Chapter 3 Love in strange places

Her genuine apology melted my heart. "It's okay. Don't blame yourself. Anyone can make a mistake."

"How did you even get home?" she asked curiously.

"Story for another day," I smiled faintly. "I'll gist you later."

Just then, Lydia looked over my shoulder. "Wait-isn't that Tomson?"

"Yes!" I smiled, unable to hide it.

She looked at me sharply. "Are you two back together?"

"Yes," I said, beaming. "He apologized. We've been together since yesterday."

"Hmm..." She didn't look convinced. "Are you sure this guy's changed?"

"Don't worry," I said confidently. "It's different now."

Then she narrowed her eyes. "Wait... who's that with him? Is that... Olivia?"

I turned my head quickly. My smile vanished.

At first, I tried to deny what I was seeing. It's not what it looks like, I told myself.

But then... they kissed.

My heart shattered.

I grabbed a glass of wine and gulped it down.

Lydia stood silently. She didn't know what to say.

Then, as if to rub salt in the wound, Lydia's fiancé showed up. They hugged and greeted me.

Ryan only offered a handshake.

"Oh Lara, sorry about last time," he said.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, trying to hold it together.

"You okay? You seem lost."

"I'm fine. Just a headache."

"I'll take you to the hospital."

"No need."

"Okay," he said, "but can I borrow your friend for a moment?"

Lydia looked at me, unsure.

"Go," I nodded. "I'm fine."

She hugged me. "Are you sure you'll be okay?"

"Yes. Go with your lover," I said playfully, pushing her away.

"And don't forget-I don't do girls," she joked, bursting into laughter before walking off.

After they left, I felt hollow.

Empty.

I looked across the room and saw Tomson laughing with Olivia. They looked like a real couple. And I... I looked like a mistress.

My heart crumbled.

Then, he noticed me staring. He seemed startled, then composed himself and walked over.

"Hey, what are you doing here?"

I snapped. "So I can't be here? Is that what you mean?"

He flinched, surprised at my tone.

"No, that's not what I meant. This is just a banquet for the city's elite."

"Right. And since I don't fit in with you anymore, I guess I should've stayed home."

"You're being arrogant again. Olivia's just a friend. Even if she's in my bed, it doesn't mean I'll marry her. Mrs. Morgue is still you."

"Spare me the lies, Tomson. I didn't ask about Olivia-you brought her up yourself. Let me ask you something important: Do you even love me?"

He was silent.

That silence answered everything.

I turned to leave. He grabbed my arm.

Just as he was about to say something, Olivia called out.

And he ran to her.

Without a second thought.

I left the banquet broken. Not even a goodbye to Lydia.

I went straight to the bar.

Drank everything.

I didn't care anymore.

When I woke up the next day, I was in his bed again.

No. Not again.

"Your bill is now 4 million," his voice rang behind me. "So find a way to pay or... don't regret it later."

I gritted my teeth. Why do I keep ending up here?

He moved toward me and squatted by the bed.

"Lara, right? Your name sounds sweet."

I realized I was barely clothed. Just underwear. My nipples poked through the thin fabric.

He smiled. "Are you always this naughty?"

"You're the naughty one," I snapped. "Coming into your house drunk and sleeping in your bed... What if you took advantage of me?"

He smirked. "Exactly. What if I did?"

His voice lowered.

"Come for breakfast."

"Hell no."

Chapter: Torn Between Shadows

"Not the food your dog likes," I muttered bitterly.

Liam stepped closer, his face bending toward mine, just inches away. "And you actually believed I have a dog?"

"Why did you say that the other day then?"

"Because you vomited on my clothes," he said, smirking. "And yesterday, you did it again. So tell me, aren't you the dog now?"

Fury bubbled up in me. I stood, ready to lash out.

"No need to get angry," he said coolly, "unless you want to pay 7 million for sleeping on my bed."

Immediately, my anger melted away like ice under the sun.

"Come out for breakfast-and hangover soup."

I followed him shyly, completely thrown off by his unpredictable charm. Honestly, this guy was really getting under my skin. He needed to be taught a lesson.

We sat in silence at the table, eating quietly until he broke it.

"Is Tomson your boyfriend?" he asked.

My eyes widened. How did he know?

"You mentioned his name about twenty times last night," he said, as if reading my mind.

"He... he's my boyfriend," I answered, my voice barely above a whisper. Tears stung the back of my eyes. "Please, can we just eat in peace? I don't want to talk about him."

He nodded. "I respect that."

After a quiet moment, I asked, "You... what's your name?"

"You've slept on my bed twice now and still don't know my name?" he chuckled. "It's Liam."

"Nice to meet you, Liam," I smiled faintly, reaching out for a handshake. His hand was soft. I wished I could hold it forever.

"You can hold it forever," he said suddenly.

I blinked, startled. "Wait, can you read my mind?"

"Were you thinking about holding my hand forever?"

"Oh no," I denied quickly.

"Then let go of me."

Only then did I realize I was still clinging to his hand. I pulled away. "I'm sorry."

"No need to be. Eat up," he said casually.

How could he be so infuriating and kind at the same time?

The day turned out to be one of the best I'd had in years. We played games. Laughed. He made me feel safe. Genuinely happy.

For once, I tasted the sweetness of life. The bitterness of yesterday felt like a distant memory.

But that happiness didn't last long.

When I got home, I walked in on my father and Tomson-discussing wedding plans.