Broken Series Book 2: LOVE ONCE DIED💔

🌹CHAPTER EIGHT🌹

LIA'S POV

I glanced at my buzzing phone for the thirteenth time-another text from Rome. My hands were smeared with thick paint, and I figured I'd respond once I wrapped up my work.

"I think you should answer that," Kelvin suggested, his presence beside me unwavering. He'd been here all along, offering moral support.

"Can you do it for me, please?" I asked casually, without much thought.

"Sure, what should I say?" he asked, reaching for my phone tucked into my apron pocket.

"Just let him know I'm busy, at the art studio."

As Kelvin typed, the wooden door creaked open, revealing a very curious Rome Williams. My heart sank. Why did he have to show up here?

Rome took a moment to scan the room, his gaze lingering on Kelvin and me, the only two people in the studio. A flicker of something dark crossed his face. I wasn't doing anything wrong-I had nothing to feel guilty about. We weren't even dating.

"What's going on here?" he asked, his voice dangerously low.

But Rome cut him off, his focus solely on me. "No, Lia. I want to know what's going on between you and him."

A wave of embarrassment hit me, making it difficult to process what was happening. Was he.....jealous? Did that mean he still cared?

That means he still likes me right?

Kelvin met Rome's gaze, unbothered. "We're just friends, Rome. Nothing more."

Rome's eyes flashed with anger, but he doesn't back down. "I don't believe you," he voiced out confidently before storming off, leaving Kelvin and I in an awkward silence.

"Wow..." Kelvin shook his head, disbelief written on his face.

"I'm really sorry about that." I wasn't sure why I was apologizing for Rome, but it felt necessary.

He sighed. "I've never wanted to clash with him, but I did it for you. What's really going on between you two?"

"Nothing," I lied.

"Lia?"

"Why are you pushing this? You're sounding like you want me to say something" I shrugged, trying to shake off the conversation as I moved to wash my hands, deciding to finish my piece another time.

Kelvin sighed and held my shoulders. He looked at me relaxing all his stressed muscles and his strained face softened as he spoke softly

"Ophelia, every one on campus knows Rome, that he doesn't give two shits about ladies. I on the other hand, can figure out the way he acts. He wouldn't just be all over you if he doesn't like you, or if he hadn't had anything with you before" Kelvin tried his best to make me understand what he means

"Rome and I - -" I paused, hesitant to speak in order not to hurt him.

"Go ahead Lia, you can open up to me. No judgement here" he soothed and urged me to sit beside him

I bit my lower lips and took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before finally confiding in him. "Long story short, we used to date. But he was ashamed of me, and then he just...left, without a word or goodbye. Seeing him again just brings it all back, it triggers me more."

Kelvin looked at me steadily. "Lia, you shouldn't be treated as an option. You deserve more than being someone's secret. No one should feel ashamed to be seen with you, to hold your hands and walk with you in public" he spoke softly