Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy felt like she was in 'hostage situation' before returning to US alone

Liam Payne's partner Kate Cassidy felt trapped in a "hostage situation" while in Argentina, according to a friend. The 25 year old influencer had gone to the South American country with the former One Direction singer to attend Niall Horan's concert in Buenos Aires.

Initially planning a short four-day stay, she ended up extending her visit to over two weeks as Liam awaited his US visa renewal. Despite wanting to return home, Liam's pleas led her to prolong her trip several times before she finally flew back to Florida.

A source close to Kate 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."

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The insider 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 added: "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."

It has been reported following a post-mortem examination that former One Direction member Payne succumbed to multiple traumas and an "internal and external haemorrhage" after falling from a balcony on the third floor at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires. Upon arrival last week, police and emergency services discovered the music star deceased at the location and his remains were then conveyed to the judicial morgue, reports the Mirror.

In a moving tribute posted to Instagram this Wednesday, one week after the devastating loss, Cassidy wrote: "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," Cassidy reflected on her time with the singer. They had recently been "manifesting our lives together", she disclosed, also mentioning that she cherishes a note by him saying: "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," she continued. "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 heartfelt tribute, Liam's fans expressed their gratitude towards Kate for the happiness she brought him and for "keeping him safe" prior to his passing. Her moving evening post saw many people offering support in the comments section. One penned: "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 conveyed: "Thank you for making him happy the way you do, stay strong, lots of love."