Chapter 56 I Know My Place
Mia's POV
"Mmm, spill," Josh teased, slumping onto the couch beside me with a mock groan. "You're glowing like you just stepped out of a fairytale.“
I laughed, the sound soft and giddy as I tucked my legs beneath me and leaned into the cushions. "Is it a crime to be happy?"
Josh grinned. "Not when you've earned it." He paused, then added with a fond smile, "And I think we both know who's responsible for that grin."
I blushed. "Yeah... mostly him."
Josh rolled his eyes dramatically. "Ugh. The Liam effect. Honestly, how does he manage to look like a romance novel cover and still be annoyingly decent?"
"He brings me food. Drives me to school. Hugs me when I'm having a bad day and doesn't let go until I breathe again," I murmured, a distant, dreamy look in my eyes. "He makes me feel like I matter... like I'm not just surviving anymore."
Josh groaned, covering his face with a pillow. "Stop. I'm already jealous."
I laughed again and nudged him playfully. "Don't worry, your prince is out there."
He peeked at me from beneath the pillow. "Yeah, well, first I'd have to tell my parents I'm gay. Kind of hard to fall in love when you're still hiding."
My smile softened, and I reached out to gently squeeze his hand. "When you're ready, Josh. You'll know. And when you do, I'll be there. No matter what."
He looked at me, eyes shimmering with quiet gratitude. "Thanks, Mia."
Silence settled between us, warm and familiar. Then Josh exhaled slowly.
"I really am happy for you," he said. "But just... be careful, okay? Liam might be perfect, but his family? That's a whole different world."
My expression faltered, the sparkle in my eyes dimming ever so slightly.
"I know," I whispered.
"I'm not saying he'll hurt you," Josh added quickly. "But I've seen how those families work. They have rules, expectations walls so high you can't breathe inside them. And you deserve to breathe."
I looked down at my lap, twisting the edge of a throw pillow in my hands. "I'm scared sometimes," I admitted. "Not of Liam, but of... not being enough for the world he comes from."
Josh gently tilted my chin until our eyes met. "You're more than enough. And if they can't see that? Then they don't deserve you. But he does. As long as he keeps choosing you, Mia every day you're exactly where you're meant to be."
I smiled through the sting behind my eyes. "He makes me feel like I belong."
"Then hold on to that," Josh whispered. "But don't forget who you are when the lights go out."
I nodded slowly. "I won't."
I leaned my head on Josh's shoulder. "You'll find that kind of love too, you know."
"I better," he smirked. "But if I don't, I'll just crash every one of your dates."
I laughed. "Deal. But I think Liam might arm wrestle you for me."
Josh scoffed. “Please. My mouth is my weapon. I’d win instantly.”
And just like that, the heaviness in the room lifted replaced with the kind of laughter that only exists between two souls who've seen each other at their worst and stayed.
"I can't drive you later," Liam said gently as we stood near the steps of the Academy courtyard, the late afternoon sun casting gold across his features. "I'll be attending a formal event at my dad's company tonight."
I looked up from my water bottle, brushing strands of hair away from my face as the breeze danced between us. "Oh... right. The gala thing."
He nodded. "I really wish I could take you with me, Mia. You have no idea how badly I want to walk in there with you on my arm, show everyone the girl who makes me feel like I can breathe in a world that's always so damn suffocating."
My heart skipped. But I smiled, choosing lightness. "As much as I'd love to wear a sparkly dress and pretend I belong in that kind of world. I kind of need to clock in tonight."
"I know," he said, and his voice softened even more. "And I hate that you have to work after everything you've already done all day."
"It's okay," I shrugged, trying to keep it breezy even though a part of me wished I could be wherever he was. "I might be home late, actually. There's inventory after closing."
Liam exhaled a quiet sigh and slipped his hands into his pockets. "I wish I could see you before I sleep, but I'm not sure what time the event will end. It's one of those long, dragging, fancy type nights. So don't wait up for me, alright?"
