Chapter 43: Shattered Bonds
668 Words
"Allie," Nick's voice was low, almost pleading, as he stepped closer to her under the late afternoon sun. His figure, lean but tense, seemed a shadow of its former self. The confident, commanding man she once knew was now filled with raw vulnerability.
“Allie,” he repeated, his voice cracking. “I’ve missed you.”
Allie Brooks turned to face him, her eyes narrowing. “Nick,” she said coldly, “we’ve been over this. I’ve moved on. So should you.”
Nick reached out impulsively, grabbing her wrist, his touch both desperate and hesitant. “I know I’ve messed up. I know I hurt you. But I can’t let you go, Allie. I love you.”
Allie yanked her arm free, her voice sharp. “Love? Is that what you call it? You slept with Cheryl! She’s carrying your child! Be a man, Nick. Take responsibility for your actions and leave me out of it.”
Pain flashed in Nick’s green eyes. His jaw tightened, and for a moment, he looked like he might argue. Instead, he said, softly, “Cher tricked me. It wasn’t... it wasn’t supposed to happen. Please, Allie. Don’t shut me out. Don’t give up on us. I can’t take it.”
Allie shook her head, her voice filled with a mix of exasperation and pity. “You think an apology and a few words can fix this? Grow up, Nick. What we had is over. You made sure of that the day you betrayed me.”
Nearby, a few students slowed their steps, their curious gazes lingering on the heated exchange. Allie, feeling their stares, stepped back. “This conversation is over,” she said firmly, turning on her heel and heading toward the library.
“Allie, wait!” Nick called after her, but she didn’t stop.
The glass doors of the library welcomed her like a sanctuary. As she stepped inside, the cool air wrapped around her, soothing her nerves. She found a quiet corner by the windows, her thoughts a whirlwind.
Nick’s words echoed in her mind, but another face surfaced amidst the chaos: Liam Hart. His enigmatic smile, his piercing blue eyes... what was he doing now? She hated that she was thinking about him, but there he was, lodged in her mind like a splinter.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile, in the towering Hart Enterprises building, Liam sat in his spacious office, the city skyline stretching out behind him. Across from him, a young man, casually dressed, lounged in a chair with a smirk plastered on his face.
“I can’t believe you dragged me here for this,” Noah drawled, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “I thought it was some kind of emergency. But no. You want me to hack a school forum?”
Liam remained impassive, flipping through a file without so much as a glance in Noah’s direction. He slid a check across the desk. “A million dollars,” he said simply. “That should cover your outrage.”
Noah’s eyes lit up. He snatched the check and pocketed it with a dramatic flourish. “You know, for a genius, you have a very boring sense of humor.”
“Just do it,” Liam said, his tone brooking no argument.
With a theatrical sigh, Noah opened his laptop. “You’re lucky I like you, Liam. And you’re even luckier I’m this good.”
His fingers danced over the keyboard, his expression transforming into one of intense focus.
Less than a minute later, he leaned back, grinning. “Done. Not only did I wipe the post, but I bought the forum.
Consider it a two-for-one deal.”
Liam’s lips twitched in what could almost be called a smile. “Efficient.”
Noah crossed his arms, eyeing Liam suspiciously. “What’s so special about this Allie Brooks, anyway? I’ve never seen you go to such lengths for anyone before.”
Liam’s eyes darkened, his gaze shifting to the city beyond the window. “She’s... different.”
- Writer
