That night, in their shared bedroom, the tension was suffocating.

Sora sat in front of the vanity, brushing her beautiful waist-length and light blonde hair, pretending like Liam wasn't standing just a few feet away, undoing his tie.

Finally, he spoke. "You played along well today."

Sora met his gaze in the mirror. "Did I have a choice?"

Liam let out a short laugh. "No, you didn't." He walked closer, stopping behind her. "Just like I didn't have a choice when you humiliated me in front of the whole school. Funny how fate works, huh?"

Sora's fingers tightened around the brush. "You still don't know the truth."

Liam's smirk faded. "Then tell me, Sora. What truth could possibly justify what you did to me?"

Her throat went dry.

If she told him... would he even believe her? Or would he think she was lying to manipulate him?

She turned to face him. "I—"

Knock. Knock.

Liam stepped back, his cold mask returning. He walked to the door and opened it.

A butler stood there, holding a letter. "Sir, Miss Vivian Morgan is here to see you."

Silence.

Sora felt her chest tighten. Vivian...

Liam glanced at her, and for a split second, she thought he looked... conflicted.

Then, without a word, he turned and walked out.

Sora sat there, staring at the empty doorway.

He cares about Vivian more than her.

And he has never stopped.

And that thought... hurt more than she expected.