Chapter 79 My Father’s Command
Liam’s POV
After I drove Mia home, I was still riding the high from the game and from seeing her smile at me the way she did. My chest felt light. Every memory from the field kept replaying in my head. Her cheering in the front row. The way her eyes shone when I looked at her. The way she looked surprised and breathless when I kissed her after the winning goal. For once, everything felt right.
I was smiling the whole drive back home, replaying every moment in my head. But the moment I stepped inside the house, that happiness slowly faded.
Our butler was already waiting near the entrance, standing straight, hands folded. His expression was careful, too careful.
“Good evening, sir,” he said. “Your father is waiting for you in his study. He asked that you go to him immediately.”
My jaw tightened. My father never called me to his study unless something had gone wrong or unless he was about to lecture me about responsibility, reputation, or the family name. And deep down, I already knew what this was about.
The kiss I shared with Mia. Everyone had seen it by now. I exhaled slowly and forced my feet to move.
I knocked once, then opened the door.
“Dad,” I said as I stepped inside.
He was behind his desk, posture stiff, expression cold. He did not even offer me a seat.
“Liam, we need to talk,” he said in a flat voice.
He picked up his phone and held it out to me. I walked closer and took it from his hand. The moment I looked at the screen, my stomach dropped.
It was a news headline. A large photo filled most of the display. Me in my football uniform. My arms around Mia. My lips on hers. It was taken right after the match, right after the winning goal, when I ran straight to her without thinking about cameras, people, or consequences. Only her.
The article title was already spreading rumors, twisting the story, making it sound scandalous.
I swallowed.
“What is the meaning of this?” my father demanded. His voice rose with every word. “Do not tell me you are now kissing your fans on the lips in public.”
My grip on the phone tightened. “She is not just a fan,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
But he did not let me continue.
“I already warned you to stay away from that girl,” he snapped. “That girl who came from nothing. And yet here you are, humiliating this family in front of the entire public.”
Heat rose in my chest. He did not even say her name. Just that girl.
“You made me look like a fool,” he continued sharply. “Do you have any idea how this affects our reputation? Our business partners? The people watching this family?”
I opened my mouth to defend Mia, to explain, to say something, anything. But he kept going, not giving me space to speak.
“I publicly announced your engagement to Stacy,” he said. “It was covered by the press. By our associates. By everyone that matters. And now there are photos of you kissing another girl in front of a stadium full of people.”
My heartbeat pounded in my ears as I placed the phone down carefully on his desk and met his eyes.
“She is not just another girl,” I said quietly. “And I never agreed to that engagement.”
“We already talked about this, son,” my father said, his voice low but sharp enough to cut. “And I am warning you for the last time. Stay away from that girl, or you will regret it.”
He looked straight into my eyes, not like a father trying to understand, but like a judge delivering a sentence. I could already tell this conversation was about to explode.
My chest tightened, but I forced myself to stay steady. Losing my temper would only make things worse.
“Dad, I am your son. Can you at least listen to me first?” I said, trying to keep my voice calm even though my heart was beating hard. “I love her.”
His expression turned colder.
“Then you should listen to me as your father,” he replied. “Look at me. When my father told me I had to marry your mother, did I argue? Did I refuse? No. I respected his decision. I followed my duty. And look at what that built. This life you enjoy.”
I swallowed. He was talking about obedience like it was the same as happiness.
“Dad,” I tried again, “that was your life. This is mine. You cannot choose who I love.”
His hand slammed lightly on the desk. Not loud, but final.
“My words are not a suggestion,” he said. “They are final. You will stay away from her. You will end that relationship immediately. Break up with her before I lose my patience with you.”
I opened my mouth to answer, but he did not give me the chance.
“I will not hear any more excuses,” he continued. “Unless she suddenly becomes the daughter of someone powerful and useful to this family, she does not belong beside you.”
“Now get out,” he ordered. “I am done with this discussion.”
I was dismissed like an employee who failed an assignment, not like a son standing in front of his father.
My hands were clenched tight at my sides as I turned and walked out. Instead of going upstairs to my room, I walked straight past the staircase, out the front door, and into my car. I started the engine and drove off without telling anyone where I was going.
The road blurred in front of me. The only clear thing in my mind was Mia’s face when I kissed her.
By the time I reached the restaurant where Josh and Mia worked, the place was nearly closed. Chairs were being stacked. Lights were dimmed. I saw Josh outside near the side entrance, still in uniform. Tonight he covered Mia’s shift so she could watch my game.
He looked surprised when he saw me.
“Liam? It’s really late,” he said. “What are you doing here?”
“Can we talk?” I asked quietly.
He studied my face and whatever he saw there made him nod right away.
“Yeah. Give me a minute,” he said. “I’ll tell the supervisor I’m stepping out.”
When he came back, he walked with me to a bench near the parking area. The night was quiet, the air cool.
“Before anything else,” he said, “is Mia okay?”
I nodded. “She’s fine. I made sure she got home safe.”
He relaxed a little. “Good. You scared me for a second.”
“Are you alright?” he asked.
I let out a long breath. “Yes and no. Physically yes. Emotionally, not even close. My father saw the photos and videos of me and Mia after the game.”
“The kiss,” Josh said gently. “Yeah. It’s everywhere online. I’m not going to lie, it was pretty romantic. But for your parents, I bet it looked like a scandal.”
“That’s exactly what it became at home,” I said bitterly.
Silence sat between us for a moment.
“I love her, Josh,” I said, more quietly now. “I’m not confused. I’m not caught up in the moment. I love her. And I don’t want to break up with her. I can’t imagine my life without her.”
He looked at me with sympathy, but also with reality. “I believe you. But you know how your world works. Families like yours don’t choose based on love alone. They choose based on power, connections, and advantage.”
Each word felt heavy because it was true.
“I need your help,” I said.
He shook his head slowly. “I’ll support you as a friend. But I can’t fight this battle for you. Only you can decide what kind of man you’re going to be. Just remember, if you hesitate, she’s the one who will get hurt the most.”
My jaw tightened. “I don’t want to let her go.”
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Yes,” I answered without pause. “I’m sure.”
“Then fight for her,” he said. “Just understand that it won’t be easy. Your family won’t make it easy. The world around you won’t make it easy.”
“I know,” I said. “But she’s worth it.”
Josh smiled and squeezed my shoulder. “I’m proud of you, Liam. Seriously.”
“Thanks for listening,” I told him. “It means more than you think.” I hesitated, then asked, “Can I sleep at your apartment tonight?”
His eyebrows lifted. “Of course. It’s small, but you’re welcome. Though I warn you, my couch complains more than I do.”
I almost laughed.
“Don’t tell Mia yet,” I added.
His grin widened. “You’re planning to surprise her.”
“Yeah,” I admitted softly.
As we stood, I looked up at the night sky and took a slow breath. For the first time since leaving the house, my chest felt a little lighter.
My father gave me a command. My heart made a choice. And tomorrow, I would start fighting for the girl I refused to lose.