Ladies Man

Apology

The image of Ethan's kiss lingered in my mind like an unwelcome ghost, refusing to be shaken off. It haunted me relentlessly, making me question my choices and my feelings. But I knew that I couldn't keep waiting in limbo, endlessly hoping that Ethan would come around and make sense of the chaos between us. I couldn't let him occupy space in my head any longer—not tonight.

I owed Liam an apology. The abrupt way I had left the restaurant was not only inconsiderate but also unfair to him. He didn't deserve to be dragged into a mess that was beyond his control. The least I could do was offer a sincere apology.

As I stood outside The Velvet Room, the nightclub Liam owned, I felt a mixture of anxiety and determination. The heavy bass of the music pulsated through the walls, and the flashing lights seeped through the cracks whenever the doors swung open. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves, and straightened my dress. I needed to face this—needed to make things right.

The moment I stepped inside, Liam's gaze locked onto me. He was stationed by the bar, engaged in conversation with a bartender, but his smile faltered as soon as he saw me. His expression was a blend of surprise and guarded curiosity, clearly reflecting that he hadn't expected to see me again—not after my sudden departure.

I walked over, the rhythmic thrum of the music pressing against my ears. "Hey," I greeted softly, attempting to sound casual despite the churn of nerves in my stomach.

Liam's eyes scanned my face, his concern evident. "Hey," he replied slowly, his voice tinged with skepticism. "Didn't think I'd be seeing you again."

His words, laced with hurt, struck a chord. I winced, the weight of my actions settling heavily on my shoulders. "I'm sorry about what happened," I began, shifting uneasily. "I shouldn't have just left like that. It was rude and thoughtless."

Liam's brow furrowed, his confusion palpable. "What happened, Sophia? One minute, we're having a great time, and the next, you're gone. No explanation, no message. Just...nothing."

My throat felt dry, and I swallowed hard, struggling to find the right words. What could I say? That Ethan had kissed me and turned my world upside down? That I was caught between the long-time friend who knew me so well and the new person who had unexpectedly entered my life?

"It's...complicated," I finally managed, my voice barely audible over the thumping music. "I'm sorry, Liam. I really am. That's why I came here—to apologize. I didn't want to leave things like that."

Liam studied me intently, his expression unreadable. I braced myself for a rebuff, expecting him to tell me off or to dismiss me entirely. But instead, he let out a deep sigh and ran a hand through his hair, his shoulders visibly relaxing.

"Complicated, huh?" he said with a small, wry smile. "I get it. Life's full of complications. I suppose I should be used to that by now."

Relief washed over me, though I still felt the sting of my actions. "Listen," I said, stepping closer. "I came here to invite you out to dinner—my treat. As a way to make up for leaving so abruptly. I promise I won't run off this time."

Liam's eyebrows arched in surprise, clearly caught off guard by my offer. "Dinner, huh? And where exactly are we going?"

A genuine smile spread across my face as I suggested, "There's this place I know—Cielo's Bistro. It's renowned for its Italian cuisine. Best in the city, in my opinion. What do you say?"

Liam chuckled, his eyes lighting up with amusement. "Cielo's, huh? I've heard good things about it. Fancy place."

"It's the least I can do," I said, my voice filled with sincerity. "To make up for what happened. Please, let me take you out."