Liam nodded: only you can solve that problem

Maria nodded: I know, its just not as easy as that...........look I had better be off

Liam looked disapointed

Liam: your not staying

Maria: I need to get my bag packed and I need to sort a few things in the morning for our weekend away

Liam nodded: will make me want you all the more

Maria smiled as she walked back into the bedroom to dress

The next morning Liam was up early and mooching around the local supermarket loading the most expensive champagne into his basket ready to take on their weekend away

Maria arrived later that afternoon in her black shiney convertible it was a hot day and she had to roof down Liam was waiting for her to arrive

Liam: Check you out..........beats the banger I bought you when we were together

Maria: Oi, you I loved that car.....and anyway, check you out in your great big Range Rover

Liam smiled: Times have certainly changed since we spilt up.

Maria: your telling me.

Liam jumped into the passenger seat excitedly as he admired Marias car. Maria sighed and turned off the engine as her phone rang. It was Mark. Liam hit his head back against the headrest, Maria mouthed 'I'm sorry'.

Maria: Hiya!

Mark: Hey! Look, I'm getting off early, do you fancy meeting up in Birmingham?

Maria: I already said, I'm with the girls this weekend.

Mark: Just for an hour or two...?

Maria: No Mark, I need to concentrate at this conference...

Mark: All I want is a couple of hours of your time!!! and you're more interested in being with the girls! Are you going to be clubbing up there?

Maria: No! I'll be staying in! Look, I need to get going now, I'll see you on Monday.

Mark hung up before even saying Goodbye... Maria sighed as she threw her phone into her bag.

Liam: Everything ok?

Maria nodded as she pulled off.

Maria: I would break it off with him Liam, I just don't know how... he's volatile.

Liam: I can tell...

Meanwhile, Mark was heading towards Birmingham also... determined to impress Maria. Mark entered the hotel in Birmingham that Maria had booked and asked about the reservation for Maria Connor.

Mark: And I would like to change that booking to a double room...

Receptionist: But sir, she has already booked a double room.

Mark stared down at his phone, anger filling his body.

Ooooh er, were crossing over on the replies......shall we get to their weekend away?

Do you want to carry on?

 By the way, loving this new story!

Mark dialled to call Maria but it went straight to her voicemail. just then Maria's car pull up into the car park

Maria: Oh no, Marks car is over there

Liam: Ya what?

Maria: What is he doing here?

Liam looked annoyed: well thats our weekend over

Maria: No, I'm not letting him ruin our weekend away, come on lets go to another hotel.

Maria turned the car around quickly before Mark could notice her and drove to another hotel

Liam laughed: So what you gonna do when he phones and wonders where you are?

Maria: I'm turning my phone off

Liam smiled and stared ahead

Maria: I hate all of this sneaking around

Maria pulled up at the next hotel just outside of the city centre

Liam: What you gonna do about this conference

Maria smiled: as if I was going to the bloomin conference anyway

Liam smiled: I like your thinking

Mark sat in the car park waiting and waiting for her car to pull up. He walked back to the hotel

Mark: Has Ms Connor checked in yet

Receptionist: No, she cancelled her reservation earlier

Mark: Oh, did she now

Mark looked around feeling confused trying her mobile again Mark was frustrated when it went straight to voicemail......Driving back home he decided her would drop into the salon and see if anyone knew what she was playing at. Maria had already briefed Natalie on what she was doing.

Natalie: Alright Mark.......Maria's at her conference

Mark: Don't give me that.....

Natalie: She is, she's gone with Sarah and Vicky

Mark looked at Natalie: Somethings going on here

Natalie: Pardon..

Mark: never you mind (he shouted back before storming out of the salon)

Maria and Liam were enjoying the spa at the country retreat Maria had found in the countryside surrounding Birmingham

Liam: Ay, I could get used to this

Maria: Me too.

Liam looked at Maria as she relaxed in the bubbles of the jacuzzi

Liam: I love you

Maria quickly turned to look at Liam, she was shocked

Maria: Pardon

Liam: I love you.......I've never stopped

Maria smiled: Oh Liam, how am I gonna get out of this mess.

Liam: You have to want to first darlin

Maria nodded: I do, its just.........I dunno, he's not an easy person to deal with.

