Hazel's POV
I was still reeling after Noah left. It was hard to process that he had actually spoken those words to me. That was when it hit me—what I truly meant to them. I had to tread carefully now, because clearly no one was going to come to my rescue. I used to hold onto a shred of hope in him, but that was gone. Even my own family had turned against me. I was alone. With no one to run to, I dragged myself back inside and sank to the floor, wiping away the angry tears that wouldn't stop falling.
That's when I saw someone standing outside the bars. My heart jumped at first, thinking it wasn't a guard, but then I froze. It was him. Liam. Rage and frustration surged through me instantly.
What the hell was he doing here again? My mind spun with questions—had he sent Noah to warn me? Was this just another one of his games? It had to be.
"Hey," he called, smiling faintly through the bars. But the smile didn't last—it softened into something sad, as if he actually cared. I knew better. I'd seen this act too many times. His fake smiles no longer worked on me. He was nothing but a snake in tall grass, waiting to strike. The disaster with Skyler had been proof enough.
I turned away, wrapping my arms tightly around myself, refusing to meet his gaze.
"Hey, is everything alright?" he tried again, his voice low, gentle. "I just came to see how you're doing. Why are you avoiding me like I've done something wrong?"
The fake concern in his tone made my blood boil.
"Don't play dumb with me! I'm not stupid. If you've got something to say, then say it and get out!" I snapped, still avoiding his eyes. When I finally looked back at him, he looked genuinely stunned, like he hadn't expected me to lash out. A part of me wondered if I'd just earned myself another punishment.
He furrowed his brows, confusion clouding his expression. It almost looked genuine.
"Haz, what's wrong? Did someone upset you? You can talk to me. I'm not here to hurt you—you know that. I came to check on you, maybe even find a way to get you out—"
I clenched my fists, barely able to stop myself from rushing the bars and breaking his smug face. He was driving me insane with this act.
"Just stop it! Make it stop!" I growled, clutching my head.
He waited a moment before speaking again. "I don't know what you're talking about. Look, I just want to help. You don't belong in here. Please, just hear me out—it won't take long."
But I knew his game. If I let him in, he'd twist everything, push me toward forgiving him, and I refused.
"I don't want to hear anything from you. Just leave me alone." My voice was low now, trembling, because I feared I might actually lose my mind if I screamed again.
"No!" he barked suddenly, and just like that, the mask cracked.
"I'm not leaving you here. Is that really what you want? What's been done to you that you hate me this much? Is that what I am to you now—an enemy?!" His voice rose with raw frustration.
I looked up, ready to retort, but the words caught in my throat. He pressed on, desperate.
"You think you can paint me as the villain? That I'm manipulating you? That's pathetic. You should come up with a better excuse."
His face twisted, torn between anger and hurt. "What's your problem, Hazel? What are you even talking about? I've never wronged you, yet you talk like I have. You're starting to get me angry—"
"As it should be," I cut in coldly.
He sighed, regret shadowing his face. "I should've known. You're just like the rest—using me, then calling me the bad guy."
I said nothing. Just watched as he rambled on about everything he'd supposedly done for me.
"I thought you were different, Hazel. You always were. But now… now I don't even know if you realize who you're talking to."
He shook his head and turned away slightly, lingering for a moment with a sad smile. "By the way, that red dress I got you—it looked beautiful on you. Maybe I should go have a word with my brother, since it seems he's the one messing with your head."
His words hit me like a slap.
"Your brother," I whispered slowly, staring at him. My mind began piecing it together—his eyes, his voice, the way he said my name, his persistence even when I rejected him.
Then it clicked.
This wasn't Liam at all.
It was Colton. His twin.
A sharp pang of guilt tore through me. Tears welled up, spilling freely as I realized what I had done—every cruel word, every accusation. I had mistaken him for Liam.
I broke down completely, sobbing uncontrollably. Guilt crushed me, and a new fear gnawed at me.
I was torn apart inside, drowning in conflict I couldn't escape.