Chapter 4 Waves of hope

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

Wedding? I froze.

"Dad," I said, announcing my presence.

"Welcome, princess," he greeted. The first time in a long while he used that word. It should have made me happy, but something felt off.

"Come closer, Lara," he said.

Tomson turned, eyes locking with mine. I walked over slowly and sat down, far away from him. The distance between us was deliberate. My father noticed, but said nothing.

"You know, when I was pursuing your mother, we also had disagreements. Tomson told me what happened at the party yesterday. I apologize on his behalf."

Tomson shot me a look as if to say, See? I told you nothing's going on.

Why was everyone blind to the truth?

Tomson moved closer. "I'm sorry, Lara."

I was too tired to be deceived again.

So I asked, right there in front of my father, "Tomson Morgue, do you love me?"

He hesitated.

"Love isn't something you just develop," he finally said. "Give me time, Lara. I'll change for you."

I laughed bitterly. "Then there's nothing to talk about."

I stood to leave.

"Lara," my father said, "Tomson is right. Love takes time. Please, my princess, give him a chance."

My heart broke.

Whose side are you on, Dad?

"We've been dating for four years. If that's not enough to develop feelings, then what is?"

I looked at both of them one last time before walking away.

Tomson followed me to my room.

I sat silently on my bed. He opened the door and stepped in.

"See, I'm sorry, Lara. I'll try my best-"

"No, Tomson. You can't force love. Let it go."

"I know it hurts. I've made mistakes. But haven't we shared so much together? Can't you see I'm trying?"

"I've given everything, Tomson. Everything! And still, I feel like I'm begging to be loved."

"I told your father who I was with yesterday," he said. "I'm telling you the truth now. Please... just give me time to figure this out."

My heart melted again.

"Please," he repeated, voice low. "Forgive me."

I nodded slowly.

He leaned in. "Since we've forgiven each other... can we make up for yesterday?"

I blushed hard.

Tomson, what have you done to me?

We made love again. Passionately. Deeply.

I didn't want to wake up from that dream.

The next morning, I woke up... alone.

Later that day, my father approached me. "Tomson had to attend to something urgent."

I believed him. After all, he told my father. That had to mean something.

But then he added, "Lara, your father's company is doing well because we have Tomson by our side. Don't let this opportunity slip away."

I stared at him, disbelief flooding my chest.

He nodded as if I should understand.

I turned and walked away-back to my room

Chapter: Tangled Under the Lights

There was a night show tonight. Lydia invited me. She's a party queen-I have to give her that.

I wore my off-shoulder, dazzling gown, a limited edition Tomson had bought me a year ago. I couldn't believe it's already been a year. I slipped into my stiletto heels, made sure my hair brushed just past my shoulders, and applied a light makeover with a bold red lipstick.

I was ready.

The party was seven miles away from home, and when I arrived, the beauty of the place made me pause. Was I even alive? Or had I somehow walked into heaven?

It was breathtaking.

Lydia spotted me and waved. She was tugging around her fiancé like he might run off at any moment. She hugged me so tightly I almost suffocated.

She left her fiancé to fend for himself and started dragging me around. Honestly, the place was stunning-even I couldn't deny that.

Just then, my eyes fell on Tomson.

What was he doing here?

Everyone was dressed elegantly, but-truth be told-in my eyes, Tomson stood out more than anyone. He looked... devastatingly handsome.

Lydia noticed I was distracted. She tapped me.

"Lara, are you guys on good terms now?"

I couldn't say yes or no. Honestly, I didn't want to burden Lydia with my drama anymore.

From today on, I decided: I will face all my problems alone.

"I know you don't want to talk about it," Lydia said softly, "but Lara, whatever decision you make, I'm here for you."

I stared at her, wondering what did I ever do to deserve a friend like her? She had stood by me through so much.

But while I was lost in thought, Tomson was already walking toward us.

When I finally turned my eyes away from Lydia, there he was-standing so close. I gasped, startled, and lost my balance.

Tomson caught me-in bridal style.

"Careful, babe," he said gently, his voice soothing every nerve in my body.

It was as if his words refreshed my soul. I could feel the eyes of the crowd on us. Cameras flashed. Journalists whispered.

Tomson didn't flinch.

Was he... ready to go public with me? Was he really changing?

Just as we stood there-lost in that delicate moment-a voice snapped me back to reality.

"Lara!"

My heart skipped.

I turned.

Who else could know me that well?

Liam.

There he was.

He walked straight to us and extended his hand toward Tomson.

"Hey, Mr. Tomson. Long time no see."

Tension thickened between them.

They shook hands, but I could tell-it was forced. Polite on the surface, but something unspoken passed between them.

I quickly pulled Liam aside and dragged him down the hallway.

"Hey! What are you doing here?" I asked sharply.

"Do I need your permission to go anywhere I want?" he replied, raising a brow.

His words stung a little.

He was right. Liam could be anywhere. Why was I reacting this way?

What I should be focused on was...

"How do you know Tomson?" I asked.

He smiled. "Do I need your permission to know him, too?"

Then he added with a sly tone, "Oh wait... is that your boyfriend you're talking about?"