Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy 'felt like she was in a hostage situation' in Argentina

Liam Payne's girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, reportedly felt like she was in a "hostage situation" while visiting Argentina with the former One Direction star, a friend has claimed. The 25 year old influencer had travelled to South America to see Niall Horan perform in Buenos Aires and planned a short stay of four days, which unexpectedly extended to over two weeks.

While Liam dealt with visa issues, Kate was keen to return to Florida but was persuaded by Liam to delay her departure several times. A friend told the New York Post: "She can't leave, or else who knows what will happen? And if she leaves, what will he do? But she has other responsibilities, other things that she's supposed to be doing. So she finally had to make a decision."

They added: "They're in Argentina and it's like a hostage situation. So she tells him she wants to leave, this is after a week. He begs her to stay. She keeps extending her trip, a day, two days. And he just wants her to stay, stay, stay."

The friend also said: "I get what people are saying, that she should just stay with her rich, famous boyfriend, but she wanted to be home in her own bed with her dog. She wanted to come home. So eventually she says she's going home."

The update concerning the tragic demise of former One Direction member Payne followed after a report emerged detailing that he suffered multiple traumas and "internal and external haemorrhage" due to a fall from the third-floor balcony at Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires. Authorities found Payne's body last week, subsequently transferring it to the judicial morgue, as per Mirror's reporting, reports Birmingham Live.

In a heart-wrenching Instagram post a week after his passing, Cassidy revealed her devastation: "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."

Only a few weeks before his untimely passing, the couple had been "manifesting our lives together", and she shared an affecting note from Liam that she has kept "close". The note touchingly says: "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," Cassidy said.

"You'll always be with me. I've gained a guardian angel. I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me everywhere I go."

Following her emotional tribute, Liam's fans have been showing their appreciation towards Cassidy for being his support. Her poignant memorial prompted a wave of sympathy from the online community.

One fan wrote: "Thank you for keeping him safe for as long as you could. He loved you so deeply. I'm so sorry for yours and the world's loss," and another said: "Thank you for making him happy the way you do, stay strong, lots of love."