Chapter 48 My First Love
Mia's POV
It had been a tiring night, yet I found myself smiling through my entire shift. Everything felt different now that I had a boyfriend. It was as if the truth was written on my forehead, like the whole world could tell that I was taken.
I was exhausted. Even during my break, I still had my notes spread open, studying between bites. That had always been the story of my life.
"Liam, I never expected you to pick me up," I said the moment I saw him. "It is so late and I—"
He did not let me finish. He took my hand gently but firmly and pulled me closer, like the rest of the world did not exist.
"I do not care how late it is," he said softly. "I could not wait until tomorrow just to see you. I already miss you."
My heart raced, and I could feel the heat rush to my cheeks. I was sure my face had turned completely red.
I still could not believe how open he was with his feelings. This was Liam Alcaraz. The golden boy of Suncrest Academy. And somehow, impossibly, he was my boyfriend.
He did not let go of my hand as we walked to his car. He opened the passenger door for me, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"I know you are tired," he said once we were inside. "But I want to take you somewhere tonight. Somewhere you can rest and relax."
I did not know what to say. But the truth was, I felt a flutter of excitement bloom in my chest. Wherever he was taking me, it did not matter. As long as I was with him.
"Do not worry, Mia," he added quickly, glancing at me. "I just want to be with you. I promise I will not do anything that would upset you. I just want us to spend tonight together."
I almost laughed, not because it was funny, but because he looked so earnest. So nervous. Like he was afraid of doing even one wrong thing.
I reached for his hand and squeezed it gently.
"I am not afraid of you, Liam," I said softly. "I know you are a gentleman. And thank you for thinking about me like that. I want to be with you too."
His face lit up, and when he smiled, his dimples appeared, stealing my breath.
"Thank you for trusting me," he said. "I promise you will love it."
He started the car, and somewhere along the way, exhaustion finally caught up with me. I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I knew, the car had stopped.
When I opened my eyes, we were on top of a hill overlooking the entire city, lights stretching endlessly below us like stars fallen to the ground.
For a second, I panicked, suddenly aware of my uniform. I wondered if I had snored. Or worse, drooled.
"Wow," I breathed. "This place is amazing."
"I know, right?" he said proudly. "We are actually close to our house. This is still part of our property. It is my secret place."
He pointed ahead. "I even had a small cottage built over there, with the help of my dad's men, of course. I used to come here with Julian. It is small, but I warn you, you will be shocked by what is inside."
"So... we are staying in that cottage tonight?" I asked.
He nodded, then quickly got out of the car, ran to my side, and opened my door for me.
"Thanks," I murmured, my heart warm in a way I had never felt before.
Standing there, with the city glowing beneath us and Liam waiting patiently at my side, I realized something quietly and completely.
Being with him did not feel rushed. It felt safe. And that made everything feel even more magical.
"Wow." That was all I could say the moment we stepped inside the cottage. Liam had been right. I was completely shocked.
From the outside, it looked simple and quiet, almost modest. But the moment the door opened, I felt like I had stepped into a different world. The inside was warm and inviting, filled with soft lights that made everything glow gently. It was incredibly cozy, yet at the same time, it felt grand in a way I could not explain.
The cottage had everything. A full kitchen stood to one side, complete with polished counters, clean cabinets, and modern appliances. It was more beautiful than the one Josh and I shared in our apartment, and for a moment I just stared, amazed. The living space was neat and thoughtfully arranged, with plush cushions, a small table, and shelves lined with books and quiet little details that made the place feel lived in.
Everything sparkled, not in an overwhelming way, but in a way that spoke of care and comfort.
And then my eyes landed on the bed.
It was tucked near the window, dressed in soft sheets and thick blankets that looked impossibly inviting. The pillows were stacked neatly, white and plush, like they were waiting to cradle someone after a long day. Just looking at it made my body relax. It did not feel intimidating or awkward. It felt safe. Like a place where I could finally rest without worrying about the world outside.
For a small cottage, it felt more like a complete home.
I shook my head slowly, a small laugh escaping my lips. "I cannot believe this is your idea of a secret hideout."
Liam smiled, clearly amused by my reaction.
It was small, yes, but there was no denying it belonged to someone rich. Rich kids had their own way of turning even their quiet escapes into something beautiful and expensive, without meaning to show it off.
Still, standing there, surrounded by warmth and soft light, with that inviting bed calling my name, I realized something.
This place was not just impressive. It felt comforting.
And somehow, knowing Liam had brought me here made it feel even more special.
"I bought you pajamas and some clothes," Liam said casually, like it was the most normal thing in the world. "Including underwear. You can use them while you are staying here. You should take a warm bath now, Mia. Then you can sleep."
The way he said it, calm and thoughtful, made my chest feel tight in the softest way.
I took a warm shower, letting the water ease the exhaustion from my body. I could not stop smiling the entire time. Everything about this night felt unreal, like I had stepped into someone else's life for a while. When I came out, Liam was already waiting, towel in hand, gently helping me dry my hair. His movements were careful, respectful, and somehow even more intimate because of how innocent they were.
I stood near the bookshelves afterward, pretending to browse through the titles just to steady my breathing.
Then he stepped out of the bathroom. My heart started pounding so hard I was sure he could hear it.
Liam was wearing simple sweatpants and a plain shirt, nothing fancy at all. And yet, he looked unfairly handsome. Like someone who belonged on the cover of a magazine without even trying. My throat suddenly felt dry, and I had to swallow just to remind myself how to breathe.
"Hey," he said softly, breaking the silence. "We should sleep now so you can rest."
Heat rushed to my face at the sound of his voice.
"You can take the bed," he added quickly. "I will sleep on the couch."
I shook my head without thinking.
"We can share the bed," I said quietly.
He looked at me then, really looked at me, and the smile that spread across his face made my entire body feel warm in a way I had never felt before. It was soft, tender and full of care.
"I promise I will not do anything," he said gently, like he wanted me to feel completely safe.
I believed him.
Still, as we stood there in the quiet glow of the cottage, I could not stop my heart from hoping. From wishing. Not because I felt pressured, but because deep down, I knew what I wanted.
I wanted Liam to be my first of everything. Because he was my first love. And somehow, that made the night feel even more precious.