Chapter 71 The shadow
Chapter 71: The Shadow at the Gate (Liam’s POV)
I didn't sleep. I sat in my car in the school parking lot at 7:00 AM, watching the entrance like a hawk. Every time a silver or black sedan pulled up, my heart did a frantic jump against my ribs. I looked at my phone. The text I sent Elena last night was still there, sitting on "Read," but with no further reply.
He’s watching my phone.
Those words were stuck in my head like a song I couldn't stop humming. I’ve lived in a house full of secrets my whole life, but the way Julian was moving felt different. It felt calculated.
A sleek SUV pulled into the spot next to mine. Jax hopped out, looking way too energized for a Monday morning. He tapped on my window with a grin. I rolled it down halfway.
"You look like death, Vance," Jax said, leaning his elbows on the door. "Still obsessed with the tutor? Give it a rest. Chloe and the girls are planning a massive bonfire at the quarry this Friday. You’re the guest of honor. We need the captain back."
"I'm not in the mood for a bonfire, Jax," I said, staring straight ahead.
"Oh, come on. It’s a 'Welcome Back' party for me and Chloe. Everyone is going to be there. Even the South-High crowd usually sneaks in. It’s the perfect place to show Elena what she’s missing."
"She’s not missing anything," I snapped. "She’s being controlled."
Jax laughed, a short, sharp sound. "Controlled? Man, she’s living in a luxury apartment and getting her bills paid. If that’s control, sign me up. You’re just mad you aren't the one holding the leash anymore."
"Don't talk about her like that," I growled, opening my door and forcing him to step back.
I walked toward the main building, my eyes scanning the crowd. I saw Chloe standing with Maya near the trophy case. They were whispering, their heads close together. As I passed, Maya looked up. For a split second, she looked like she wanted to say something, but then she looked at Chloe and went back to laughing.
Something was off with Maya. She was playing both sides, and I needed to know why.
I waited by the library entrance. Ten minutes before the first bell, Julian’s car pulled up to the curb. He didn't just drop her off. He got out, walked around to the passenger side, and opened the door. He helped Elena out, his hand lingering on her waist for a few seconds longer than necessary.
Elena looked stiff. She was wearing a high-collared shirt that covered her neck, and she kept her eyes on the ground. Julian leaned in and whispered something in her ear. She nodded, her shoulders slumping. He kissed her forehead, gave a wave to some guys on the basketball team, and finally drove off.
I waited until she was halfway down the hall before I stepped out.
"Elena."
She jumped, her cane sliding a few inches on the tile. She looked at me, and the panic in her eyes was unmistakable. She immediately looked around to see if Julian’s car was still in sight.
"Liam, I told you not to talk to me," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"I don't care what you told me. I care about the fact that you’re terrified," I said, stepping into her path so she had to stop. "I saw the way he grabbed you yesterday. I saw the bruise on your arm."
"It was an accident! He was just stressed because I lied to him," she said, but she wouldn't look me in the eye. "He’s doing everything for me, Liam. He’s the only reason my mom is getting the surgery she needs."
"He’s using that to keep you quiet, Elena. That’s not love. That’s a contract."
"And what did you offer me?" she fired back, finally looking up. Her eyes were red. "A basement? A 'maybe' on the scholarship? At least with Julian, I know where I stand. He wants me safe."
"He wants you trapped," I said. "And Maya... why is she suddenly his best friend? She’s supposed to be your friend, Elena. Why is she telling me to stay away from you?"
Elena blinked, looking confused for a second. "Maya is just looking out for me. She knows how much you hurt me. She thinks Julian is a better fit."
"She thinks Julian is a better fit because it keeps you away from me," I muttered, but Elena was already pushing past me.
"I have class, Liam. Don't come to the library today. I mean it. If Julian finds out I’m still tutoring you, he’ll stop the payments. Do you want my mom to suffer just so you can feel better about yourself?"
She didn't wait for an answer. She limped away as fast as her cane would allow.
I stood there, feeling like the biggest loser in the school. I turned around and saw Maya standing a few feet away, watching the whole exchange.
"You really don't know when to quit, do you?" Maya said, walking up to me. She was wearing a smirk, but her eyes were cold.
"What do you want, Maya?"
"I want you to stop making things difficult for her," Maya said. "She’s finally happy. She has a guy who actually values her. Why can't you just let her go?"
"Because you’re lying," I said, stepping into her space. "I saw your face last night at the apartment. You’re scared of him too. So why are you helping him? What is he giving you?"
Maya’s smirk didn't flicker. "He’s giving me peace of mind, Liam. He’s taking the 'problem' out of the equation. Elena is happy, Julian is happy, and I get to make sure you don't ruin another girl’s life."
"You love me, don't you?"
The question hit her like a physical blow. The smirk vanished. Her eyes widened, and for a second, she looked like she was going to slap me. "You’re delusional. I hate you. I’ve always hated you."
"Then why are you always around? Why were you the one who told me Elena was at the hospital? Why are you so obsessed with keeping her away from me if it’s not because you want that spot for yourself?"
Maya laughed, but it sounded forced. "You think you’re such a prize, Liam Vance. You’re a broken boy in a big house. I don't want you. I just want Elena to have what she deserves. And right now, that’s Julian."
She turned on her heel and walked away, but I saw the way her hands were shaking. I had hit a nerve. Maya wasn't just helping Julian because she liked him; she was helping him because it served her own agenda. She wanted Elena gone so she could be the one to "comfort" me.
I spent the rest of the morning in a haze. During lunch, I saw them together in the cafeteria. Julian was sitting with the popular crowd, his arm draped over Elena’s chair like a king. Elena wasn't eating. She was just staring at her tray.
Maya was sitting across from them, laughing at something Julian said. To anyone else, it looked like a group of friends. To me, it looked like a crime in progress.
I pulled out my phone and sent a message to the one person I knew could get me information without asking questions.
Liam: I need the security logs for the Northview gym from the night of the hockey game. Not just the main entrance. The back exits too.
If Julian "found" Elena by accident, there would be no record of him being there before the incident. But if he was stalking her like I suspected, he’d be on those cameras.
I looked back at the table. Julian looked up and caught my eye. He didn't look angry. He just smiled and raised his water bottle in a mock toast.
He thought he had already won. He thought that because he had the money and the "hero" status, I was powerless. But he forgot one thing. I was a Vance. And if there was one thing my father taught me, it was that you dont play the game fair when the house is rigged.