Lily Davenport had grown used to Joe's sneering remarks ever since Liam began distancing himself from everyone. Joe, once wary of Liam's sharp wit and intimidating presence, had found newfound boldness in his absence. Though she tried to ignore him, his constant jabs at her relationship—or lack thereof—with Liam were grating.
"Looks like your guard dog has abandoned you," Joe sneered one day during lunch, leaning casually against the wall of the courtyard. His group of equally obnoxious friends chuckled behind him. "What happened? Did you bore him? Or did he finally realize you're not worth the effort?"
Lily tightened her grip on her lunch tray, refusing to look at him. Her heart ached at the mention of Liam, but she wouldn't let Joe see how much his words stung.
"You know, Davenport," Joe continued, his tone dripping with mock concern, "you could make things easier on yourself. A little... contribution might make me forget you exist altogether." He smirked, holding out his hand. "How about it? A small price for peace of mind."
Before Lily could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"Hey, Joe. How about you shut that big mouth of yours?" Avery Quinn strode forward, her expression fierce. Her tone was icy enough to make Joe falter for a moment. "Or do you want me to make you?"
Emily Carter followed closely behind, her demeanor calmer but no less determined. "Avery, let's not escalate things. We're better than this."
Joe rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Oh, great. Now you've got your little army stepping in. What's next, calling your ghost of a boyfriend to come rescue you?"
"Liam's got nothing to do with this," Emily said firmly, her eyes narrowing. "You're just picking on her because you think she's vulnerable. You're pathetic."
Avery cracked her knuckles, stepping closer. "And if you don't leave her alone, you'll have to deal with me. Trust me, I don't mind making things physical."
Joe took a step back, raising his hands defensively. "Alright, alright, no need to get all worked up. Just having a little fun."
As Joe walked away with his friends, Avery turned to Lily. "You've got to stop letting him get to you."
Lily forced a smile but said nothing. Deep down, she knew Avery and Emily couldn't always be there to defend her. And the thought of asking Liam for help felt impossible.
The next day, Joe cornered Lily again near the lockers. This time, neither Avery nor Emily was around to intervene.
"Think about it, Davenport," Joe said, his voice lower and more threatening. "A small payment, and I'll be out of your hair for good. You don't want to make this harder on yourself, do you?"
Lily hesitated. She hated the idea of giving in to him, but the constant harassment was wearing her down. Without Liam's silent but powerful presence, she felt alone and vulnerable.
"Fine," she muttered, reaching into her bag. She handed him a wad of cash, her hands trembling slightly. "Just leave me alone."
Joe grinned triumphantly and pocketed the money. "See? That wasn't so hard."
Unbeknownst to Lily, Liam had been watching the entire exchange from a distance. He had been walking to the library when he spotted the interaction. His sharp eyes noted every detail—Joe's smug expression, Lily's reluctant body language, and the moment she handed over the money.
For a brief second, something flickered in Liam's otherwise cold gaze. He clenched his fists, but he quickly released them, schooling his expression back into one of calm detachment.
Liam found Joe lounging near the back of the school, counting the money he had extorted from Lily.
"Joe," Liam's voice was quiet but carried an edge that made Joe look up immediately.
"Oh, look who it is. The infamous Liam Foster." Joe smirked, though there was a flicker of unease in his eyes. "Finally decided to show up? Don't worry, I'm taking good care of your little girlfriend."
Liam stepped closer, his gaze like ice. "You think you're clever, don't you? Picking on someone who wouldn't fight back. Using empty threats to get what you want."
Joe shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Hey, she gave it to me willingly. Not my fault if she's easy to intimidate."
Liam's expression didn't change, but his voice dropped lower. "Let me make one thing clear. If I ever see you near Lily again, you'll regret it. I won't need to raise a hand to make your life miserable. Words can ruin reputations faster than fists ever could."
Joe swallowed hard, the confidence in his smirk faltering. "Alright, alright. No need to get all serious."
"You'll return the money," Liam continued, his tone unyielding. "And you'll apologize. Not because I told you to, but because you should've never taken it in the first place."
Joe hesitated, but the intensity of Liam's gaze made it impossible to argue. "Fine. I'll give it back. Happy?"
Liam didn't respond. He simply turned and walked away, leaving Joe to stew in his own discomfort.
Later that day, Joe approached Lily in the hallway, his demeanor uncharacteristically subdued. He handed her the money back without meeting her eyes.
"I, uh... I'm sorry," he muttered. "I won't bother you again."
Lily stared at him in shock, clutching the money tightly. As Joe walked away, she couldn't help but wonder what had prompted his sudden change of heart.
That evening, as Lily sat at her desk, she thought about Joe's apology. She had a nagging feeling that Liam was behind it, though she couldn't be sure.
In his room, Liam continued studying, his face as impassive as ever. Yet deep within, he felt a faint sense of satisfaction. He hadn't stepped in directly, but he had ensured that Lily wouldn't be bothered again.
For now, that was enough.