Avery's eyes locked onto Liam's, searching for understanding. She had never seen him so distant, so guarded.
"Liam, I—"
"Stop, Avery," Liam interrupted, his voice laced with pain. "You don't have to explain. I saw it. You and Sebastian."
Avery's heart sank. She hadn't meant to hurt Liam. She cared for him deeply, but her feelings for Sebastian had grown stronger.
"Liam, please—"
"No, Avery." Liam's tone turned cold, his expression hardened. "I need space. Time to process."
Avery nodded, feeling a rift grow between them. She understood his pain but couldn't deny her own emotions.
Days passed, with Liam avoiding her. Avery's guilt and concern deepened. She missed their easy banter, their late-night conversations.
One evening, Avery decided to confront Liam. She stood outside his apartment door, her heart racing.
"Liam, we need to talk," Avery said, her voice firm but gentle.
Liam opened the door, his expression guarded. His eyes, once bright and warm, now seemed dull and distant.
"What is it, Avery?" Liam asked, his voice neutral.
Avery took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."
Liam's gaze dropped, his shoulders sagging. "You didn't. You just... clarified things."
"Clarified?" Avery repeated, her curiosity piqued.
Liam's eyes met hers, filled with emotion. "My feelings for you, Avery. They're more than friendship."
Avery's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected this.
"Liam, I... I don't know what to say," Avery stammered.
Liam's smile was tinged with sadness. "You don't have to say anything. I just needed you to know."
The air was heavy with unspoken words. Avery's mind reeled with questions.
"Liam, why didn't you tell me sooner?" Avery asked.
Liam shrugged. "Fear of losing our friendship, I guess."
Avery's heart ached. She had never considered Liam's feelings, never thought beyond their friendship.
"What now?" Avery asked.
Liam's expression turned resolute. "I'll always care for you, Avery. But I need time to move on."
Avery nodded, feeling a pang of regret.
As they parted ways, Avery realized her emotions were more complex than she had thought.
..
YOU ARE READING
The Shadows of Obsession
Romance"When the past comes back to haunt you, revenge is just the beginning." Avery Flynn, a brilliant and beautiful CEO, thought she'd left her heartbreak behind. But Sebastian Kane, her college sweetheart-turned-heartbreaker, has other plans. *"I'll nev...