I smiled softly, even though my chest tugged a little. "Enjoy the party, Liam."
He looked at me for a long beat, like he was memorizing my face. "It would be a hell of a lot more fun if you were with me," he murmured, stepping forward.
Before I could reply, he reached for my waist and pulled me gently into his arms, holding me like he didn't want to let go just yet.
"I'll miss you," he whispered, his lips brushing my temple. "Even if it's just for a few hours... I always miss you."
I rested my hands on his chest, my heart fluttering wildly beneath my ribs. "You'll be wearing a suit," I murmured. "I can already picture it."
Liam chuckled softly. "And you'll be in that apron I hate because it hides how beautiful you are."
I laughed, then bit my lip. "Maybe send me a photo later? Just so I can pretend I'm there with you."
He leaned down and kissed me slowly, like he wanted time to stop. It wasn't rushed or showy. It was quiet, tender, full of promises unspoken.
When we pulled away, I felt the butterflies in my stomach swirl into something warmer.
"I'll send you a hundred photos," he whispered against my lips. "But none of them will feel right without you beside me."
And just like that, the world faded until it was just the two of us again, standing in a courtyard as if it were a palace, stealing one last piece of magic before duty pulled us apart.
"Are you okay?" a voice asked.
I froze. I didn't expect anyone to be there.
When I turned around, I was shocked to find Daniel standing a few steps away, looking at me with quiet concern.
I forced myself to smile, even though my chest still felt tight.
"Yeah," I answered softly. "I'm fine."
Daniel didn't look convinced, but he didn't push it. Instead, he glanced toward the road, then back at me.
"I'll drive you to the restaurant," he offered gently. "My mom is waiting for me there. It's my parents' anniversary today, and they wanted to make it special."
Something about his voice, calm and sincere, made me feel a little less alone. I nodded right away.
"Okay," I said, giving him a small smile. "Thank you."
We walked to his car, and when he opened the door for me, I quietly slid inside, gripping my bag on my lap like it was the only thing keeping me grounded.
"Thank you, Dan," I added again, this time softer.
He only nodded as he started the engine, driving out of the school grounds.
For a while, the ride was peaceful. The kind of silence that wasn't awkward, but still heavy.
Then Daniel spoke.
"I heard Chloe's family was invited to the gala," he said casually, his eyes focused on the road.
My fingers tightened slightly around my bag. I didn't answer right away.
Daniel glanced at me, then immediately looked uncomfortable, like he realized his words had landed wrong.
"I'm sorry," he said quickly. "I didn't mean to imply something. I just... I didn't mean it that way."
I let out a breath and shook my head.
"No need to apologize, Daniel," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Even if I was invited, I wouldn't have come."
He frowned. "Why not?"
I stared out the window, watching the trees blur past.
I swallowed and forced the truth out. “I know my place," I said quietly. "I didn't want to embarrass Liam."
Daniel's head snapped toward me, his brows pulling together like he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Embarrass him?" he repeated, almost offended for me. "Mia, are you kidding me?"
He shook his head, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.
"You are the most beautiful girl in Suncrest," he said firmly. "And you're the brightest too. You're kind, you're hardworking, and you've survived things most people would break under. What made you think you would embarrass him?"
God, I wanted to believe him so badly. But reality wasn't a sweet compliment. Reality was brutal. It had teeth.
I let out a small laugh, but it didn't sound happy. It sounded bitter.
"You must have forgotten my status in society, Dan," I said, my voice low. "I'll never belong in his world."
Daniel went quiet. He didn't argue this time. The rest of the ride passed without another word.
I stared ahead, trying to swallow down the hollow feeling spreading in my chest, trying to ignore the fear I couldn't stop feeling. Because deep down, I knew it wasn't just about a gala invitation.
It was about the truth I didn't want to face.
That no matter how much Liam looked at me like I mattered. There were still people who would never accept me.
And what terrified me the most was this one thought I couldn't stop hearing in my head:
What if one day Liam starts believing them too?