Not Coded

1

Liam had always wondered how it must have felt for the great emperors of history to watch their empires collapse. To witness their entire world crumble, powerless to stop it, no matter how desperately they tried. It must have been devastating, dreadful—a hopelessness that gnawed at them until the very end.

That's how he feels right now. Not exactly the same, but close enough. It’s probably not a good feeling.

Liam had been planning to confess to Hayden, his childhood friend whom he has had a crush on for a long time. He knew he’d likely be rejected, but he also knew Hayden wasn’t the type to end their friendship over his feelings. Moreover, he had to say it out because it was eating him alive.

He practiced so many times, but he rehearsed for rejection more than the confession itself. He had it all planned out. His uncle’s 50th birthday party was the perfect opportunity, since Hayden would be there. They went to different schools, so they didn’t hang out as often as they used to.

The party was at the Royal Knight Hotel—one of their family’s properties. Everything was meticulously arranged, from the grand ballroom to the smallest floral arrangements. He had calculated every detail: how he would confess, how she might respond. He knew she would say no, but being prepared for it had to be easier.

Mason had helped by making sure no one was around when Hayden arrived, giving them some privacy. Liam wished he hadn't asked him to do that. Maybe a crowd would have made it easier for him to blend in, to hide behind the mask he has perfected over the years.

Hayden walked in, wearing the red dress she’d mentioned. She looked stunning—her brown hair falling in soft curls, the dress hugging her figure perfectly. She was always like this: modest yet elegant. It was something he admired, something he envied.

She saw him, smiled, and started walking over. Liam could feel his heart pounding so hard he thought it might burst through his chest. He smiled back, taking a few steps toward her, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts.

Then, it happened.

A hand slipped around her waist. She turned and smiled at the guy walking up behind her. He smiled back, kissed her cheek, and everything inside Liam shattered.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

This wasn’t part of the plan. Liam knew she would reject him, but seeing her with someone else... that wasn't part of the plan. He felt his world tilt, his mind scrambling for a way to respond.

You’re not worth it.

You don’t deserve it.

You never will.

"Liam?" Hayden’s voice snapped him out of his spiraling thoughts.

"Are you okay?" she asked, concern etched into her face. A small frown creased her brow.

Shit. How long had he been standing there like that?

Liam forced a smile, pulling his mask back on.

It’s okay, Liam. Just breathe.

"Oh... hey, Hayden. Glad you made it," Liam stammered, his voice shaky. He internally cursed himself for sounding so pathetic.

"Were you waiting for me?" she asked.

Yes. I’ve been waiting for you for days, for this moment.