Only Just Begun

A Letter to a Broken Heart

Jerry arrived at The Golden Lion on King Street, a knot of dread tightening in his chest. The familiar façade now felt ominous, as if the walls themselves anticipated the conversation he was about to endure. Each step toward the door was a struggle against the urge to flee... leave London, leave it all behind. But he needed answers. He needed to know about Carol.

The pub was oddly quiet for late afternoon, intensifying his unease. The mingled scent of aged wood and stale beer hit him with a bitter edge. He scanned the room and found Liam tucked into a corner booth, nursing a pint. With every step, his pulse quickened, fear and anger warred in his veins. He didn't know what Liam wanted, but his instincts screamed that no good would come of it.

Liam looked up, offering a strained smile. — Jerry. — he said, gesturing to the seat across from him.

Jerry paused, then sat, posture rigid, suspicion etched across his face.

— What do you want? — he demanded tersely. — Why are we talking about Carol?

Liam swallowed, his gaze fixed on the amber beer.

— I know I'm the last person you want to see. — His voice was softer than Jerry expected. — And I know what happened... between you and Carol... it has a lot to do with me.

Jerry's jaw clenched. "A lot to do with me." The phrase sounded rehearsed, bristling with hidden meaning.

— I'm not here for pleasantries. Just say it. Where's Carol?

Liam swallowed again, his voice catching.

— She's gone. Back to the U.S.

The words landed like a punch. Jerry knew it was possible, but now it was concrete and his chest tightened.

— She's... gone? — His voice trembled, eyes flicking away. He swallowed hard. — Why now?

Liam leaned forward, regret in every line of his face.

— I... the dinner was a setup. Colin, Daphne, Hugh... even me. We orchestrated the whole thing to make you look weak. And it worked. It destroyed what you and Carol had.

Anger spiked through Jerry.

— So it was all a game? You manipulated everything to push her away?

Liam nodded, unable to meet his eyes.

— Yes. And I regret it. Fear... maybe that drove me. But I betrayed her trust.

Silence fell heavy between them. Jerry stared, the truth washing over him like ice. Carol had believed it... had fled.

— She left because of you... because of all of you. — he whispered, disbelief and pain meshing in his tone.

Liam bowed his head.

— Yes. But she still thinks about you, Jerry. I know she does.

A spark of hope flared.

— She thinks about me? — His voice cracked with emotion. — Then why didn't she talk to me before leaving?

— She was hurt. She thought you betrayed her, that you didn't fight for her. She only saw your kiss with Daphne... and I didn't stop her from believing it.

Anger flared hot.

— You could've told her the truth! But you let her think I was the enemy!

Liam sighed, finally meeting Jerry's eyes.

— Yes. That's why I'm here now. You deserve to know the truth—even if it's too late.

Jerry exhaled heavily, the conflict of love, rage, and grief warping inside him.