Episode threeThorn between shadow
1055 Words
He moved toward me and squatted by the bed.
“Lara, right? Your name sounds sweet.”
I realized I was barely clothed. Just underwear. My n*****s poked through the thin fabric.
He smiled. “Are you always this naughty?”
“You’re the naughty one,” I snapped. “Coming into your house drunk and sleeping in your bed… What if you took advantage of me?”
He smirked. “Exactly. What if I did?”
His voice lowered.
“Come for breakfast.”
“Hell no.”
“Not the food your dog likes,” I muttered bitterly.
Liam stepped closer, his face bending toward mine, just inches away. “And you actually believed I have a dog?”
“Why did you say that the other day then?”
“Because you vomited on my clothes,” he said, smirking. “And yesterday, you did it again. So tell me, aren’t you the dog now?”
Fury bubbled up in me. I stood, ready to lash out.
“No need to get angry,” he said coolly, “unless you want to pay 7 million for sleeping on my bed.”
Immediately, my anger melted away like ice under the sun.
“Come out for breakfast—and hangover soup.”
I followed him shyly, completely thrown off by his unpredictable charm. Honestly, this guy was really getting under my skin. He needed to be taught a lesson.
We sat in silence at the table, eating quietly until he broke it.
“Is Tomson your boyfriend?” he asked.
My eyes widened. How did he know?
“You mentioned his name about twenty times last night,” he said, as if reading my mind.
“He… he’s my boyfriend,” I answered, my voice barely above a whisper. Tears stung the back of my eyes. “Please, can we just eat in peace? I don’t want to talk about him.”
He nodded. “I respect that.”
After a quiet moment, I asked, “You… what’s your name?”
“You’ve slept on my bed twice now and still don’t know my name?” he chuckled. “It’s Liam.”
“Nice to meet you, Liam,” I smiled faintly, reaching out for a handshake. His hand was soft. I wished I could hold it forever.
“You can hold it forever,” he said suddenly.
I blinked, startled. “Wait, can you read my mind?”
“Were you thinking about holding my hand forever?”
“Oh no,” I denied quickly.
“Then let go of me.”
Only then did I realize I was still clinging to his hand. I pulled away. “I’m sorry.”
“No need to be. Eat up,” he said casually.
How could he be so infuriating and kind at the same time?
The day turned out to be one of the best I’d had in years. We played games. Laughed. He made me feel safe. Genuinely happy.
For once, I tasted the sweetness of life. The bitterness of yesterday felt like a distant memory.
But that happiness didn’t last long.
When I got home, I walked in on my father and Tomson—discussing wedding plans.
Wedding? I froze.
“Dad,” I said, announcing my presence.
“Welcome, princess,” he greeted. The first time in a long while he used that word. It should have made me happy, but something felt off.
“Come closer, Lara,” he said.
Tomson turned, eyes locking with mine. I walked over slowly and sat down, far away from him. The distance between us was deliberate. My father noticed, but said nothing.
“You know, when I was pursuing your mother, we also had disagreements. Tomson told me what happened at the party yesterday. I apologize on his behalf.”
Tomson shot me a look as if to say, See? I told you nothing’s going on.
Why was everyone blind to the truth?
Tomson moved closer. “I’m sorry, Lara.”
I was too tired to be deceived again.
So I asked, right there in front of my father, “Tomson Morgue, do you love me?”
He hesitated.
“Love isn’t something you just develop,” he finally said. “Give me time, Lara. I’ll change for you.”
I laughed bitterly. “Then there’s nothing to talk about.”
I stood to leave.
“Lara,” my father said, “Tomson is right. Love takes time. Please, my princess, give him a chance.”
My heart broke.
Whose side are you on, Dad?
“We’ve been dating for four years. If that’s not enough to develop feelings, then what is?”
I looked at both of them one last time before walking away.
Tomson followed me to my room.
I sat silently on my bed. He opened the door and stepped in.
“See, I’m sorry, Lara. I’ll try my best—”
“No, Tomson. You can’t force love. Let it go.”
“I know it hurts. I’ve made mistakes. But haven’t we shared so much together? Can’t you see I’m trying?”
“I’ve given everything, Tomson. Everything! And still, I feel like I’m begging to be loved.”
“I told your father who I was with yesterday,” he said. “I’m telling you the truth now. Please… just give me time to figure this out.”
My heart melted again.
“Please,” he repeated, voice low. “Forgive me.”
I nodded slowly.
He leaned in. “Since we’ve forgiven each other… can we make up for yesterday?”
I blushed hard.
Tomson, what have you done to me?
We made love again. Passionately. Deeply.
I didn’t want to wake up from that dream.
The next morning, I woke up… alone.
Later that day, my father approached me. “Tomson had to attend to something urgent.”
I believed him. After all, he told my father. That had to mean something.
But then he added, “Lara, your father’s company is doing well because we have Tomson by our side. Don’t let this opportunity slip away.”
I stared at him, disbelief flooding my chest.
He nodded as if I should understand.
I turned and walked away—back to my room
- Writer
