Maya's lip trembled as she fought to keep her composure, but the dam finally broke, and she collapsed into tears, her shoulders shaking with the force of her sobs.
"I can't do this anymore, Liam," Maya choked out between sobs. "I can't watch you with Emily and pretend like it doesn't hurt."
Liam's heart shattered at the sight of her pain, his own eyes welling up with unshed tears. He knelt beside her, wrapping his arms around her trembling form as he held her close.
"I'm so sorry, Maya," Liam murmured, his voice choked with emotion. "I never wanted to hurt you. You mean everything to me."
Maya buried her face in his chest, her tears soaking through the fabric of his shirt as she clung to him desperately. "Then why, Liam?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Why did you bring her here?"
Liam's heart ached at her words, knowing that he had caused her so much pain. He cupped her face in his hands, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"Maya, there's something you need to know," Liam began, his voice steady despite the turmoil raging inside him. "Emily is not... she's not just some random fling."
Maya's brow furrowed in confusion, her tears momentarily forgotten as she searched his eyes for answers. "What do you mean?"
Liam took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to reveal. "Emily is my sister," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Maya's eyes widened in shock, her mind struggling to process the revelation. "Your sister?" she echoed, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Liam nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. "Yes," he confirmed, his voice soft but firm. "She's my blood sister, Maya. I invited her over for Christmas, and the rest of my family are yet to come. Nothing more."
Maya felt a surge of embarrassment wash over her, realizing how foolish she had been to jump to conclusions. She buried her face in her hands, her cheeks burning with shame.
"I'm so sorry, Liam," Maya murmured, her voice muffled by her hands. "I had no idea..."
Liam reached out to gently pry her hands away from her face, his expression filled with compassion. "It's okay, Maya," he said, his voice gentle as he wiped away her tears. "I understand why you were upset. But you have nothing to worry about."
Maya met his gaze, her eyes brimming with tears. "I'm sorry for doubting you," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I just... I couldn't bear the thought of losing you."
Liam's heart clenched at her words, a surge of tenderness washing over him. He pulled her into his arms, holding her close as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.
With a trembling sigh, he pulled Maya into his arms, holding her tightly against him as if afraid she would vanish into thin air. "I love you, Maya," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "I always have, and I always will."
Maya's breath caught in her throat at his declaration, her heart swelling with emotion. She clung to him desperately, feeling the weight of his words sinking in.
"I love you too, Liam," Maya whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'm so sorry for doubting you."
Maya buried her face in his chest, her tears mingling with his as they clung to each other, united once more by the unbreakable bond of love. And as the night stretched on, enveloping them in its embrace, Liam knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, as long as they had each other, they could weather any storm that came their way.
2/2.
At least.. I could come up with something.
**smiles**
What do y'all think about this revelation?
Any constructive criticism?