Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy handed him 'ultimatum' days before his death

Liam Payne's girlfriend reportedly gave him an ultimatum to choose between her and drugs before his tragic death. The couple had been vacationing in Argentina prior to Liam's fatal fall last month, as he was in the process of renewing his US visa to live with the ex-waitress.

Due to his history with substance abuse and rehab, Payne faced medical checks and drug tests before being cleared for a new visa. On October 16, at the age of 31, Liam met his untimely end after falling from the balcony of his hotel room on the third floor in Buenos Aires, suffering multiple injuries that led to "internal and external haemorrhage".

Kate has reportedly spoken out about their relationship, revealing she forced Liam to make a choice. Despite passing his drug tests and nearing visa approval, it is believed Liam relapsed into drug use and alcohol consumption.

A source told the New York Post: "His drug use was causing a lot of drama. So she gave him an ultimatum: her or the drugs. He chose the drugs, so she had no choice but to remove herself from the situation. She thought she was doing tough love."

Initially planning a five-day stay in Argentina, the trip extended to two weeks, which Kate reportedly contested, reports the Mirror.

She expressed her discomfort on social media, stating that she "hated" being stationary for too long and felt the need to return to their home in Florida. A source elaborated, saying Kate had described her extended holiday as feeling like a "hostage situation" to friends.

"It was becoming very unhealthy for everyone. She hoped he would follow her back to Miami," the source added. Just two days after the tragic passing of Liam, Kate posted a heartfelt tribute on social media.

The influencer opened up about her profound love for her late boyfriend and her current state of bewilderment. On Instagram, she shared: "Thank you for all of the kind words and love that has been sent my way. I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days have felt real. I ask and pray that you'll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private. Liam, my angel. You are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam."

A week after Liam's tragic passing, Kate released a statement revealing that he had plans to propose to her before the end of 2024. She said: "I don't even know where to begin. My heart is shattered in ways I can't put into words. I wish you could see the huge impact you've had on the world, even as it feels so dark right now. You brought so much happiness and positivity to everyone-millions of fans, your family, friends, and especially me. You are so incredibly loved."

"You are because I can't say were-my best friend, the love of my life, and everyone you touched felt just as special as I did. Your energy was contagious, lighting up every room you walked into. None of this feels real, and I can't wrap my head around this new reality of not having you here. I'm struggling to figure out how to live in a world without you by my side. Together, we got to be kids again, always finding joy in the smallest things."

"Liam, you had the kindest soul and the most fun-loving spirit. It feels like I've lost the best part of myself. I can't imagine a day without your laughter and love. You brought so much light into my life."

She went on to say: "A few weeks ago, we sat outside on a beautiful evening manifesting our lives together. I keep your note close, even though you told me not to look at it. It said, "Me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged and together forever 444. " Liam, I know we'll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned. You'll always be with me. I've gained a guardian angel."

Wrapping up her heart-wrenching post, Katie penned: "I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me everywhere I go. Forever yours, Katelyn 444."

The angel number, 444, signifies a message of love, support and guidance from your angels.

Liam and Kate's love story began like a scene from a romantic comedy when the then-ordinary waitress served the superstar at a bar in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2022. For Liam, the attraction was instant, and he immediately asked for her number.

However, their relationship almost didn't get off the ground. Kate gave Liam her phone number but forgot to add +1 to her area code, as she had an American number.

Following the controversy surrounding Kate, an Argentinian waiter alleged to have formed a friendship with Liam has come forward to share their story. The 24-year-old Braian Nahuel Paiz spoke out against accusations, denying any wrongdoing in his involvement with the singer, particularly in the days leading up to Liam's heartbreaking passing.

Accused of being the "dealer" who supplied Liam with drugs, Braian fervently denies all claims. He asserts he met with Liam twice at hotels but never provided him with drugs nor took money from the singer – noting Liam was accustomed to giving out cash.

According to Braian, their first encounter was on October 2 at a different hotel prior to Liam relocating to the upscale CasaSur Palermo. On another occasion, they reportedly spent the night together at the CasaSur Palermo on October 13.

During a conversation with journalist Guillermo Panizza on Argentinian television over the weekend, Braian declared: "I never supplied Liam with drugs. Liam's first contact with me was at my place of work. We swapped details and saw each other later that night. It was all normal. He came down from his hotel room to fetch me because I had got lost."

Identifying the hotel as the "Hyatt in Palermo", he continued: "We met there and he showed me some of the music he was planning to release. I've heard rumours that he was taking drugs but the reality is, by the time he arrived at the restaurant where I worked, he was already under the influence and didn't eat anything. There was a moment when he asked for my contact details. I gave him my Instagram and later he messaged me wanting to take drugs, despite having already taken narcotics. It was October 2. We had a few whisky shots in his room."

He went on to say: "Our second hotel meeting was on the night of Sunday October 13. We spent the night together, something intimate happened and we took drugs. I stayed all night. I smoked marijuana and he used cocaine, the same cocaine seen in all the photos that surfaced after his death. He was separating it and cleaning it before smoking it. I didn't confront him about it because he seemed normal to me."

Liam Payne has been described as "really sweet" by Braian, who said Liam made sure to check if he was "ok". According to Braian, the messages from Payne still remain on his phone as he hasn't deleted any.

It was also revealed that Liam offered Braian a T-shirt and grey jogging bottoms as keepsakes of their time together, but Braian chose not to take them, leaving them in Liam's room instead. Additionally, Liam is claimed to have visited Braian's home to meet one of his friends who was an ardent One Direction fan.

Yet, when Liam suggested they return to his hotel room, Braian declined due to work commitments.