Nobody's Guard

III

According to Macy,Liam and Fiona’s love story began in a fairytale way. One rainy evening, they both sought refuge in a cozy bookstore. Fiona, engrossed in a classic novel, accidentally bumped into Liam, who was browsing travel guides.

Their eyes met, and sparks flew. Liam, ever the gentleman, offered her his umbrella, and they spent hours talking about their favorite authors and dream destinations. From that serendipitous encounter, their love blossomed, and they’d been inseparable since.

Dana’s heart, once full of curiosity, now wavered like it was caught in crosscurrents.

She walked to  Fiona Grace—the actress with eyes like distant galaxies—who remained elusive. Dana sensed the chill in Fiona’s gaze, the unspoken distance."Hi," was all Dana managed, even though Fiona didn't answer.

Perhaps  La rive du fleuve,the exclusive private school she attended, had taught her to navigate privilege with practiced grace.

They both walked into the office,with Dana holding the door for her bosses' fiancée,who walked in without acknowledging her.

The tension in Liam’s office was palpable—a cosmic collision of personalities. Fiona Grace, her eyes like distant stars, exuded indifference.

Dana, nerves quivering like constellations, wondered if her orbit would shift. Liam, the fading star, held secrets in his gaze. The room held its breath, waiting for the next move—a celestial dance on the edge of change.

"Dana,"came the raspy voice,"please check if I have anything for the day then clear up and reserve a tablet at 'Swan'."

"Yes, Boss,"Dana got  her laptop and notebook out and went to the corner of the office to begin her task.

She noticed an eery silence and looked up,noticing the hostility in the room.Fiona was giving her a rather empty look which she didn't understand.

"She stays,Fiona."Liam said,making Dana realise Fiona may have wanted privacy to discuss intimate issues.

"Oh,am sorry I just didn't - I'll leave,"She stuttered picking her stuff and quickly made a run for the door before her boss could even react.She felt embarrassed for not realising on time.

Fiona’s laughter echoed through the dimly lit room, the chandelier casting intricate shadows on the velvet wallpaper. Liam clenched his fists, determined to prove her wrong. The flicker of light danced across his face as he leaned in, his voice low and steady.

“Listen, Fiona,” he said, locking eyes with her. “I’ll make it as an actor. You’ll see.” His resolve was unyielding, fueled by the memory of countless auditions, each rejection a scar etched into his soul.

She scoffed, “Liam, darling,” she purred, “your dreams are as fragile as that crystal goblet. My family holds the strings to your fate.” Her words hung heavy in the air, suffocating.

But Liam straightened his shoulders. “Tonight,” he declared, “I have an audition for the lead role in ‘The Enigma Castle.’ It’s a historical drama set in a forgotten era—this is something I looked forward to over a long time.

Fiona raised an eyebrow. “A castle, you say? How quaint.” Her laughter returned, mocking and cruel. “Break a leg, Liam. Or better yet, break your heart.”

As he left, Liam glimpsed through the window—The  castle awaited, its walls giving hope  And perhaps, just perhaps, it held the key to his redemption.