Liam’s pov: The accident

As soon as Clara and I stepped inside, my father greeted us warmly. He looked pleased, his voice filled with excitement. "Oh, welcome, Clara! How was your day? I hope my son treated you well."

Clara smiled sweetly, glancing at me. “Yes, sir. Liam was a gentleman. He showed me around, and we had a really nice time together. Thank you.”

My father chuckled, clearly satisfied. “You shouldn’t be thanking me, Clara. I should thank your family for allowing such a lovely young lady to spend time with my son. You’re such a sweet girl. And Liam,” he turned to me with a proud smile, “aren’t you grateful to have her as your fiancée?”

I stiffened. My father’s words irritated me more than usual tonight. I didn’t respond, letting my silence speak for itself.

“Liam,” my father pressed, his tone slightly sharper, “are you grateful?”

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to remain calm. Without looking at him, I muttered, “I’ll be in my room.”

Before my father could say more, I turned and climbed the stairs. As I reached my room, I could still hear him telling Clara, “Don’t mind him. He’s always like this. Teenagers, you know. They’re moody all the time.”

Once inside, I threw myself onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. My thoughts were all over the place. Jayden’s voice kept echoing in my head: “I’m leaving this city, Liam. I thought you should know.”

Why did it bother me so much? It shouldn’t. Jayden leaving was none of my business. In fact, wasn’t this exactly what I wanted? He’d been annoying, always clinging to me, always showing up when I didn’t want him around.

“He’s pathetic,” I’d told him. The words felt bitter now.

I rolled over, pressing my face into the pillow, trying to shake the thought of him. But the memory of his face wouldn’t leave me. The way he’d looked at me, hurt and broken, when I said those cruel words.

Why do I even care? I thought angrily. It’s better this way. He’ll leave, and I won’t have to deal with him anymore.

But deep down, I knew I was lying to myself.

A knock at the door snapped me out of my thoughts.

“Liam, dinner’s ready,” my mother called.

I groaned, dragging myself out of bed. I splashed water on my face, hoping it would clear my mind, but it didn’t help. Jayden’s words were still there, hammering in my head.

Downstairs, the dining table was set, and Clara was already seated, chatting with my parents. I sat down, barely touching my food. My father kept talking about how great Clara was, how lucky I was to have her. I nodded absentmindedly, my mind somewhere else.

Then I remembered the kiss.

My stomach twisted. Why did I even think about that? It was stupid. It didn’t mean anything. I shook my head, trying to focus on the conversation around me.

When dinner ended, my father gave me another order. “Liam, be a gentleman and escort Clara home. It’s getting late.”

I wanted to argue, but I didn’t have the energy. “Fine,” I muttered, standing up. Clara followed me outside, and we walked in silence for a while.

Finally, she spoke, breaking the quiet. “You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?”

Her words startled me. I glanced at her, unsure how to respond.

“If you don’t want him to leave,” she continued, her voice calm but firm, “then go to him. Tell him. I saw the way you looked earlier. You’re worried, aren’t you? If you wait too long, it might be too late. He might already be gone.”

I stopped walking, her words hitting me like a wave. She was right.

“Go,” she said softly. “Run, Liam. Don’t let him leave without knowing how you feel.”

I didn’t think. My feet started moving before I could stop myself. I ran as fast as I could, my heart pounding harder with each step. The streets blurred around me as I made my way to Jayden’s house.

When I reached his door, I hesitated for a moment, catching my breath. Then I rang the doorbell.

The door opened, and there he was—Jayden. His eyes widened when he saw me, shock written all over his face.

“What are you doing here, Liam?” he asked, his voice laced with confusion and frustration.

I swallowed hard, my chest heaving. “Jayden, I… I’m sorry.”

His expression didn’t change. He just stared at me, waiting for me to continue.

“I’m sorry for everything,” I said, my voice trembling. “I’m sorry for being rude. I’m sorry for pushing you away. I’m sorry for calling you pathetic. I didn’t mean it. I… I just didn’t know how to deal with everything.”

Jayden crossed his arms, his face guarded. “So now you care? After everything you said to me?”

“Yes!” I blurted out. “I care, okay? I don’t want you to leave. Please, Jayden. Don’t go.”

For a moment, he didn’t say anything. The silence stretched between us, heavy and suffocating. Then he shook his head.

“Why should I stay, Liam?” he asked quietly. “Give me one good reason. Because right now, I can’t think of any.”

“I…” My voice faltered. I didn’t know what to say. The words I wanted to say were stuck in my throat.

Jayden took a step back, his hand on the door. “You’re too late,” he said, his voice cold. “I’m leaving.”

And with that, he closed the door in my face.

I stood there, frozen, the weight of his words sinking in.

Was it really too late? Had I lost him for good?

The streetlights cast long shadows on the pavement as I turned and walked away, my heart heavier than it had ever been.

I couldn't keep on begging him, if he wants to leave let him leave, ehey did I even come here in the first place?

I thiughts walking aimlessly in the night. When a car suddenly rushed before me, my eyss closed in fear.

I should be dead by now, I wondered as I opened my eyes only to be met with Jayden's hands over me.

What the heck! How was he so fast to save me! What really is he?