Liam: Well he won't be after this weekend

Later on in the hotel room Maria was looking through her diary when she realised she was late for her period, fear gripped Maria, she knew that if she was pregnant it wouldn't be Mark's they hadn't been near each other for months, especially since she had been seeing Liam behind his back. Maria decided it was probably just stress as to why she was late on her period and finished getting herself ready for the evening meal.

Liam: You seem a bit side tracked tonight, you ok

Maria looked anxiously at Liam

Maria: Yeah, its just all this stuff with Mark

Maria was lying secretly she was scared of being pregnant........scared she would lose Liam, it was all too soon.

The following day Liam and Maria were driving back from Birmingham

Liam: You ok babe, you seem quiet.

Maria: Yeah, just nervous of what I'm going back to.

Liam: Don't go back then.........finish it now

Maria: Its not as easy as that Liam

Maria continued to stare ahead her mind full of anxiety, they had only been back in touch for 6 weeks

Liam: Look babe, if he kicks off you can always come to mine

Maria nodded, Mark was the least of her worries.

Maria ignored the nagging doubt at the back of her mind and by Sunday, guilt about what she had done to Mark started to kick in. Liam placed his bags in the boot as Maria started her car.

Liam: You're quiet...

Maria: I'm sorry, I just don't want to face him... and the thought of work tomorrow...

Maria pulled a face and Liam smiled as they set off back for Manchester.

Liam: What are you going to say to him?

Maria shrugged her shoulders as she watched the road ahead.

Maria: I really don't know...

Liam: You could try the truth?!

Maria nodded nervously.

Liam: But are you going to?

Maria got off at the next exit on the motorway and pulled into a service station, she turned and looked to Liam.

Liam: What you stopped for?

Maria: Liam. I need to know that this is for real now?

Liam: Of cour-

Maria: No more silly games, or messing about, or Carla, or anything... I mean we're divorced for gods sake does this not seem a little bit ridiculous.

Liam gently stroked the side of Marias face.

Liam: This is the real thing... when I came to look for you, it was because I wanted you... and now I wnat every tiny inch of you to myself Maria. We're divorced yeah, because I'm the biggest idiot out but I have never ever felt this way about anyone before and If you break it off with Mark then I promise you the most amazing future...

Maria smiled at Liam and bit her lip.

Maria: I'm gonna tell him then, tell him the truth and end it with him.

Two hours later, Maria walked into her apartent, she had dropped Liam home and Liam had given her strict instructions to call him if she needed him. Mark was sat in silence with a whisky in his hand. He looked up at Maria who smiled sheepishly.

Maria: Hi...

Mark: Where the hell have you been?

Mark jumped up and grabbed Marias wrist. His breath wreaked of whisky.

Maria: Ow! Don't pull me!

Maria pulled out of his grip.

Maria: I was in Birmingham...

Mark: I went to the hotel... why the double room?

Mark downed another shot of whisky and slumped on the sofa.

Maria: I went with Liam...

Maria felt her heart racing but kept taking her mind back to Liam, it gave her courage. Maria thought about how much she'd changed, how she was strong now and how she knew that her and Liam could make a real go of things.

Mark: Your ex Liam?

Marks voice was oddly quiet.

Maria nodded.

Mark: Your ex Liam!!! The one who cheated on you! The one who you lost that damn baby with!

Maria: Don't you dare bring my baby into this!

Mark: Oh get a grip, you lost the baby! You never knew it!

Maria: You really are a horrible piece of work aren't you?

Mark: So have you been sleeping with him?

Maria didn't answer as Marks face turned red with anger.

Mark: It'll explain why you haven't been near me for weeks, you're just a tart!

Maria stared at the floor.

Mark: A nasty dirty little tart!

Maria screamed as Mark threw his whisky glass and it hit her hard on the jaw, causing her face to bleed. Maria held her face and sat on the floor. Mark came down into her face.

Mark: You're not going to be with him... I'm not going to let you...

Mark grabbed Marias wrist as she screamed... Maria tried to loosen his grip but couldnt she quickly grabbed her phone and dialled Liams number.

Liam: Hello?!

Liam listened as he heard Maria scream and Mark pull the phone off her.

Maria: Liam ple-

Liam grabbed his car keys an headed towards where Maria lived. Meanwhile, Mark was dragging Maria towards the bedroom.

By the time Liam reached Marias place, he didn't bother pressing the buzzer, instead he burst through the door, he heard Marias sobs and walked towards the bedroom. Liam listened behind the door.

Mark: Maria, you're my girlfriend.

