AllFreeNovel
Share Us
You can do this, Brooke. Tell him what happened.I was going to tell him everything, but this time, I didn’t want to blurt something out like an asshole, so I figured starting out this way was the right move.
“It was really good,” he said, eyes twinkling. “They’re interested in the acquisition. We were able to get some face time with each of the partners, and I think it’s going to happen this time. It’s such a huge move for Grey Industries. I’m really excited.”
I smiled, genuinely pleased for him. “Good. I’m really glad.”
“Thanks. I couldn’t wait to get back and tell you. This acquisition is going to be the first of many happy occasions for us.”
My chest squeezed.Tell him, Brooke.
“I told you before I left that there was something I wanted to talk to you about once I got back,” Liam continued.
“Wait, Liam, before you do, I—” A small black velvet box Liam had fished from his pocket stopped me short. “Liam. Is that—?”
He opened the box, revealing an emerald cut, solitaire diamond ring. “I didn’t want to wait any longer.”
I tried to speak, but there were no words—no words—coming out.
“Wow,” he said smiling, “I never thought I’d shock you with anything.”
I shifted my gaze from the ring, beautifully shimmering in the chandelier’s glow, back to Liam. “I have to talk to you. Something happened while you were gone,” I began.
His face immediately fell, and I wished, more than anything, that I could pause time or run—do anything to avoid hurting Liam, but I knew I had to continue.
No more lies,I told myself, steeling my resolve.“Alex and I, we got to talking. About our past and what drove us apart—one thing led to another, and... we slept together.” I swallowed hard, studying Liam’s face for a reaction, but it was as blank as an empty chalkboard. “I’m so incredibly sorry. I shouldn’t have done that to you. You should have been able to trust me. When you left, I meant what I said—I thought my feelings were in the past, and I was ready to leave them there, but something shifted, and I have to be honest with you now.” I felt two inches tall. I felt like a bug. And if Liam were smart, he’d step on me. I deserved it.
Liam snapped the ring box shut, shoved it in his pocket, and began pacing the length of the bedroom as he ran a hand through his hair. I desperately wanted him to say something—scold me, scream, even throw something, whatever—but he just kept pacing.
So, I waited.
In the short time I’d known him, Liam had never been reactive. He was thoughtful and introspective by nature. But in this case, given what I’d just told him, I expected a boom.
After what felt like an eternity, he stopped in front of me.
“Do you want to be with him?”
His directness made my breath catch. “Wh—what?”
“Do you want to be with him?” he repeated. “What was this? Was it two people who used to love each other getting closure and saying goodbye? Or was it two people getting a second chance?”
“I... why aren’t you upset?”
He sighed. “I figured there was more to the story, Brooke. I figured there was a reason you were light on the details about your college boyfriend, why you hadn’t dated anyone until me, and, don’t get me wrong, it hurts. But I’m putting that aside because I need to understand what your connection to Alex means now.”
I opened my mouth, but an invisible rope chose that moment to tighten around my vocal cords. How could I answer the question honestly without hurting Liam any more than I was sure I already had? I felt stuck, trapped in the cage of my poor judgment, my feelings for Alex the shackles I couldn’t—and didn’t want to—be free from.
I cleared my throat, summoning the courage to answer. “I still love him.”
Liam shut his eyes and brought his hand to his forehead, massaging his temples with his thumb and middle finger. When he opened his eyes again, they were glossy, making my heart ache.
“I’m sorry,” I added. “I know that’s not what you want to hear, but I want to be completely honest with you. I owe you that.”
He took my hands and looked at me intently for a beat. “Do you still loveme?”
It was the second time that day I’d been asked that question, and the repeat sent Alex’s version echoing through my mind. I took a breath, counting to a silent three as I exhaled so I could think and answer equally honestly. “I do, yes. I still love you, too.”
The guilt in my stomach ratcheted up as if someone turned up a blender to full power. Only, it wasn’t just my guilt whirling around in there; it was confusion, too. I opened my mouth to extend another apology, to tell Liam how utterly terrible I felt for putting him and us in this position, but he spoke before I could.
“Brooke, wait.” He let go of one of my hands and reached back into his pocket, pulling out the ring box. “I love you. I’ve never met anyone like you, and I don’t think I ever will. I understand the power of first loves. I had one myself, and she’ll forever hold a special place in my heart. But that was the past, and you are the only woman I want in my present and future. If you feel the same way about me, if what happened with Alex was you ending the chapter on your first love, then I want you to marry me. We can move past this together and live a happy life.” He let go of my other hand and opened the ring box again, lowering himself to one knee. He stared up at me, eyes bright with hope. “Marry me, Brooke.”
