The rain came out of nowhere, a sudden downpour that drenched the city in minutes. Liam had just finished his shift at the gala cleanup and was walking home, his jacket pulled tight around him, when he heard the sound of tires screeching on wet pavement. He turned just in time to see a sleek black car hydroplane, skidding dangerously close to the sidewalk before coming to a stop.
His heart leapt into his throat when he recognized the car—it was Evelyn's.
Without thinking, he ran toward it, his shoes splashing through puddles. The driver's side door opened, and Evelyn stepped out, pale but unharmed. She looked shaken, her hands trembling as she brushed a strand of wet hair from her face.
"Evelyn!" Liam called, rushing to her side. "Are you okay?"
She looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise. "Liam? What are you doing here?"
"I was walking home," he said, his voice tight with concern. "What happened? Are you hurt?"
She shook her head though her hands were still trembling. "I'm fine. Just… a little shaken. The roads are slick, and I lost control for a moment."
Liam glanced at the car, which had stopped just inches from a lamppost. "You're lucky you didn't hit anything. Are you sure you're okay to drive?"
Evelyn hesitated, her gaze flicking to the car and then back to Liam. "I… I don't know. I think I need a minute."
"Here," Liam said, shrugging off his jacket and holding it over her head to shield her from the rain. "Let's get you out of the rain. There's a café just around the corner."
She nodded, allowing him to guide her down the street. The café was small and cozy, with warm lighting and the smell of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Liam found a table near the window and helped Evelyn into a seat before flagging down the waitress.
"Two coffees, please," he said, his voice firm but kind. "And maybe something sweet."
The waitress nodded and hurried off, leaving Liam and Evelyn alone at the table. For a moment, neither spoke; the only sound was the soft patter of rain against the window.
"Thank you," Evelyn said finally, her voice soft. "For… for being here."
Liam shrugged, trying to play it off. "It's no big deal. I'm just glad you're okay."
She looked down at her hands, which were still trembling slightly. "I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't been there."
"You would've been fine," Liam said, his tone gentle. "You're stronger than you think."
Evelyn looked up at him, her eyes searching his face. "You don't even know me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "How can you say that?"
"I know enough," Liam replied, holding her gaze. "I know you're kind and smart, and… and you care about people. That's more than most."
Evelyn's breath hitched, and it felt like the world had stopped for a moment. The rain outside, the hum of conversation in the café, and the weight of their different worlds faded away, leaving just the two of them.
But the moment was shattered by the sound of Evelyn's phone buzzing on the table. She glanced at the screen, her expression tightening when she saw the name: *Alexander Whitmore.*
Liam's jaw clenched, but he said nothing as Evelyn answered the call.
"Hello?" she said, her voice carefully neutral.
"Evelyn, where are you?" Alexander's sharp and demanding voice came through the phone. "Your mother said you left the estate hours ago."
"I'm fine," Evelyn replied, her tone clipped. "I just needed some air."
"Well, you need to come back. Now. Your parents are worried, and we have dinner plans."
Evelyn's grip on the phone tightened, but her voice remained calm. "I'll be there soon."
She hung up without waiting for a response, setting the phone down on the table with a quiet sigh. Liam watched her, his chest tight with a mix of frustration and helplessness.
"You don't have to go," he said quietly. "Not if you don't want to."
Evelyn looked at him, her eyes filled with a sadness that made his heartache. "It's not that simple," she said. "My family… they have expectations. And if I don't meet them, there are consequences."
Liam reached across the table, his hand hovering over hers for a moment before he pulled back, unsure if he had the right to touch her. "You deserve to be happy," he said, his voice firm. "No matter what anyone else thinks."
Evelyn's eyes filled with tears, but she blinked them away quickly, forcing a smile. "Thank you, Liam. For everything."
She stood, grabbed her coat and headed for the door. Liam watched her go, his chest tight with emotions he couldn't quite name. He wanted to follow her and tell her she didn't have to face this alone. But he knew it wasn't his place. Not yet.
As the door closed behind her, Liam sat back in his chair, staring at the rain-soaked street. He didn't know what the future held, but one thing was clear: Evelyn Sinclair was worth fighting for. And no matter how many obstacles stood in their way, he wouldn't give up on her.