CHAPTER 4: What the hell is happening?

Emma's POV

I sat at the dining table, my thoughts far away from the fancy meal in front of me. My fork twirled the spaghetti on my plate endlessly, my mind stuck on Ryan’s words.

His words crushed me, even though I tried to act indifferent. Time and time again, Ryan had proven I never really mattered to him.

I was just something he could easily discard when something better came along. Well, I was done being his afterthought. He was going to pay for using me like that.

I barely noticed Liam’s father watching me closely until his voice cut through my thoughts. “So, Emma, are you ready to marry my son, or is this whole dating thing just a waste of time?”

My throat closed up, and I nearly choked on the piece of food I had just forced myself to swallow. Marriage? Grandchildren? What the hell had I gotten myself into?

Liam's father noticed that I was uncomfortable. “Right, he didn't tell you how much I'm eager for him to get married and to bore my grandkids, Did he?

I shook my head. Liam didn't tell me all this. I only thought his father was one of those men who only wanted to see their sons with a woman. Probably to prove that they are not gay.

My eyes widened as his words sank in. “I…” I began, but nothing coherent followed. I could feel the heat creeping up my neck, and I instinctively looked at Liam for help.

Before I could formulate a response, Liam, who had been having a hushed conversation with Ryan moments ago far away from the dining table, stepped forward smoothly.

“Dad,” he said, his voice calm but firm, “let’s not rush things, alright? We’re taking things one step at a time.”

His father frowned, clearly unimpressed. “One step at a time? Liam, I’m not getting any younger. What’s the point of dating if you don’t plan to wed and give me grandchildren?”

Liam sighed but didn’t waver. He reached for my hand under the table and squeezed it reassuringly. “The day will come, Dad. Just give us time.”

His father looked at us both for a long moment, then sighed, shaking his head. “Fine. But don’t keep me waiting forever.”

Dinner carried on in an awkward haze after that. The food, which I was sure was probably delicious, tasted like cardboard in my mouth. I just wanted to get out of there.

Finally, Liam drove me back to my villa. The silence in the car was oddly comforting, but my mind was still racing. He glanced at me briefly before speaking. “I’m sorry about my dad,” he said sincerely. “He can be... persistent.”

I let out a short laugh, shaking my head. “Persistent is an understatement.”

Liam smirked. “I hope you weren’t too caught off guard.”

“I wasn’t,” I replied honestly. “But I was caught off guard by Ryan’s presence.” I turned to him with narrowed eyes. “Why did you invite him?”

Liam’s fingers drummed against the steering wheel as he considered his answer. “It was part of the plan,” he said finally. “Making him regret losing you. And from what I saw, it’s working.”

I bit my lip, thinking back to the way Ryan had looked at me earlier, like he couldn’t believe I was here, dressed like this, with someone like Liam. “You think so?” I asked, not entirely convinced.

“I know so,” Liam said confidently. “Ryan’s the kind of guy who doesn’t appreciate what he has until it’s gone.”

That made me pause. “Why are you putting so much effort into this, though?” I asked, studying his profile. “What’s in it for you?”

Liam smirked, his blue eyes flicking to mine for a second before returning to the road. “Freedom,” he said simply. “Freedom from blind dates my dad keeps setting up. Freedom from business women throwing their daughters at me like I’m some golden ticket.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “So I’m your escape plan?”

“Exactly,” he said, grinning.

When we arrived at my villa, Liam parked the car and turned to me. “Goodnight, Emma,” he said, his voice softer than before. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” I raised an eyebrow.

He leaned back, looking way too pleased with himself. “I’m kind of a big deal, you know. Everyone’s watching. If we don’t show up together every now and then, people will start talking.”

I rolled my eyes but smiled. “Whatever you say. Goodnight, Liam.”

As I stepped inside my villa, I let out a long breath. Liam was arrogant, no doubt about that. But he was also... considerate in his own strange way. He was helping me in a way I didn’t even realize I needed.

Maybe he was a man sent from the heavens to heal my broken heart. I'd be glad about that because I found him attractive and at the same time annoying.

But then again, I didn't think I was ready to fall in love with anyone, not yet.

But my thoughts were cut short when I noticed something off. My door... it was slightly open. My heart skipped a beat. I pushed it wider cautiously and stepped inside.

And there he was. Ryan. Sitting on my couch like he owned the place, his legs crossed, and his eyes locked on me the second I walked in.

“How the hell did you get in?” I demanded, my voice sharp.

Ryan smirked, standing up slowly. “I’m not ready to let you go, Emma,” he said, ignoring my question as he stepped toward me with purpose.

I took a step back, my heart pounding in my chest. “You don’t get to say that,” I snapped. “Not after everything.”

He ignored me, closing the distance between us. “I made a mistake,” he murmured, his voice low and filled with something I couldn’t quite place. “I want you back.”

Before I could react, before I could push him away or even think, Ryan leaned in and pressed his lips against mine.

I froze, shock coursing through me. I didn’t kiss him back, but I couldn’t move either.

What the hell was happening?