I didn't sleep that night. Not a dose or wink. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Liam's face worried, intense, and distant. There was something he wasn't telling me. Something he had to be hiding.
By morning, my chest ached, and my phone vibrated in my hand. A text. From Liam.
Meet me at the park. Now. Important. Don't ignore.
Important again.now dangerous. My heart slammed against my ribs like it knew I shouldn't go but I went anyway.
The park was empty. Except him. Standing under the same old oak tree, rain already starting again, hands shoved in his pockets, head down. He looked broken.
Liam? My voice shook.
He didn't answer. Not at first. Just looked at me with eyes I couldn't read. Sadness? Fear? Guilt? All of it at once.
Then he took a deep breath, and my stomach dropped. Kaya there's something I have to tell you. Something you might not understand.
What is it?i whispered, heart pounding.
He looked away, running a hand through his hair. I… I've been keeping a secret. From you. From everyone. And I was hoping I could fix it before you found out. But I can't. Not anymore."
My chest tightened. "Liam what is it?
He swallowed hard. Kaya… I'm not… I'm not just anyone. I have… people after me. Dangerous people. And because of me… you're in danger too.
I froze. The world tilted. "Danger? What….,how? what are you saying?
Before he could answer, a sharp noise echoed behind usa car screeching, tires spinning. My heart jumped, terror clawing at my throat.
I turned and froze.
Someone was standing there. Watching. Smiling. And I knew instantly this was what Liam meant.
Liam I whispered. Fear. Confusion. Anger. All wrapped into one.
He grabbed my hand, pulling me closer, eyes fierce. Kaya stay with me. Whatever happens, don't let go,I was also ready.
And just like that the figure moved. Fast. Too fast. And the rain was blinding.
I screamed. Liam shouted. And in that split second everything changed.
I didn't know if we'd make it through. But one thing was clear:
Between us, forever… had just become the fight of our lives.