Broken Promises

Chapter Twenty

Liam's POV

I watched Emerson as she walked down the hallway, headed back to her own place for the night. After my confession, I was scared that I overstepped the boundaries she so clearly set between us over the last couple of weeks, but when she let out her breathy, "okay", I was overcome with joy.

I know I shouldn't have kissed her or cuddled her while I am still in a relationship with Danielle, but I have been selfish and stealing those moments with Emerson as long as she would allow it. I need to end my relationship with Danielle before I go any further with Emerson because it's not fair to any party involved.

I walked back to my room quietly so as not to disturb the others who were still awake watching the movie. After shutting the door, I took my phone out of my pocket and twirled it in my fingers, contemplating on what to do next and how I should do it.

"Fuck it," I say, and dial Danielle's number. Even though it is early morning hours in London, it will be the day time for Danielle in New Zealand.

Danielle answers on the last ring, and her tone is immediately off. "Hello?" she asks.

By her statement and her lack of communication during these last three stressful days in my life, I am angered. "So is that really how you decide to answer after all of this time? I hear from you once, even though you know I was rushed to the hospital, and you still have an attitude with me?" I spit out.

"Oh, don't act like you have needed me around when I have clearly been replaced," Danielle fires back.

"What are you even talking about?" I ask, confused.

"Liam, you're a famous pop star. You get photographed everywhere you go. I saw you on the arm of some blonde girl, whom I've never seen before. You seem to be getting on just fine without me," she scoffs.

"Danielle, her name is Emerson. I have known her since birth. We grew up together, and once I left for the X-Factor when I was fourteen we stopped talking. I only just saw her a couple of weeks ago at a concert. And you know, this is exactly what I need to talk to you about," I rant, "you never trust me. Not once have I given you reason to doubt my loyalty, yet you act like I party and sleep with every girl I see. That is not the case, and it has never been the case.

This relationship is exhausting me because I am constantly on eggshells with you. I can't do it anymore, and you being absent during a time I needed you the most really put things into perspective for me," I admit.

There is a pause over the line, and then she heaves a heavy sigh. "I know. I've been trying to convince myself that it's only been you at fault, but it's mostly been me. I can't do this anymore either, Li. I thought we could handle anything, but I just don't really want to anymore," she explains.

I hesitate, trying to collect my thoughts before I say anything further. "I hate having this conversation over the phone," I begin, "but I am glad that I'm not the only one feeling this way."

"I agree. We've done so many things over the last few years, but I think we are both at a time in our lives where we need to move on. I want to be in New Zealand and enjoy my time dancing here, and I want you to be able to enjoy your tours and concerts without worrying about me," Danielle explains.

"So, is this it? Are we breaking up?" I ask, not quite sure how I should be processing my emotions.

She pauses again, and says, "Yeah. Yeah I think we are. I'm so sorry for not being there or texting you for your surgery. That was really low of me, but I have just been seeing so many pictures of you and Emerson, and I guess I was forcing myself to believe that something was happening because I wanted it to be easier for me if I broke up with you."