The night's breeze was warm as Robert walked her to the road, and for a moment she told herself this was fine. Normal. Peaceful.
She'd made her choice.
No more playing games. No more chasing men who couldn't choose her.
He turned to face her. "You looked beautiful today,"
His voice was genuine and gentle. And then, he leaned in and kissed her.
It was slow, polite, and sweet. But something was off. The second he kissed her, Liam's mouth invaded her thoughts. Hotter. Hungrier. Like he needed her. Like he meant it.
Robert's kiss, in contrast, felt like a handshake at a wedding.
She made it back to her apartment and barely closed the door.
"Amber?"
Amber stood there, phone in one hand, ice-cream on the other.
"What's wrong with you?" she said barging in like hurricane in heels. "Girl, do you know what you've done to our emotionally unavailable CEO?"
"What?" she said, ignoring the thump in her heart.
Amber plopped on her couch dramatically. "He was feral today. Like pacing in his office, snapping at Chad who chews gum, and leaving early."
She tried to brush it off. "We're not really..."
"Don't." Amber pointed her spoon like a sword. "Don't lie to me. I don't want to know what deal you two made. That man is madly in love with you. And he's walking around like he just lost his entire savings to a cat scammer."
Sophie sighed and her phone buzzed.
[Notification: You've been removed from the Ladies Club group chat]
Removed by: Jules.
"What the hell?"
Amber peeked over her shoulder. "Don't worry, they don't deserve you."
"I think," she muttered, "I've officially lost everything."
"Not everything." Amber said, digging into her ice-cream. "I've got your back, girl. You still have me. Just say the word, and I'll make them pay!"
The city looked faded through the window, as if the world was trying to blur itself behind her decision and the way her parents looked at her in silence as she broke the news.
She sat behind Robert as the car moved closer to the airport. His voice faded in and out as he talked about customs, street foods and beautiful houses. Her chest tightened with something far more urgent than travel.
She had blocked Liam some few days ago but it felt like years.
And yet, her body still yearned to see that tousled hair and captivating smile. The weight of his gaze, the press of his hands on her waist, the one that left her weak and wondering if he meant it.
She hadn't slept in days. Not without dreaming of his touch.
"Sophie?" Robert said gently.
She managed a smile. "Nerves,"
When they arrived at the airport, the car slowed and Robert noticed a black SUV behind them changed lanes.
"That one's been behind us since the house."
She glanced in the side mirror and her pulse quickened. "Pull up here,"
The sound of her name sliced through the air like heat lightning as she stepped out of the car. She turned and her heart detonated.
Liam.
He wasn't the CEO she knew. No polished suit, just a simple sweater with apron like a waiter.
"What are you doing?" she whispered.
"You blocked me," he said, voice tight. "You were just going to leave?"
She crossed her arms to keep them from shaking. "I need to go."
"You can't because I love you."
The world around her seemed to stop.
"Don't say that, we were pretending remember? Everybody knows, now it's over."
He stepped forward. "There's no pretending now."
"Liam-"
He cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheek slowly, taking her features in. "I love you. And I can't lose you again."
Heat rippled through her skin. Her stomach twisted. Every nerve came alive under his touch. Her lips parted, ready to yell but he was already kissing her.
It was slow and intimate.
His mouth moved over hers like he'd been waiting for centuries. She pressed into him, forgetting anyone around her. He pulled her close, and she melted into him, body aching, lips aching, everything starving for the man who had ruined everything.
"Give me a one more chance, Sophie," he said, his voice raw. "I don't want to live another day pretending I'm not wrecked without you."
Before she could answer, someone touched her arm.
Liam's mother stood before her, smiling through her tears. "He's lucky to meet someone like you,"
"What the hell, girl? You're about to fly halfway across the world without backup?"
Sophie let out a watery laugh. "Amber!"
"No pressure." she winked.
Robert walked from the side and she muttered "I'm sorry" as he quietly walked away to catch his flight.
She turned back to Liam whose gaze was on her the whole time. "And what's this apron you're wearing?"
"I wanted to make you dinner tonight,"
She laughed. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you're auditioning for a cooking show. Is that an apron or a love trap?"
He pulled her close again. "If you want, I would cook for you everyday."