Toxic Truth

19

ZELLA

My mood has been sour since the conversation with Samuel. Actually no. My mood has been sour since I saw Liam with that girl.

I've been standing in the corner for the past fifteen minutes. I can't even go to my parents because one look at my face and they'll know something's wrong and I can't explain them what has me upset.

Meanwhile, Liam stood there with his family and friends, talking and laughing with the same girl I've come to despise.

Liam might not feel the same, but I know that she likes him. It's evident in the way she's looking at him, trying to touch him at any possibility, getting his attention over and over again.

Clutching the champagne glass tighter, I take another sip of the drink.

The sound of someone's footsteps on the freshly trimmed grass sends me on alert. I turn around and come face to face with Samuel.

"What are you doing standing in the corner with a foul mood?" He grins, which only worsens my mood further.

Controlling my anger, I muster a smile. "Just appreciating the view."

He cocks a brow. "View of the garden?"

"Yes, and the pool. I like it."

"You like the pool?" He deadpans and I feel dumb for the excuses I'm giving him.

"Well it has a fountain on it. It's beautiful if you ask me."

He chuckles, shaking his head amusedly. "I guess I'll have to agree with you."

His eyes land on something or someone behind me and his smile falls, face hardening a bit. "Liam."

I turn around quickly, surprised to see him there. I didn't even notice him coming here.

"Samuel," Liam nods, but the tightness in his voice is evident. He's not happy to see him here, with me. "If you'll excuse us, I need a moment with Zella. Alone."

I narrow my eyes at him, and he simply ignores the look, holding his eye contact with Samuel.

"Of course," He mutters, and turns to me. "I'll see you later, Zella."

I nod and give him a smile, waiting for him to walk away far enough to not be able to hear us.

"What do you want?" I snap at Liam.

His eyebrows raise in surprise at my tone. "I want to know what's up with you. What the fuck happened and why are you so mad?"

My frustration flares up. "Really Liam, really? Why am I mad? You can't even fucking figure out why I'm mad?"

He grits his teeth, and pinches the bridge of his nose. "I won't know if you won't tell me. Is it about Nora?"

"Oh so you do know!" I scoff. "Of course it's about her! But I guess I shouldn't be mad over it. We're not even dating, I'm in no position to be mad."

He furrows his eyebrows. "What are you talking about Zel? I'm sorry if me being close with Nora bothered you, she's just a family friend."