Title: Falling Through Shadows

Chapter 16: Unforeseen Ties

Liam POV:

The day started like any other, until Betty barged into my office, her face flushed with anger. I barely had time to react before she threw down an envelope on my desk, demanding, "You need to step up, Liam. I'm pregnant, and I'm not going through this alone."

My mind spun. Everything felt chaotic and out of control. How could this be happening now, after I'd just started rebuilding my life with Elara? Betty's eyes were sharp, unforgiving. She didn't care about the messy web of feelings I was tangled in. She wanted responsibility, security—and, evidently, for me to pick a side.

Elara's face flashed in my mind, her gentle touch, her soft smile. I couldn't imagine abandoning her, especially after everything we'd been through. But now, with this news, I felt trapped. I couldn't just walk away from the child.

"You know, Liam," Betty continued, crossing her arms, "if you don't take responsibility, everyone will know the kind of man you are." Her words stung, not just with the weight of her accusation, but because I knew this was a crossroads. If I didn't act now, it could ruin everything—my relationship with Elara, my career, and any hope I had of making things right.

Liam's Manager POV:

The commotion outside Liam's office hadn't gone unnoticed. The muffled argument was starting to turn heads, and as his manager, I had to intervene.

I knocked sharply and stepped inside, seeing Betty's defiant glare and Liam's shocked expression. "Liam," I said firmly, "is there a problem here?"

Betty turned on her heel, her voice dripping with anger. "Oh, there's a problem alright. Your golden boy here is leaving me in the lurch. I'm pregnant, and he's too cowardly to take responsibility!"

The room fell silent. The tension was thick, and I could see the conflict in Liam's eyes. He was clearly torn, but I couldn't let this personal drama disrupt the workplace.

"Betty, I'll ask you to leave the premises," I said, maintaining control. "This is neither the time nor place for personal matters. Liam, sort this out outside of work."

As Betty stormed out, I turned to Liam. "You need to handle this," I said, my voice low but serious. "Don't let this spill over here again."

Liam nodded, his face pale, but there was a determination there too—a glimmer of resolve.

Liam POV:

As I walked out of the office, my thoughts raced. I needed to speak with Elara. She deserved the truth. I was terrified of how she might react, but I couldn't let her hear this from someone else. She needed to know everything, and I hoped—desperately—that she would understand.

Liam POV:

After the chaos Betty caused at work, I needed to settle things, so I called her to meet privately. I had spent the entire night thinking, torn between the responsibilities now forced upon me and my desire to be with Elara. When Betty arrived, her gaze was as defiant as ever.

"Liam," she started, folding her arms. "You can't just avoid this."

I took a deep breath, keeping my tone steady. "I'll be there for the child, Betty, but that's all. I need to know for certain the child is mine. Until then, I'll support you financially, but that's where it ends."

She seemed taken aback but quickly covered it with a scoff. "So, you're buying your way out of this?"

"It's not that simple," I said, trying to keep my patience. "If this is my child, I'll take full responsibility. But I'm with Elara now, and she's my priority. My relationship with you—whatever it was—is over."

Betty's eyes narrowed, but she sighed, resigning herself to the arrangement. "Fine, Liam. You want to keep it all professional, then that's how it'll be. But don't think you can waltz back in later and expect a warm welcome if you change your mind."

I nodded, relieved. This was the clearest path forward, the only way I could continue with Elara without hiding something so monumental.

Elara POV:

I could sense something was off with Liam; he'd been quieter than usual, his usual warmth feeling distant, almost hesitant. When he walked through the door that night, I could tell he had something important to say.

"Liam?" I reached out to him, feeling his hand gently take mine. "Are you alright?"

He hesitated before speaking, his voice low. "Elara, there's something I need to tell you."

My heart pounded, bracing for whatever was coming. I listened in silence as he explained, each word tightening the ache in my chest. When he told me Betty was pregnant, I felt as if the ground had shifted beneath me. I tightened my grip on his hand, fighting back a rush of emotions.

"Liam..." I whispered, struggling to find the right words. "Are you... are you going to stay with her?"

"No," he said firmly, taking both of my hands. "I'm not leaving you, Elara. I made a deal with Betty. I'll provide financial support, but that's it. I'm here with you."

Relief washed over me, but the fear of this unexpected change still lingered. "It's just... a lot to take in," I admitted, my voice barely audible.

He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. "I know. But I want you to know, this doesn't change how I feel about you. You're the one I want, Elara, and I'll do whatever it takes to make this work."

I leaned into him, letting the warmth of his embrace soothe the turmoil inside me.