LIV’S POV
I sat frozen, blinking at the screen as Kaelon’s voice echoed from the television. My chest rose and fell like I’d just sprinted a mile uphill. His words, every syllable, struck something deep inside me.
"I am in love with Liv Bennett. I have been for a long time. And I will not let baseless rumors, cheap scandals, or anyone's petty vendettas come between us.”
The room around me vanished. I barely heard the gasps from Rose and Lara as the words reverberated through the silence that followed.
"Did you know about this?" Rose’s voice broke through first, surprised but sharp.
I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. My fingers gripped the throw pillow on my lap like it was the only thing tethering me to the earth.
Lara turned toward me, eyes narrowed. "Liv, say something. Did