Maria: I'm not...

Mark was forcing kisses on Maria as she desparately tried to get out of his grip. Mark began to pull Marias top over her head and she fought to keep it on.

Maria: Mark no!!! I don't want to...

Liam placed his hand on the door handle and burst in, he quickly pulled Mark off Maria and punched him, it was met with a swift punch back from Mark. 

Liam: I think you should go...

Mark: I should go? This is my place... get out! This is between me and her.

Mark pointed to Maria whose face was heavily bleeding.

Liam: (staying calm) Maria, go and get into my car.

Maria caught Liams car keys. Maria went to leave as Mark grabbed her again, pushing her onto the floor.

Maria: Nooo...

Liam tried to pull Mark off Maria as Maria sobbed.

Maria: You'll hurt the baby! Stop it!!! Stop it you're hurting me!

Marias sobs sounded around the room, Liams heart thumped, had he heard the word 'baby'?

Mark: Baby?

Maria got up as quickly as she could, nodding her head.

Mark: My baby?

Maria shook her head.

Mark: I might have known!!! Pregnant again, with his kid?!

Liam: Maria, Go to the car, now!

Mark punched Liam again and Maria screamed.

Liam: Maria, Just go!!!

Maria followed Liams orders and ran down to the car, Liam followed her soon after as they left Mark seething with anger. Marias hands shook, she didn't even know for sure that she was pregnant, why had she said anything? She'd undoubtedly lose Liam now too.

Liam sat in the car and started the engine... Maria and Liam sat in silence for the journey home. As Maria walked into Liams apartment, he quickly grabbed a towel and placed it over Marias cut face.

Liam: I think you'll need stitches.

Maria shook her head and applied pressure to her cut face.

Maria: I'm sorry he hit you.

Liam: I expected it somewhere along the line...

Maria whinced as her tears stung the cut on her face.

Liam had tried to avoid asking Maria about her being pregnant but couldn't any longer, he walked over to her and kneeled down in front of her. Maria gulped, she knew what was coming.

Liam: Are you really pregnant?

Maria stared at Liam.

Maria: I don't know for sure...

Liam looked at Maria and stayed silent.

Maria: I didn't want him near me... in case I was... you know?!

Maria shuffled awkwardly and Liam took the towel away from her face and held her hands.

Liam: Is it his?

Maria shook her head viciously.

Maria: I promise you, I haven't been near him for weeks... months even...

Liam nodded.

Maria: I'm late, I mean... I might not be... but the last time I was late... was with Paul.

Liam smiled gently and got up and hugged her. He could feel Maria shaking, her body tired and injured from how Mark had pulled her.

Liam: why don't you get a shower, then head to bed, it's getting late.

Maria shook her head.

Maria: I need to go back to mine, get some stuff, my cars there... everything

Liam: Its not wise to go back there tonight Maria...

Maria: But I need to be in work, first thing...

Liam: You own the place! I think it would be ok for you not to turn up, just this once... besides, you look like you've just been involved in a pub brawl.

Maria smirked as she walked towards Liams bathroom.

Liam: Oh... and Maria...

Maria turned to look at Liam.

Liam: Its ok you know...

Maria: What's ok?

Liam: It's ok if you are pregnant.

Maria nodded and carried on towards the bathroom. Liam sat ouside on the floor, his eyes both black from Mark. Maria meanwhile felt an incredible and ironic sense of disappointment as she realised she was on her period and couldn't be pregnant. Maria turned on the shower and began to cry.

Maria took a deep breath as she came out of the shower, she walked into Liams kitchen and smiled at him.

Liam: Feeling better?

Maria: Liam, I'm not pregnant.

Liam looked at Maria quickly as he made tea in the kitchen. Her eyes glistened as she braved a smile, feeling intense disappointment.

Maria: False alarm...

Maria faked another smile as a stray tear fell from her eye.

Liam: Oh...

Liam walked towards her.

Liam: That's ok isn't it?!...

Maria nodded. Liam too felt uneasy, disappointed.

Liam: It's probably for the best I mean, we're like.. just getting going again.

Maria smiled and nodded.

Maria: Yeah...

Liam: Err...Right... I'll pop to the supermarket, get you some essentials, you can't go back there tonight.

