Liam’s POV: I’m Not Leaving!

“Dad, please! Stop the car!” I screamed, yanking at the door handle, but it wouldn’t budge. My father had locked it, trapping me inside.

He gripped the wheel tighter, his knuckles turning white, his jaw clenched with rage. The car sped down the road, swerving dangerously. My heart pounded so hard I thought it might break my ribs. I wasn’t sure if I was more terrified of the crash that seemed inevitable or the punishment that awaited me at home.

I pressed myself against the door, trying to put as much distance between us as possible. “Dad, please,” I begged again, my voice trembling. “You don’t have to do this. Let’s just talk—”

“Shut up!” he snapped, his voice like a whip. “You think you can embarrass me like that and walk away?”

“How dare you! I can't believe this, I raised you to be a man not a gay, let's get home I'll show you how life is and I'll make sure of that.” My father yelled and my hands trembled.

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. I had messed up—badly. I had kissed Jayden. I hadn’t even thought about it. It had just happened. But now, I was paying the price.

But what was that feeling? Is it because I like Jayden? There's no way I like Jayden.

The tires screeched as my father pulled into the driveway. The car jerked to a stop, and before I could react, his hand shot out, grabbing my wrist in a bruising grip. He yanked me forward, nearly dragging me out of the car.

“Move!” he barked.

I stumbled, barely keeping my balance as he shoved me toward the house. My legs felt weak, but I forced myself to walk, trying to think of a way out.

Dad was furious. More furious than I’d ever seen him. And that terrified me.

As soon as we stepped inside, I saw a man sitting in the living room. I've never seen him before but he looked familiar.

Who could he be? Could he save me from my father's rage?

He was dressed in a crisp suit, his posture relaxed as he sipped a glass of whiskey.

My father suddenly let go of my arm. His entire demeanor changed. The anger vanished, replaced by a polite smile.

“Oh, Mr. Stanley! I didn't know you'd be coming today” he said, his voice smooth, fake. “Welcome to my home.”

Mr. Stanley stood up, offering a handshake. “Ah, thank you for having me.” Then, his sharp eyes landed on me. “Is this your son?”

“Yes,” my father said, gripping my shoulder tightly. “This is Liam.”

I swallowed and forced a polite nod. “Good evening, sir.”

Mr. Stanley chuckled, his gaze sweeping over me. “You’ve grown up well, Liam. The last time I saw you, you were very little.” Then, his smile turned wider. “I hope you’re treating my daughter properly. Your engagement is a big deal, after all.”

My stomach twisted. His daughter? I wasn't in for all these, it was all my father's doing.

I opened my mouth to speak, but my father squeezed my shoulder so hard I nearly winced.

“Oh, he’s doing just fine,” my father said smoothly. “The wedding will be perfect.”

Wedding?!

My head snapped toward my father, but he refused to meet my gaze.

Mr. Stanley sighed, shaking his head. “You’re lucky. At least your son isn’t like mine. My boy had the nerve to tell me he was gay. Can you believe that?” He scoffed, shaking his head in disgust.

I felt sick. My father gave me a quick, pointed look before smiling at Mr. Stanley. “Some kids are just… confused,” he said.

The room felt like it was closing in on me. My chest felt tight, my stomach in knots. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“Go to your room, Liam,” my father muttered under his breath. “I’ll deal with you later.”

My feet felt like lead as I turned and walked up the stairs. I knew exactly what that meant. “I’ll deal with you later” was never a good thing.

As soon as I got to my room, I shut the door and locked it, my hands shaking.

I was suffocating.

An arranged marriage? My father was planning to marry me off?

And what about Jayden? What about me?

I pressed my forehead against the door, my breath coming in short, ragged gasps.

“Is this real?” I whispered to myself. “Is this really happening?”

A sudden knock on my door made me jump.

“Liam,” my father’s voice came from the other side, low and controlled. “Open the door.”

No.

I clenched my fists. I wasn’t ready. I knew what would happen if I opened it. I knew the look I’d see in his eyes.

“Liam, I said open the door.”

I stayed silent, my heart hammering.

Then—

The doorknob rattled.

I flinched.

“If you don’t open this door right now,” he said, his voice deadly calm, “I will break it down.”

I had no choice. Slowly, my fingers unlatched the lock.

The door swung open, and my father stood there, towering over me, his face unreadable.

“You’re leaving,” he said.

I blinked. “What?”

“You heard me.” His eyes were cold, unforgiving. “You’re leaving town. You can’t stay here anymore.”

My chest tightened.

He was getting rid of me.

“Dad, you don’t have to do this,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He stepped closer, his presence suffocating. “This is for your own good.”

“No,” I shook my head, my body trembling. “You can’t just throw me away.”

“This isn’t up for discussion.” His voice was final.

I clenched my fists. “What about Jayden?”

His expression darkened. “Forget about him.”

My breath hitched.

I couldn’t.

I wouldn’t.

“I’m not leaving.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really?”

My stomach twisted.

“I won’t go,” I whispered.

He smirked.

“We’ll see about that.”

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, my whole world crumbling around me.