Chapter 70 The crack
Chapter 70: The Crack in the Armor (Liam’s POV)
I stood in the center of the library, my chest heaving and my knuckles white from gripping the edge of the mahogany table. The silence that followed Julian dragging Elena out was deafening. Every student in the room was staring at me, their eyes darting between my bruised ego and the overturned chair where Julian had shoved me.
"Mr. Vance," the librarian whispered, her voice trembling. "Please, you need to leave."
I didn't hear her. All I could feel was the ghost of Elena’s hand on mine from two minutes ago. She had come back. She had looked me in the eye and told me she hated me, but she had stayed. She had touched my hand. And then that psychopath had put his hands on her.
I grabbed my bag and stormed out of the library. I didn't go to class. I went straight to my car, my mind spinning. Julian wasn't just "protecting" her. I saw the way he grabbed her arm. I saw the fear in her eyes—not fear of me, but fear of him.
"Liam! Wait up!"
I turned to see Jax jogging toward me in the parking lot. He was wearing his varsity jacket again, looking like he hadn't spent the last forty-eight hours being investigated for assault.
"Get lost, Jax," I said, opening my car door.
"Hey, I’m on your side now, man," Jax said, leaning against the car next to mine. "My dad told me what happened in the library. That South-High guy really did a number on you. You’re the talk of the school. The Ice King got pushed around by a commoner."
"He didn't just push me," I said, turning to face him. "He dragged Elena out of there like she was property. And you’re the reason she’s with him in the first place."
Jax rolled his eyes. "Look, I’m sorry about the oil thing, okay? It was supposed to be a prank to get her to quit so you’d focus on the championships. I didn't think she’d actually get hurt. But you have to admit, Julian is a weirdo. Chloe saw him at the hospital yesterday. He was arguing with a nurse about Elena’s mom’s medication. He wanted them to switch her to something that would keep her sedated longer."
I froze. "What did you just say?"
"Chloe heard it," Jax shrugged. "She was there visiting her aunt. She said Julian was being really aggressive about it. Like he wanted the mom out of the way for as long as possible."
I felt a cold shiver run down my spine. My father always told me that the most dangerous people aren't the ones who scream; they’re the ones who smile while they pull the rug from under you. Julian was smiling way too much.
"If you're lying to me, Jax, I’ll personally make sure your dad's money can't save you next time."
"I'm not lying! Ask Chloe yourself," Jax said. "Look, Liam, we messed up. But Julian? He’s playing a whole different sport. You need to get her away from him."
I didn't answer. I got into my car and drove. I didn't go home. I drove to the apartment complex where Julian had taken her. I sat in the parking lot, staring up at the third-floor window.
My phone buzzed. It was a message from Maya.
She’s okay. Julian calmed down. Don't come here, Liam. You’ll only make it worse. He’s in a bad mood.
I stared at the screen. Maya was supposed to be Elena’s best friend. Why was she constantly acting like Julian’s secretary? Why was she defending him after he just practically assaulted Elena in a public library?
I stayed in that parking lot for three hours. I watched the lights in the apartment go on and off. Around 8:00 PM, I saw Maya come out. She walked to her car, looking over her shoulder as if she were being followed.
I started my engine and pulled up alongside her before she could pull out. I rolled down my window.
"Maya. Talk to me."
Maya jumped, her hand flying to her chest. "Liam! You scared the life out of me! What are you doing here?"
"How is she?" I asked, skipping the small talk. "I saw how he grabbed her, Maya. Don't lie to me."
Maya looked back at the apartment building, her expression shifting from surprise to something guarded. "She’s fine. She’s just tired. Julian is... he’s just intense, Liam. He loves her."
"That wasn't love," I said. "That was ownership. And Jax told me something about Julian trying to keep her mom sedated. Is that true?"
Maya’s eyes flickered. For a split second, the "mean girl" mask slipped, and I saw genuine fear. "I don't know what you're talking about. Julian is paying for everything. He’s the hero, remember? You’re the one who broke her heart."
"Maya, look at me," I said, leaning out the window. "I know I’ve been a jerk to you. I know I’ve treated Elena like trash. But I’m not the one holding her hostage. If something is wrong, you have to tell me."
Maya gripped her steering wheel so hard her knuckles turned white. "Nothing is wrong. Just leave it alone, Liam. You’ve done enough damage. Julian is the one she chose. If he’s a bit overprotective, it’s because he doesn't want her to get hurt by people like you again."
She sped off, leaving me in a cloud of exhaust.
I didn't believe her. Not for a second. There was something in the way she looked at that building that told me she was trapped too.
I looked back up at Elena’s window. I could see her silhouette against the curtain. She was sitting at a desk, probably studying. I wanted to climb up there and pull her out. I wanted to tell her that I’d give up everything—the hockey, the Vance name, the money—just to see her smile at me the way she used to.
I pulled out my phone and sent her a text.
I saw your arm today. I’m not going away, Elena. I don't care if you hate me. I’m not letting him do to you what I let Jax do. I’m watching.
I didn't expect a reply. I sat there for another hour, waiting.
Then, my phone vibrated.
Don't come back here, Liam. He’s watching my phone. Please. Just stay at school. I’ll see you at tutoring tomorrow.
My heart hammered against my ribs. He’s watching my phone. I put the car in gear. I wasn't just going to fix this. I was going to destroy Julian. I didn't care about being the Ice King anymore. I was going to be the storm that leveled everything in his path.