Ethilia's POV:
"Don't you dare say something like that about Liana…" My voice cut through the canteen, loud enough to make everyone freeze mid-bite. The entire place fell silent, and everyone turned toward us.
Ryan stared at me in shock, his hand flying to his cheek where my slap had landed. For a moment, I thought it was over… until he suddenly grabbed my arm and yanked me closer.
His fingers dug into my skin, tight enough that I knew it would bruise later. "You dare slap me?" he hissed through clenched teeth, leaning so close I could feel his breath. "Then why didn't you accept her, huh?"
I gripped his wrist and dug my nails into his skin, forcing his hand to loosen. "That's my decision. You don't get to question it. And you definitely don't get to mock her in front of me."
He glared at me, and I could see the shift that meant he was seconds away from raising his hand.
My hands turned cold in fear, but I refused to look away. I shoved him with all the strength I had.
He stumbled a bit but gained his balance and raised his hand to hit me. But his friend pulled him back, "Enough, man. Everyone's looking. Don't be stupid."
I let out a shaky breath I hoped no one heard and smirked anyway, masking the tremble in my hands. "Such a man you are, huh? Can't accept the simple truth that I'm not even a little interested in you."
I crossed my arms, turning away to grab my tiffin box. "An immature, delusional idiot who can't handle rejection. Maybe feel a little shame for yourself. For existing."
With that, I walked out of the canteen. Fast enough to escape but slow enough to pretend I wasn't running from the violence I knew he was capable of. My hands were shaking as I heard his friends trying to calm him down.
Liana cupped my cheeks gently as I finished. Her thumbs brushed away the tears I hadn't even noticed slipping down.
I opened my mouth to continue. "After that..."
But she pressed a finger softly against my lips. "Calm down first. I'm right here. No one can hurt you while I'm with you." Her warm voice eased whatever fear I had, and I let myself relax into her presence.
Yes… the worst had already happened. I can't change any of it. But I have Liana now. I won't be hurt again… and I won't let her get hurt either. Not by my mistakes, and not by anyone around us.
I sniffed and leaned into her, resting my head on her shoulder. "That was my mistake, Liana…"
Her arms wrapped around me protectively as she whispered, "Don't mind me, Ethilia… Then…" She hesitated for a moment, her voice barely above a breath. "Who is the father of Alena?"
I could hear her loud and fast heartbeat against me, even though she tried to sound natural.
I swallowed hard, feeling my own heart picking up. I didn't know where to start, so I decided to just keep going. "Let me finish first, okay? You'll know everything."
Liana hummed softly and nuzzled into my hair. "Go on. I'm listening."
I closed my eyes and let out a shaky breath before speaking again. "That night… I was coming home from tuition when he and his friends surrounded me in the middle of the road. I was scared. I wanted to run, but there was nowhere to go."
Her arms tightened around me for a moment, but she didn't interrupt, just like she promised. I was grateful for that.
I took a bit of time to gather myself, then continued, "Like any girl, I also thought they might… you know… but they didn't."
The last part came out as a whisper. Liana let out a quiet breath, her body relaxing just a little, and then she pulled back to look at me. Her eyes were filled with questions and confusion.
I bit my lip and whispered, "He said he wouldn't hurt me physically… but he'd do something that would haunt my soul."
A choked sob escaped me, and I held onto Liana tightly. "They did. Alena… she's the reason I can't forget them. I slapped him once, but in return, he made sure I had no one by my side."
Liana rubbed my back gently and asked in a low voice, "He isn't her father… right?" The question was innocent, but it still hurt.
I nodded slowly and whispered, "His... cousin... "I didn't know, Liana…" I sniffed and pulled back, needing to see her face.
Her eyes widened for a second, but she took a steadying breath and cupped my cheeks.
I swallowed and continued, "That man came into my life like a hero… and left me the moment I was finally happy."
She ran her hand through my hair and kissed my forehead. My words probably weren't making much sense at that point. I didn't know how to clearly say it or make sense.
I could feel the shakiness in my body, the coldness in my hands, and how uneven my breathing had become… everything telling me I was one step away from a panic attack. And in that moment, I couldn't find the words to say what I actually wanted to say.
Liana squeezed my hand and started whispering soothing words. it was clear that she had noticed too.
There was a gentle smile on her face, and she leaned in to give me a small peck on the lips.
"We'll continue later," she murmured. "For now, let's go eat something. Laura must be waiting… and Alena too."
I managed a slow smile and squeezed her hand tightly. Her presence and voice were calming my nerves little by little.
We started walking together, and as we got closer, I saw Laura feeding Alena. I swear, Laura could have been Alena's godmother. I mean, see how she treats Alena like her own..
Liana leaned closer and whispered, "Do you regret having her in your life?"
Her words made me stop for a moment. A sharp ache spread through my chest, and I looked at her. "I don't," I said softly. "She's the only reason I'm still alive, Liana."
Liana smiled and wrapped an arm around me as we approached. She pulled a chair out for me across from Laura. I sat down, and she took the seat beside me.
Laura paused mid-bite and looked at us with a raised brow. "Did you guys…" She stopped, glanced at Alena, and rolled her eyes. "Can't even say what I want to because of this little one."
I raised an eyebrow back at her, and Liana let out a dramatic little gasp before grabbing her food. I was sure this woman had something dirty in mind.
After finishing our food, Laura walked off to pay, holding Alena. I knew she wanted to give Liana and me some alone time.
Liana opened the car door for me, and I slid in without a word. She sat beside me and turned to me with a small pout.
A sudden chuckle left my lips at that cute expression. I reached over and poked her cheeks. "What? Why are you pouting, my big baby?"
Her eyes flicked to my lips before meeting mine again. "Maybe… because I want some kisses?" The intensity in her voice made my breath catch.
I swallowed hard, suddenly aware of how close we were. I cupped her cheeks and leaned in before pressing my lips softly against hers.
The kiss was soft, slow… unhurried, and it seemed to calm me completely.
When we pulled back, I couldn't stop the small smile that formed on my lips. She pecked me a few times, each one feather-light, before looking into my eyes.
"I love you…" she whispered, then pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead.
These gestures and words make me fall for her even more. She is possessing my heart fully, and I hope... she knows.
I closed my eyes, leaning into the warmth of her lips, and wrapped my arms around her neck. "I love you more… How could I not love you more, huh? You've made me yours… in a way that it physically hurts to even think of leaving you." My voice trembled, but I didn't care.
Liana stared at me for a few seconds, her eyes softening, her thumb gently stroking my hand. She let out a quiet chuckle and leaned back against the seat. "Are you flirting?"
I raised a brow and rested my head on her shoulder, letting myself relax into her warmth. "Maybe I am. Why… do you want someone else flirting with you, huh?"
Liana shook her head, her fingers threading gently through my hair. I closed my eyes and let out a soft breath. It was peaceful… the kind of peace I wanted to stay in forever.
I didn't want to remember that terrifying past. I didn't want to think about anything else. All I wanted was to stay in her arms.
After a few seconds, she whispered, "Lia… can I ask you something? I just… I wanted to know."
I didn't pull back, humming softly. "Anything, baby."
She pressed a gentle kiss to my temple, but the softness in her touch couldn't hide the confusion in her voice. "I didn't understand… Ryan… or Raino, whatever his name is… where did his cousin even come from?"