Maria nodded and watched Liam leave. Maria felt silly, she had been horrified at the idea of being pregnant at first and now she wished she was carrying Liams child. Maria knew she should probably concentrate on her relationship with Liam again and get to know him better before things went any further, she placed her head on a cushion and waited for Liams return.

Liam returned loaded with bags

Maria: What have you bought

Liam: Just a few things for you to keep here

Maria smiled

Liam: You know if you had of been pregnant, it wouldn't have mattered......in fact it would have been the best news you could have given me.

Maria: we've only been back in touch a few weeks

Liam: Yeah but its hardly a normal relationship is it I mean, we've been married and divorced.

Maria smiled

Maria: those few months....y'know losing Paul and then you were was the worst time of my life......... I used to drive past Carlas apartment on the way into town after we divorced and sometimes I'd see you both...............it was horrible. I used to pray I wouldn't see her pregnant or wearing a wedding ring

Liam looked away regretfully

Liam: I was an idiot to let you go

Maria: am I an idiot to take you back

Liam sat down next to Maria stroking her face his voice sounded desperate as he worried that she was slipping through his fingers

Liam: Maria, I love you....I always have, I'm the only idiot to have messed you around and I ended up losing out on 3 years together.......our lives could have been so different, this is our opportunity to make things right

Maria smiled as Liam held her hands in his

Maria: Lets take things slowly....you know, maybe we could have a few dates

Liam: move in here

Maria: thats not taking things slowly, I could rent a place of my own

Liam looked disapointed, he wanted Maria back in his life full time, he was ready to throw himself into their relationship 100% Liam started sorting through the bags

Liam: here, I've got you a dressing gown and a nighty

Maria: Thank you

Maria looked at Liam, she felt safe, something she had never felt with Mark

Maria; Look, I'm gonna have to go and see Mark tomorrow

Liam: I'll take you......

Maria: Liam, I'm leaving the bloke for you......I don't think he'll want you there rubbing his face in it

Liam: well I'll stay in the car then......I'm not having you go on your own, look at the state of you.

Maria: Is this definately what you want

Liam: 100% darling, I want you and you only.....

The next morning Maria had been to the apartment but Mark wasn't there, Liam had dropped her off at the salon before driving to his office

Tom: I take it he found out looking at the state of you

Liam half smiled

Liam: Maria told him and he turned on her, she rang me, I went round and ended up like this

Tom laughed

Tom: True love never did run smooth

Liam: your telling me

Tom: So, are you together

Liam: Sort of......we both need to talk things through.....I wanna be with her, I wanna marry the girl

Tom: again.......can you do that

Liam: yeah....but this time I'd want to give her the day she deserves......bigger and better with all of our friends and family......no Carla turning it into a pantomime.........I want to do it properly, not because Maria's pregnant.....because I love her....because we love each other

Tom: Slow down lover boy

Liam: No mate......this is it, this is the real deal....were meant to be together.

Liam swung round in his chair and started working on his computer when his phone rang

Liam: Hiya babe

Maria: Marks phoned her wants to see me.....

Liam: when?

Maria: tonight

Liam: I'll be there

Maria: No Liam.......I need to do this on my own

Liam: will you be coming round mine later

Maria: you try stopping me

Liam: ay listen, what would be the chances of you getting a few days off work next week

Maria: Erm, yeah, Natalies in, why?

Liam: Oh, I'm just trying to sort a few days away.........just me and you

Maria: Oh yeah

Maria smiled before saying goodbye

Liam: Maria..............I love you

Maria paused not wanting to leave herself open to be hurt again but then decided to go with her heart and not her head

Maria: You too

Maria was smiling as she placed the phone down

Natalie: what are you looking so happy about

Maria: I dunno but I think my life is finally goin in the direction it was meant to go in

Natalie: Oh yeah, would this be with the Lovely Liam or Moody Mark

Maria laughed

Maria: who do you think

The next morning, Maria nervously entered her apartment whilst Liam waited in the car. She looked around at the state of the place, glass everywhere.

Maria: Mark?

There was no answer. Maria walked towards her bedroom and began throwing clothes and make up into a bag. As she walked out of the bedroom, Liam was stood in the apartment, making Maria jump. Maria put on some clean clothes as Liam looked around.

Maria: I don't know where he's gone...

Liam: There's a note here for you...

Maria quickly opened the envelope.

Liam looked at photos of Maria with her girl friends, he could see she'd had a lot of fun over the past three years. Liam looked at Maria whose eyes were glued to the note.

