LOVE'S HIDDEN FLAME

Betrayal and Manipulation

The day after their heartfelt conversation, Alex agreed not talking about moving on again. Liam's words had struck a chord, and he wanted to believe that their love could overcome any obstacle. But Veronica had other plans.

One afternoon, while Alex was alone in his room, Veronica slipped in, her expression serious. "Alex, we need to talk."

Alex looked up, confused. "What is it, Veronica?"

She took a deep breath, her eyes filling with false concern. "I'm pregnant, Alex. It's Liam's child."

Alex's heart stopped. "What are you talking about?"

Veronica continued, her voice trembling with feigned emotion. "When you cheated on Liam, it was unbearable for him. In his drunken state, he slept with me. He doesn't know yet, and I want you to keep it as a surprise. But Alex, I need your help. I want my child to have a father, and I want to marry Liam. Please, don't tell him. Help me make him agree to marry me."

The weight of her words crashed down on Alex. Without his memories, he had no reason to doubt her. The guilt he felt intensified, breaking him completely. "Alright," he whispered, his voice hollow. "I'll help you."

The next day, Liam found Alex waiting for him. "We need to talk, Liam," Alex said, his eyes filled with sorrow that Liam couldn't understand.

Liam frowned but nodded. "Alright, let's talk."

They gathered in the living room with both their families. Alex took a deep breath and began, "I've decided to break our bond, Liam."

A stunned silence filled the room. Liam's heart dropped, his mind reeling. "What? Why, Alex? We talked about this."

But Alex didn't stop there. "I also want you to marry Veronica. She deserves it, and... it's the right thing to do."

Liam's eyes narrowed. Something felt off, but he had no proof to challenge Alex's claim. Both families, however, erupted in joy at Alex's declaration.

Robert clapped his hands together. "Finally, some sense has prevailed."

Margaret added, "This is the best decision, Alex. We're proud of you."

Liam, though shattered, saw a glimmer of hope. "Alright, Alex. If this is what you want, I'll agree. But on one condition: you are going to handle all the preparations for our wedding. Take care of all our needs."

Alex nodded, resigned. "I'll do it."

Liam agreed to this condition, hoping it would give him the time and space to make Alex realize his mistake. He believed that through the process, Alex would remember their love and reject the idea of marrying Veronica.

As the days passed, Alex threw himself into the wedding preparations, trying to mask his pain. He was determined to do everything he could to ensure Liam's happiness, even if it meant sacrificing his own.

Meanwhile, Liam watched Alex closely, searching for any sign that might reveal the truth behind his sudden change of heart. He felt the distance growing between them, but he refused to give up. He was determined to uncover the real reason behind Alex's decision and to save their love from the web of lies and deceit that threatened to tear them apart.