Chapter 9 – Fight or Flight
Ella paced the living room, arms crossed, while Liam stood near the kitchen counter, looking guilty.
"You didn't tell me about her before she came!" Ella snapped, frustration and hurt spilling over.
"I didn't think it mattered! I've told you, she's in the past!" Liam shot back, his voice rising for the first time.
Ella's eyes brimmed with tears. "How am I supposed to trust that? You have a history, Liam! And I can't just ignore it!"
He ran a hand through his messy hair. "I'm not asking you to ignore it! I'm asking you to believe me—believe us! I like you, Ella! I want us to work!"
Ella's anger wavered, replaced by the ache of fear and doubt. "But what if it happens again? What if I'm not enough?"
Liam stepped closer, his voice softening. "You are more than enough. You're everything I didn't know I needed. I don't want anyone else. I only want you."
Her breath caught. The intensity of his gaze, the sincerity in his voice—it was undeniable. But she was still scared. Scared of opening her heart completely.
For a long moment, neither moved. Then Ella shook her head, tears falling freely. "I… I need some time."
Liam nodded, swallowing his own hurt. "Okay… but don't shut me out completely. I'll wait. Always."
That night, as Ella lay in her room, she realized that love wasn't easy. It was messy, emotional, and sometimes terrifying. But she also realized something even more important: she didn't want to run from it—not from him.