Maria: He's gone...

Liam: What?

Maria handed Liam the note. Mark had said he had left and wanted Maria to buy his half of the flat off him. He ended the note by saying 'I'm sorry it ended this way'. Liam looked up at Maria who looked around.

Liam: Can you afford to buy his half of this place though?

Maria: Yeah... I can...

Liam nodded, he seemed impressed.

Maria: So, this place is just mine...

Liam smiled, feeling disappointed again, he'd wanted Maria to stay with him for a while, maybe even move in with him.

Liam: I'll change the locks for you.

Maria smiled.

Liam: Don't want him coming in in the middle of the night do we?

Maria: Stay here with me tonight?

Liam: Of course I will... look I'll pop to the DIY store, sort out new locks.. and i'll just go and get my laptop from my office so I can do a bit of work here tonight...

Maria smiled as Liam ran down the stairs and into his car. She called Natalie and toldher everything.

Natalie: Don't you need stitches?! I can't believe Mark hurt you!

Maria: No no, I'll be fine... is everything ok at the salon?

Natalie: This is your first day off in three years! Stop panicking will you!

Maria smiled and said goodbye as she cleaned up the apartment, changed her bed and removed pictures of her and Mark.

The next morning Liam was up early

Liam: You sure your ok for a few days off next week

Maria: Yeah, why what are you planning?

Liam: A suprise.......ask no more questions

Maria looked suspiciously at Liam

Maria; alright, look I'm off to the salon.....will I see you tonight

Liam nodded awkwardly.....

Liam: fancy staying at mine, I felt a bit weird, y'know staying in another blokes bed

Maria: alright....I'll be round yours around 7

Liam smiled watching Maria leave the apartment he left soon after and arrived at the Rovers to see Michelle

Liam: alright sis

Michelle: Hiya Liam, you alright

Liam: I am better than alright sis

Michelle: Oh yeah what or should I say who has put a smile on your face

Liam: Maria

Michelle: Maria?!

Liam: I'm gonna propose

Michelle: hang on a second, it didn't work first time round, what makes you think it will work this time?

Liam: I just do alright.....will you come with me.......help me choose a ring

Michelle: your seroius aren't ya?

Liam: deadly........now are you gonna come or not?

Two hours later, Liam and Michelle had chosen a ring.

Michelle: Liam, she might say no.. she's going to be cautious... understandably.

Liam: I know that... but I want her to know how serious I am!

Michelle smiled at her brother.

Liam: Come on, I'll take you to see her.

Michelle: What?

Liam: I can tell you're really dubious about her, and I don't know why... I was the one who cheated on her...

Michelle: It's not that Liam... It's just...

Liam: Just what...?!

Liam drove towards Marias salon and waited for Michelles reply.

Michelle: You're doing well for yourself, really well... I mean... you own a successful business and a home... what if she just fancies the idea of that.

Liam shook his head firmly.

Liam: Marias doing better than I am...

Michelle: What?

Liam pulled up outside the salon.

Michelle: This place... Maria owns this place?!

Liam nodded proudly.

Liam: So if you think she's after my money, you're mistaken...

Michelle: Ok but I know you can't afford another divorce... I'm just looking out for you Liam.

Liam got out of the car and walked towards the salon.

Liam: There's not going to be a divorce.

Michelle smiled and followed Liam into the salon. Maria was standing on ladders at the back sorting through stock with one of the juniors, her facial cuts healing.

Natalie: Loverboys here.

Maria smiled and turned around, she felt nervous as she saw Michelle standing next to Liam. Maria tried to present herself as the newly confident person she had slowly been becoming.

Maria: Hello stranger!

Michelle smiled and immediately her worries about Maria were eased.

Michelle: Hello you!

Maria smiled at Liam and lead them to her office.

Michelle: Well, haven't you done well for yourself!

Maria laughed and got Michelle a coffee. Liam watched as Maria leaned on her desk and smiled at them both.

Maria: Hows Ryan?! How old is he now?

Michelle: Eighteen! Almost nineteen!

Maria gasped.

Maria: What's he doing with himself?

Michelle: He's at Manchester Uni... having a wicked time!

Liam: Different girl every week.

Maria laughed.

Michelle turned to Liam.

Michelle: You were right! She is amazing!

Maria laughed as she was embarrassed and Liam smirked at her, hoping against hope that she would say yes to his proposal this coming weekend.