That note shook in my hands as I read the words over and over again. "I remember you." My chest tightened, and I felt like I couldn't breathe. Could this be real? Could Elliot—or Liam, as he was called now—really remember me? After everything, how could it be possible?
My mind raced, but before I could make sense of it, I heard footsteps behind me, quick and too close. My heart leaped as I spun around, my pulse thundering in my ears.
It was Caleb. Liam's brother. He stood there with his usual smug expression, his arms crossed casually, but his eyes were sharp, calculating.
"You seem surprised," he said, his voice calm but laced with something darker.
"What do you want, Caleb?" I asked, sliding the note into my pocket. My hands trembled, but I clenched them into fists to hide it.
He leaned against the doorway like he had all the time in the world. "Oh, not much. Just wanted to check on you." He tilted his head, his gaze narrowing. "You looked a little... shaken."
I kept my face neutral, even though my mind screamed at me to get rid of him. "I'm fine. Thanks for your concern."
"Hmm," he mused, tapping his chin theatrically. "I wonder. You know, I happened to write a little note earlier. Just a few words. And, funny enough, it seems to have found its way to you."
My stomach dropped. Of course, it had been him. "What are you talking about?" I asked, trying to sound indifferent.
Caleb grinned like a predator toying with its prey. "Don't play dumb, Asher. I wanted to see how you'd react, and you didn't disappoint. That look on your face just now? Priceless."
"You've got too much time on your hands, Caleb," I said sharply.
He straightened, stepping closer. The amusement in his eyes faded, replaced by something colder. "You're hiding something. I can feel it. And trust me, I'll figure it out."
"There's nothing to figure out," I snapped.
His smirk returned, but it didn't reach his eyes. "We'll see." With that, he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing down the hall.
I let out a shaky breath, my heart still racing. Caleb's games were dangerous, but I couldn't let him distract me. I had to find Liam.
The search felt like it would never end.
I started in Liam's room, hoping he might've gone back there. The bed was untouched, perfectly made, and the faint scent of cedar still lingered in the air. It felt like he'd vanished into thin air.
I moved quickly, checking the library, the study, even the kitchens. Every space was empty, and with each dead end, frustration tightened in my chest. The longer he was gone, the more uneasy I became.
By the time I stepped into the gardens, the moon was high above, casting its pale light over the estate. The cold air touched my skin, but I didn't care. I called his name into the stillness, my voice carrying over the silent grounds. "Liam!"
Nothing. Only the soft rustle of leaves answered me.
Panic began to creep in. What if he'd left the estate? What if he was hurt—or worse, what if Caleb had already reached him? My mind spiraled with possibilities, each one worse than the last.
I kept searching, my steps quick and determined. When I reached the edge of the forest, the tall trees stood like dark giants, their shadows stretching long under the silver moonlight. The woods seemed to swallow the world in front of me.
Then I saw him.
Liam stood near a cluster of trees, his back to me. His shoulders were hunched, and his hands were shoved into his pockets. He was staring out into the dark forest like he was lost in his thoughts—or maybe trying to escape them.
Relief flooded through me, but it was quickly replaced by caution. I approached slowly, not wanting to startle him. "Liam," I called softly.
He turned at the sound of my voice, his face half-hidden in shadow. His expression was blank, but his eyes locked onto mine, unreadable.
"You've been looking for me," he said. His voice was calm, but there was a hint of something else—tension, maybe.
I nodded, stopping a few steps away. "You disappeared," I said quietly. "I was worried."
His gaze didn't waver. "Why? Why do you care?"
The question caught me off guard. I opened my mouth, then closed it, searching for the right words. His eyes were fixed on me, intense, like he was trying to see straight through me.
"Because you matter," I said at last, my voice soft but steady. "And I don't want anything bad to happen to you."
He stayed quiet, watching me with a mix of confusion and something else I couldn't quite name. The silence stretched, heavy and thick, until he spoke again, his voice quieter this time.
"Why do you care so much?" he asked, almost like he didn't believe it.
I stepped closer, slowly, as if any sudden movement might shatter whatever fragile moment we were in. "Because I just do," I said, barely above a whisper. "I can't explain it, Liam. I just... do."
His hand reached out suddenly, catching me by the wrist. His touch was warm, steady, and it sent a jolt through me that made my breath hitch. He held on, his grip firm but gentle, like he was afraid I'd slip away if he let go.
"You're always there," he said, his voice trembling just enough to give him away. "Every time I feel like I'm falling apart, you're there. And I don't understand why."
I didn't know how to answer, so I didn't. My heart pounded in my chest, the sound so loud I was sure he could hear it.
Liam stepped closer, his hand sliding down to hold mine. His fingers hesitated before intertwining with mine, his touch uncertain but steady. His eyes, filled with questions and something raw, stayed locked on mine.
"You make me feel... whole," he admitted, his voice barely audible.
"You're not broken," I said softly. "You're just—"
He didn't wait for me to finish. His hand cupped my face, and before I could think, his lips pressed against mine.
The kiss started soft, almost hesitant, but it quickly grew deeper, more urgent. It felt like he was pouring everything he couldn't say into that moment, every fear, every unspoken feeling.
My hands moved to his chest, and I could feel his heartbeat beneath my palms, wild and unsteady, mirroring my own.
When we finally pulled apart, his forehead rested against mine, his breaths uneven. He stayed close, his hand still gently holding my face.
"I don't know what this means," he said, his voice shaky. "But I can't pretend I don't feel something anymore."
I nodded, my own voice barely steady. "I feel it too," I whispered.
For a moment, it felt like time had stopped, like nothing else mattered. But deep down, I knew it wouldn't last. There was too much left unsaid, too many secrets between us. Secrets that could destroy everything.
He looked away, his eyes dropping to the ground. His voice softened, barely more than a whisper. "I don't remember much. But sometimes… It feels like I should. Like something's missing."
I stayed silent, letting him continue.
"And when I'm around you," he said, his hands clenching at his sides, "it's worse. It's like there's something there, but I can't reach it. Like a memory I can't grab onto."
His words hit me hard, but I forced myself to stay calm. I couldn't tell him the truth—not yet. Not with Caleb always waiting for a chance to use anything against us.
"It's okay," I said gently, stepping a little closer. "Sometimes things take time to come back. You don't have to face this alone. I'm here, Liam. Whatever happens, I'll be here."
For a moment, he looked at me like he wanted to believe me. His shoulders relaxed slightly, and the hardness in his eyes softened. But then, just as quickly, the wall was back up.
"I don't know if I can trust you," he said, his voice sharper now. "You're not telling me everything. I can feel it."
The accusation made my stomach drop. "Liam, I—"
But he turned before I could finish, disappearing into the darkness of the trees.
I didn't follow him. My feet felt rooted to the spot as I stared after him, the weight of his words sinking in.
He was right. I wasn't telling him everything.
And if he ever found out the truth, I didn't know if he'd ever forgive me.