Title: Falling Through Shadows

Chapter 18: Tension in the Night

Liam's POV

It had been a typical day until I received a call from my mother, her voice light and excited. "Liam, your father and I are on our way! We thought it'd be nice to stay over and spend some time with you both. After all, it's been so long since we've seen Elara, too!"

My heart sank, panic sparking through me. Mom didn't know the truth—that Elara and I weren't actually together. She was under the impression that we were happily in a relationship, and a part of me couldn't bear the thought of disappointing her. But now, they were coming here, expecting to spend time with their "future daughter-in-law."

I quickly told Elara about the unexpected visit. She nodded, her face unreadable, as she agreed to help me keep up the pretense.

When my parents arrived, their smiles were wide, and they greeted Elara warmly. "It's so good to see you, dear!" my mom beamed, wrapping her in a hug as if she truly was part of the family. I noticed Elara stiffen, then relax, giving a small, polite smile.

That evening, as my parents settled in, I realized the next hurdle: sleeping arrangements. Of course, they assumed Elara and I shared a bed. I felt my cheeks heat up at the thought, nerves bubbling in my stomach.

After my parents had finally retired to the guest room, I stayed in the living room with Elara, awkwardly discussing the logistics. "I don't want you to feel uncomfortable," I said, clearing my throat. "Maybe I can sleep on the floor?"

Elara gave a soft chuckle. "It's fine, Liam. It's just for tonight. We'll figure it out."

As we went into the bedroom, I couldn't ignore how surreal the situation felt. Elara was already at the bed, carefully feeling along the edge, arranging the sheets and blankets with a practiced grace. She ran her hands along the surface, smoothing out the fabric, and I couldn't help but notice how peaceful she looked in that small moment, focused on something so ordinary.

But then I caught myself, the sudden realization of how close we were making my heart race. Without thinking, I reached out, my hand brushing against hers. She froze, her face tilting slightly in surprise, and for a moment, there was a charged silence between us.

I swallowed hard, willing myself to look away, to snap out of it. "I... I'll sleep on the floor," I blurted, finally finding my voice, though it sounded strange to my own ears. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

Elara's cheeks tinted with a soft pink. She gave a small nod, seemingly relieved, and moved back, letting me set up my makeshift bed on the floor. But as I lay down, staring up at the ceiling, I knew sleep would be hard to come by tonight.

Liam's POV:

It was past midnight, and I lay on the floor, staring up at the darkened ceiling, sleep an elusive stranger. I turned over, catching a glimpse of Elara's silhouette on the bed, her breathing soft and steady. Her delicate profile was framed by the moonlight slipping through the curtains, casting her in an ethereal glow that was impossible to ignore.

Without thinking, I found myself slowly rising to my feet, each step toward her as quiet as I could manage. I stopped at the edge of the bed, just watching her, mesmerized by her peaceful expression. She looked so serene, so vulnerable—unaware of the storm of emotions raging inside me. Her hair was spread across the pillow, framing her face, and I felt a tug in my chest, a feeling I couldn't control, couldn't deny. I just wanted to be close, to feel the warmth that only she could bring.

Tentatively, I reached out, my hand trembling slightly, and lightly brushed her cheek. Her skin was soft, warm beneath my fingertips, and I felt a shiver run through me. My heart thundered in my chest as I continued tracing the line of her cheek, memorizing the contours of her face, the curve of her jaw.