unexpected love (Leah Williamson)

Unwanted Moments and Healing

Leah's POV:

The bar was buzzing with life, laughter and music filling the air as we celebrated a good week. Ella was here with me, mingling with the team, her laughter mixing with Beth and Viv's as they shared stories. I couldn't have been happier, watching her fit so easily into my world.

Then, as I made my way back from the bar with drinks in hand, I spotted her—Jordan, my ex. We hadn't ended on good terms. Jordan had always been jealous and, in the end, it had made our relationship impossible. Seeing her now, uninvited and unexpected, was the last thing I needed. I felt a prickle of unease.

"Leah," Jordan said, approaching me with that all-too-familiar smirk. She stood too close, her gaze lingering. "Didn't think I'd see you here."

"Jordan," I replied, forcing a polite nod. "Didn't expect you either. I'm here with my girlfriend." I made sure to emphasize that last word, hoping she'd get the hint.

She raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile flickering across her face. "Can't we at least say hello? I mean, we do have history."

I was about to respond when, out of nowhere, she leaned in and pressed her lips to mine. Shocked, I froze for a split second, then immediately pushed her back.

"What are you doing?" I snapped, stepping away. "I told you I'm with Ella."

But then my heart dropped as I saw Ella standing a few feet away, her expression a mix of hurt and disbelief. She had seen the kiss, and I knew that from her perspective, it probably looked like something I'd wanted. Before I could say a word, she turned and headed for the door, pushing her way through the crowd.

"Ella, wait!" I called, abandoning everything and hurrying after her. Behind me, I heard Beth calling my name, but she stepped back to let me go after Ella.

Ella's POV:

I stormed out of the bar, feeling sick to my stomach. The sight of Leah with Jordan—the familiarity between them, the kiss—felt like a betrayal. I had trusted Leah, felt secure with her, and now all of that felt ripped apart.

"Ella!" Beth's voice called behind me. I stopped, tears starting to blur my vision as I tried to keep from breaking down.

Beth reached me, concern etched on her face. She pulled me into a hug, her arms warm and steady. "Hey, I saw it too. Jordan's trouble, Ella, trust me. Leah told me about her ages ago, and if there's one thing I know, it's that Leah didn't want that kiss. She pushed her back, I saw it."

I wiped my eyes, trying to make sense of everything. "It's just... seeing it hurt, Beth. I thought maybe she'd moved on completely."

"She has," Beth said, squeezing my shoulder. "Jordan's got her issues, but Leah's completely over her. Just... let her explain, okay? Don't let this ruin what you two have."

Leah's POV:

The next morning, the first thing I did was head to Beth's apartment. I knew Ella would need space, but I couldn't just let her leave without explaining. When Beth answered the door, she gave me a sympathetic look.

"She's hurt, Leah. But she does want answers," she said, stepping aside to let me in. She motioned toward the guest room, where I found Ella sitting quietly, her arms wrapped around herself.

The moment she looked up, my heart ached at the hurt in her eyes.

"Ella," I said softly, taking a careful step forward. "I'm so sorry for what you saw last night. That kiss—Jordan did that without my permission. I was telling her that I'm with you, that I love you. I didn't even have time to push her back before you saw it."

She stayed silent, her expression guarded but listening.

"Jordan doesn't have a hold on me anymore, Ella. I ended things with her a long time ago. There's nothing between us. I only want you," I said, my voice breaking with the urgency of wanting her to believe me.

Ella sighed, her gaze softening but still pained. "It's just... seeing that, Leah. It hurt so much. I need to know you're fully with me, that no one else thinks they have a claim on you."

Without hesitation, I took her hand, feeling a rush of relief when she didn't pull away. "Ella, I am completely with you. No one else. I'll do whatever it takes to prove that to you. I want you to feel safe with me, always."

She nodded slowly, her fingers lacing through mine. "I believe you, Leah. It just... it brought up fears I didn't even know I had. I don't want to feel like this again."

"I promise you, Ella," I whispered, moving closer. "You're my one and only. I'm so sorry that my past got in the way last night, and I'll make sure it never does again."

She leaned her head against my shoulder, letting out a deep breath. I held her close, feeling the tension finally melt away. I was more certain than ever that I'd do anything to keep her feeling secure and loved, and I wouldn't let anyone from my past ever threaten what we had again.