LOVE'S HIDDEN FLAME

Sacrifices and Misunderstandings

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, with no sign of Alex regaining his memories. The absence of progress weighed heavily on both of them. Liam's parents, seeing an opportunity, began to intensify their efforts to convince Liam to move on.

"Liam, you need to think about your future," Margaret, Liam's mother, would say over breakfast. "You can't spend your life waiting for Alex to remember. It's time to find a chosen mate and move forward."

Robert, Liam's father, added, "Your mother is right. You've already done more than enough for Alex. You deserve to be happy."

Initially, Liam ignored these conversations, focusing solely on Alex's recovery. But as they became a daily occurrence, the pressure mounted. One evening, as they were discussing this again, Alex overheard them. Hidden behind the door, he listened to their words, and realization dawned. The reason for his inexplicable guilt, his aching heart, and his inability to fully embrace Liam became clear.

That night, Alex locked himself in his room. He cried, his heart breaking with the knowledge that he had hurt the man he loved so deeply. "Why did I do this to Liam?" he whispered. "How could I betray him when I love him so much?" He cried himself to sleep, haunted by questions with no answers.

The next day, while Liam was attending to his mafia business, Margaret and Robert saw their chance. They approached Alex, still reeling from the previous night's revelations.

"Alex," Margaret began gently, "we know this is difficult for you. But Liam deserves happiness. He needs to move on.

Robert added, "We thought it was best for you to hear the truth. Liam is suffering, and the only way to find peace is to accept a chosen mate."

Alex nodded, his heart heavy with guilt. "I understand. I want what's best for Liam. If that means letting him go, then I'll do it."

Margaret and Robert exchanged relieved glances. "We need you to help us convince him," Robert said. "He listens to you. Tell him it's time to move on."

Alex swallowed hard. "I'll talk to him when he returns. I'll make sure he knows that he has my blessing to find happiness with someone else."

As the day wore on, Alex waited anxiously for Liam's return. His mind raced with thoughts of how to approach the conversation, how to let go of the man he loved for his sake. The guilt gnawed at him, but he steeled himself, knowing it was the right thing to do.

When Liam finally returned home, weary from the day's work, Alex was waiting for him in the living room. The look on Alex's face immediately put Liam on edge.

"Liam, we need to talk," Alex began, his voice trembling.

Liam frowned, sensing the seriousness in Alex's tone. "What's going on, Alex?"

Alex took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I... I want you to move on. Find someone else. You deserve to be happy, and I can't give that to you."

Liam's eyes widened in shock. "What are you talking about, Alex? Why would you say that?"

"Your parents are right," Alex continued, his voice breaking. "Two Alphas can't be together. I betrayed you, and I don't even remember it. I don't deserve you."

Liam's heart ached at the sight of Alex's anguish. He stepped forward, reaching out to take Alex's hand. "Alex, you didn't betray me. I know you don't remember everything, but I trust you. I love you."

Tears streamed down Alex's face as he shook his head. "No, Liam. You need to move on. Find someone who can make you happy. Please, do this for me."

Liam pulled Alex into a tight embrace, refusing to let go. "I don't want anyone else, Alex. I want you. We'll get through this together, no matter what."

As Alex clung to Liam, sobbing into his shoulder, the weight of their love and the obstacles they faced pressed down on them. But in that moment, Liam's unwavering commitment and love shone through, a beacon of hope in their darkest hour.

Unbeknownst to them, Veronica watched from a distance, her eyes filled with determination. She knew she had to act quickly to drive them apart for good. Her obsession with Liam had only grown, and she was willing to do whatever it took to claim him for herself.