This Love

Week Without You

December 10, 2025
Malibu, USA
Miley's POV     

I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. It was Liam calling on FaceTime. I hit accept and smiled when I saw his face.

"Hey baby." I say tiredly.

"Hey babe, did I wake you?"

"Yeah you did, but it's fine."

"That's good because it's almost 10 AM. Where are the kids?" Liam replies with a laugh.

"Oh shit, I overslept."

I get up and put on my robe, then walk out into the living room to find no kids. I looked outside and there they were. I sighed in relief that they weren't in trouble.

"They're outside." I say to Liam, walking outside.

"Well let me see them."

"Kids, daddy is on FaceTime, come say hi."

The kids ran over and I sat on a chair and held it out to them.

"Hi daddy!"

"Hey kids, are you being good?"

"Yes." Cecilia answers.

"You didn't call yesterday." Jessica pouts.

"I know, I got busy, I'm sorry. I'm calling now though, and I get to see your faces. How are the girls, Leo?"

"They're good." Leonardo answers. I smile, knowing how happy this is making him feel. "I'm a good brother."

"That's good, be good to mommy too."

"I am don't worry."

"Okay kids, I love you all." Liam says. "Go play, let me talk to mommy."

"Bye daddy!" They all say before running off.

"I miss them so fucking much."

"Hey." I pout teasingly.

"I miss you too."

"I know, I'm messing with you. I'm so happy you get to come home in two days. Longest week of my life."

"Exactly how I feel." He agrees.

"But seriously, why didn't you call yesterday?"

"I was hoping no one would bring it up, but Jessy did."

"Liam why?"

"I told them, and like I told you last night on text, I got busy."

"You could've at least sent a text earlier saying you wouldn't be able to call. The kids waited past their bedtime." I explain.

"How long?"

"About an hour. I waited til past fucking midnight, probably why I overslept."

"I'm sorry...if it happens again I'll make sure to text you."

"You just make me worry."

"About what?" Liam asks. "You know I'd never do anything."

"Do I?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Never mind, I don't wanna argue this early in the day."

"I see you're upset, now talk to me."

"I gotta go, Leo is yelling for me, bye." I lie.

"But-" Then I hang up.

I hate lying but I don't wanna start an argument this early. I don't wanna start an argument at all. I walked into the house and to Liam's and my room. I grabbed some clothes and went to the shower.