Redemption of hearts

Surprise!

Liza's POV

The text from my mom buzzed on my phone as I hurried to finish the report Samuel demanded before I left for the evening.

Mom: Dinner's at 7. Don't be late! I've got a surprise for you!

A surprise. That single word made my stomach churn. My mom's "surprises" ranged from overly enthusiastic matchmaking attempts to rescuing stray animals and expecting me to house them.

Me: Define surprise.

She responded immediately.

Mom: You'll see. Just wear something cute.

"Great," I muttered, tossing my phone onto the desk. I didn't have the energy for cute, much less surprises.

---

The familiar scent of lavender and freshly baked bread greeted me as I stepped into my parents' house. It was a strange comfort, considering the impending doom of Mom's mysterious surprise.

"Liza, sweetheart!" Mom exclaimed, rushing to hug me.

"Hi, Mom." I returned the hug cautiously, scanning the room for any sign of stray animals or unexpected guests.

"You look lovely, as always," she said, brushing imaginary lint off my shoulders.

"Thanks. Where's Dad?"

"In his office, as usual. But never mind that—come to the dining room. I've set everything up!"

She practically dragged me into the room, and that's when I saw him. Samuel Parker, sitting at the head of the table like he owned the damn place.

"You've got to be kidding me," I whispered under my breath.

Samuel stood, his infuriatingly perfect smile lighting up his face. "Liza. Fancy seeing you here."

"Mom," I hissed, my voice low and sharp. "What the hell is he doing here?"

"Surprise!" she said, beaming.

"Surprise?" I echoed, glaring daggers at her. "This isn't a surprise—it's a setup."

Mom waved me off, completely unbothered. "Oh, don't be dramatic. Samuel and his family are old friends. When I heard he was back in town, I thought it would be lovely to invite him."

Lovely? LOVELY?!

I turned to Samuel, who looked entirely too pleased with himself. "Did you know about this?"

He shrugged, his smirk firmly in place. "I had a feeling."

"A *feeling*?" I snapped. "What are you, psychic now?"

"Liza," Mom interjected, her tone warning. "Be polite."

"Fine," I said through gritted teeth, taking a seat as far from Samuel as possible.

---

**DINNER TABLE – MIDWAY THROUGH THE MEAL**

I stabbed at my salad with more force than necessary, barely listening as Mom and Samuel chatted like old friends.

"And Liza's doing so well at her new job," Mom was saying. "We're so proud of her."

"I'm sure you are," Samuel replied, his gaze flicking to me. "She's very... driven."

The way he said it made my fork pause mid-air. Was that a dig?

"Well, I had no choice," I shot back, my tone saccharine sweet. "I learned early on to rely on myself and not... others."

Samuel's smile faltered, but only for a second. "That's admirable. Independence suits you."

"Oh, it really does," I replied, giving him a tight-lipped smile.

Mom looked between us, her smile faltering. "Are you two... okay?"

"Perfectly fine," I lied. "Just catching up."

Samuel chuckled softly, the sound irritatingly smooth. "It's always a pleasure catching up with Liza."

I wanted to throttle him.

---

The cool night air was a welcome relief as I stepped outside, needing space to breathe. Or scream.

"Need a break from the 'surprise'?" Samuel's voice came from behind me.

I turned to find him leaning against the doorframe, his hands in his pockets, looking too casual for someone who just ruined my evening.

"What do you want, Samuel?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"To talk," he said simply, stepping closer.

"We've done plenty of that," I snapped. "And yet, here you are, still trying to control my life."

His eyes softened, the teasing gone. "I'm not trying to control you, Liza. I just... want to be part of it again."

I blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in his voice. But I couldn't let myself believe it—not after everything.

"You can't just waltz back into my life and expect me to forget what you did," I said, my voice shaking despite my best efforts.

"I'm not asking you to forget," he said, stepping even closer. "I'm asking for a chance to make it right."

I hated how close he was, how his presence made my heart race in ways I didn't want to admit.

"And what if I don't want you to make it right?" I whispered.

"Then tell me to leave," he said, his voice low. "Right now, Liza. Tell me, and I'll go."

I opened my mouth, ready to tell him exactly that. But the words wouldn't come.

Instead, he reached out, cupping my face with his hands. His touch was warm, familiar, and it made my breath hitch.

"I've missed you," he murmured, his forehead resting against mine.

"Samuel," I started, but before I could finish, his lips were on mine.

The kiss was slow, tentative, like he was afraid I'd pull away. But instead of shoving him back, my hands found his chest, fisting the fabric of his shirt.

For a moment, I let myself get lost in it—the warmth, the softness, the way his lips moved against mine like they'd never forgotten.

But then reality crashed back in, and I pushed him away, my breath coming in shallow gasps.

"This doesn't change anything," I said, my voice trembling.

His gaze held mine, filled with something I didn't want to name. "I know," he said quietly. "But it's a start."

I shook my head, turning and walking back into the house, my heart pounding so loudly I could barely hear my own thoughts.

A start? God help me.

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How's this chapter? Did you like it? Hope you all like it. Sorry for the delay.

NOTE: This is my first book so if there are any grammatical mistakes please ignore them. I will edit it after this book is completed.

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