Liam's phone rang, cutting off their conversation. He glanced at the screen and sighed before picking up.
"Hey Liam, it's my Toyota. It's acting weird again and I really need it for work tomorrow. Can you come check it tonight?" the client asked, clearly stressed.
Liam rubbed his forehead.
"Yeah, I can come by. Give me an hour."
He looked at Cate after the call.
"You mind coming with me? I don't really want you here alone. Just feels better having you close."
Cate nodded, a small smile on her face.
"Sure. I could use some fresh air anyway."
That night, the street was quiet. The city felt far away, just a low hum in the background. Liam and Cate strolled down the street together with Cate helping him carry parts of his tools, not saying much to each other. There was something in the air butterfly in their belly,strange feelings they were afraid to admit.
The next evening, Liam stopped by her new apartment, the one he helped her find after insisting she needed somewhere much more safer.
"I like this place," he said, looking around.
"Feels better than the last one."
Cate smirked. "Because it's right next door to you?"
He laughed. "Maybe."
They spent the evening together, doing some light unpacking, moving things around. Afterwards, they grabbed dinner at Alma's diner. The kind of night that didn't feel like a big deal—but felt perfect anyway. They danced a little to some old song playing on the jukebox. Shared fries. Laughed over dumb stuff. Cate caught him staring at her across the table.
"You okay?" she asked.
Liam gave her a look and then looked away, his jaw tightening a little.
"Yeah. Just... thinking."
Later, when they got back home from Alma's diner, he walked her to her door. There was a heavy silence between them, they both knew something was coming. Liam stopped and gently reached for her hand enough to make her heart skip.
"Cate," he said, his voice.
"I don't think I can keep pretending, I think I like you"
She looked up, eyes wide, caught off guard. Her heart beat loudly, she was sure he could hear it.
"I….." she started, She was short of words.
" How do you explain the feeling of finding something real when your whole life has been a lie?" This thought ran through her mind
Before she could speak again, Liam leaned in closer. His hand came up to her cheek, gentle and steady.
"Just tell me," he whispered,
"don't be scared and be true to your feelings."
Cate leaned into his palm, closing her eyes.
"I think I like you too," she whispered.
Liam smiled, slow and soft. His thumb brushed along her jaw. Then, like it was the most natural thing in the world, she leaned in—and kissed him. It was slow. Soft. Like a breath. Like a secret. When they finally pulled apart a little breathless, Cate rested her forehead against his.
"Liam…" she started again. He looked at her with such calm.
"I know," he said.
"I know there's something you're not telling me. But I'm here. For you. All of it. No matter what."
Her eyes stung. She didn't want to cry. But the tears came anyway.
"I don't deserve you," she whispered.
"You deserve everything," he replied, kissing her forehead.
She melted into his warmth all her worries disappearing for a second. She just felt like Cate. But deep inside, she knew this peace wouldn't last forever.
Early the next morning…The cold had crept back in. Both dressed in thick sweaters, Liam drove them toward Alma's diner. Cate stared out the window, thinking as she bit her lips. She finally broke the silence.
"Liam… what if you find out everything about me? What if you don't like who I really am?"
He glanced over, calm and gentle.
"Cate, I already told you—I'm not going anywhere. I like you for you. All of it."
She looked down.
"I want to believe that. I really do. But there's stuff… big stuff. And I don't know how to start."
"You don't have to. Not yet. Just… trust me. When you're ready, I'll be here."
She rested her head on his shoulder taking deep breaths
Then, her phone vibrated in her pocket.She pulled it out, looked at the screen and drop the phone in shock.
Ethan.
Her stomach dropped. Liam noticed right away.
"Who is it?"
Cate didn't answer right away. She picked up the phone to answer the call.
"Hello?"
"Hello, princess," A Smooth. Cold. Dangerous voice sounded.
"Long time no see."Her chest tightened.
"Ethan. What do you want?"
"I don't have to spell it out for you or do I?," he said.
"I've been keeping track of you. I know where you are. And I'm coming for you."
The line went dead. Cate's whole body went cold. She looked at Liam, panicking. But before she could say anything, the screech of tires echoed through the air. A crash somewhere ahead. Then silence. Liam's hands gripped the wheel,
"Cate. What's going on?"
She couldn't speak. Could barely breathe.
Then the car swerved—something came out of nowhere. Liam slammed the brakes. Metal screamed. Everything went dark.