The Kiss List

Chapter 12: The Truth Between Us

Noah took a deep breath, his eyes searching Olivia’s for any sign that she was truly ready to hear him out. "Emily and I dated for almost two years," he started, his voice low and steady. "At first, things were great, but over time, we brought out the worst in each other. I wasn’t perfect, Olivia. I admit that. But neither was she."

Olivia crossed her arms, skepticism flickering in her expression. "So, what happened?"

Noah sighed. "We fell into a toxic cycle. Fights, makeups, breakups—over and over again. I tried to walk away so many times, but she always found a way to pull me back. And I let her. Until one day, I finally had enough. I ended it for good."

"And she just let you go?" Olivia asked, doubt creeping into her voice.

He shook his head. "Not exactly. She was angry. She told me that I’d regret it, that I was making a mistake. She sent messages, showed up at places she knew I’d be. For months, she wouldn’t let it go. It got bad enough that I had to change my number."

Olivia frowned. "That’s not the story she told me. She said you disappeared, that you strung her along and never gave her closure."

Noah let out a humorless laugh. "Of course, she did. She wants you to see me as the villain because that’s how she’s chosen to see me. But, Liv, if I really was as bad as she says, would I be standing here, trying to be honest with you?"

Olivia wanted to believe him, but the nagging doubt remained. "I don’t know, Noah. I don’t know what to think."

He stepped closer, his voice softening. "I understand why you’re questioning this. I do. But I swear to you, Olivia, I’m not that person anymore. I don’t want to repeat the past. I want something real—with you."

Her heart pounded. Could she trust him? Was she willing to take that leap? "I need time," she whispered.

Noah nodded. "Take all the time you need. Just promise me one thing."

"What?"

"Don’t let someone else’s version of my past decide our future."

She swallowed hard, nodding slowly. "Okay."

---

The following days were a blur of conflicting emotions. Olivia couldn’t shake the weight of Emily’s words, but she also couldn’t ignore the sincerity in Noah’s eyes. She needed clarity, and there was only one way to get it.

She decided to meet Emily again, this time armed with questions. When she arrived at the coffee shop, Emily greeted her with a knowing look. "I was wondering when you’d come back."

Olivia sat down, folding her hands on the table. "I need you to be honest with me. No more half-truths. No more leaving things out."

Emily smirked. "I have nothing to hide."

"Then tell me everything. Not just about Noah, but about you, too. What really happened between you two?"

Emily hesitated, her confident demeanor flickering. "I loved him. And he loved me. But love isn’t always enough."

Olivia leaned in. "Go on."

Emily’s fingers tightened around her coffee cup. "We were passionate, but passion can turn destructive. I thought if I fought hard enough, he’d stay. But Noah? He always had one foot out the door. I just didn’t want to see it."

"Did he ever promise you forever?" Olivia asked.

Emily exhaled, looking away. "No. But I wanted him to. And when he wouldn’t, I convinced myself he was leading me on."

A realization settled over Olivia. Maybe Noah hadn’t been perfect, but Emily had been clinging to something that was never really there. And Olivia? She had to decide if she was doing the same.

---

That night, Olivia found herself standing outside Noah’s door. She knocked, heart racing. When he opened it, surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Liv?"

She took a deep breath. "I need to know something, Noah. Are you really ready for this? For us?"

His expression softened. "More than anything."

She hesitated for only a second before stepping inside, closing the door behind her. Maybe trust wasn’t rebuilt overnight. Maybe love required risks. But in that moment, Olivia decided Noah was a risk worth taking.