EMILIALiam doesn’t stop moving, doesn’t loosen his grip, doesn’t even look back. He just pulls me through the chaos like he’s the only thing keeping me grounded. And maybe he is. The cameras flash, reporters shout, but all I can focus on is the warmth of his hand wrapped around mine.We break through the crowd, and only then does he slow down. But his grip? Still firm. Like he’s afraid if he lets go, I’ll disappear.He turns to me, his jaw tight, his chest rising and falling like he’s barely holding himself together. “If something is ever not okay,” he starts, voice low but edged with anger. Then he looks at me, and the anger melts into something else — something raw. “Tell me.”I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.Liam shakes his head, his fingers tightening around mine. “You’re not going on this cruise alone, Emilia. I’m here. With you. So when something makes you uncomfortable, when you don’t like something — what’s the first thing you should do?”My heart is still thump, thump
EMILIA He’s standing near the entrance, laughing at something one of his friends said. Becca is tucked into his side, she’s practically glowing with happiness. Her smile is so breathtaking it knocks the breath out of my lungs.She looks beautiful, but for once, that painful knot of jealousy in my chest that grows around a beautiful woman doesn’t come. Not even a little.Not like it used to.I think back on how insecure I used to be around Tessa. Sometimes it’s hard not to be, but I don’t find myself comparing my every flaw to her perfections anymore.Or maybe it’s because I tossed out the maternity gowns Zane loved to stuff me into and finally started doing what I want. Wearing clothes I like, putting on makeup because I want to.A smile tugs at my lips.But before it can fully form, Zane looks up.And freezes.I can see shock take over him like a bucket of ice-cold water dumped over his head. He looks at me from head to toe, like he can’t quite trust his eyes.It must be horrible, k
The staff takes care of our luggage, wheeling it away toward the cabins. But since they’re off-limits until midnight, Liam and I are left with nothing to do. It doesn’t take much to convince me to go exploring with him, so we run off the second we can and leave Becca and Zane to their own world. I thought the ship was massive when I first stepped on, but now, as I take it all in, I realize I underestimated just how big it really is. It’s gorgeous, but also overwhelming. Like a city floating on water. There are three floors above the one we’re currently walking through, and if the rest of the ship looks anything like this, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it. We’re at the atrium now, and it’s breathtaking. A massive glass dome stretches above us, letting the last bits of sunlight pour through. There’s a grand staircase in the center, wide and elegant, leading to the upper decks. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a golden glow over everything. Soft music plays in the back
I don’t realize I’m shaking until Liam gently rubs his thumb over my knuckles. The anger, the fire — I felt invincible a second ago, but now? Now, my hands feel ice cold.“You okay?” Liam asks, voice low.I nod. Then I lie. “Yeah.”But when he tugs me closer, when I feel the warmth of him against me, something cracks deep inside my chest.It’s not just the name-calling. It’s not just being labeled the hockey slut or called a puck bunny. It’s the way that’s all I’ve ever been treated like.Wanting to stay by Zane’s side turned into years of watching my autonomy slip through my fingers, piece by piece. And I let it happen — because I was so convinced that the ring on my finger, his last name next to mine, would make it all worth it. That losing myself would somehow be worth it.I didn’t want to be just Zane’s pocket girlfriend, always by his side, on every plane to his games, tucked away in every hotel room in case he needed a release.It was so fucking exhausting.Pretending to hate gi
EMILIA Evening comes around faster than I expect, and to my absolute horror, Liam and I are forced to drag ourselves to the deck for some grand announcement from the soon-to-be-weds. I feel like I’ve said this a million times, but the cruise is massive — so big that the thirty-something guests on board feel like a drop in the ocean. Either they’re too busy lounging in their luxury suites, avoiding Liam and me, or this ship is just that enormous, because after running into Stone, we don’t see a single familiar face. Not that I’m complaining. Liam’s hand is warm in mine as we make our way to the deck, his thumb tracing idle circles against my skin like he doesn’t even realise he’s doing it. I don’t know if it’s meant to be comforting or if he just likes touching me, but either way, it’s convincing enough. My heart shouldn’t be beating this fast from something so simple. “Remind me again why we’re going to this thing?” I mumble, leaning into him slightly. “Because we’re technical
I stare at the bed.The one bed.The undeniably soft, luxurious, way-too-small-for-this-situation bed.But it’s still just one bed.I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.Logically, I should have expected this. It makes no sense for them to give us separate beds, but my cheeks still heat up at the thought of…Of…Sharing a bed with Liam.No matter how natural and easy things have felt between us, it doesn’t change the fact that this relationship is fake. Just words on paper. A contract.So why does that thought make my stomach twist in a way I can’t explain?Liam, of course, is completely unbothered. He scans the room, taking in the luxury like he actually expected something worse. Then, to my absolute horror, he leans against the doorway, grinning like this is the funniest thing to ever happen.“They really went all out, huh?” He chuckles. “Maybe we should send them a thank-you card. This surpassed my every expectation.”I gape at him. We are not thinking about the same thing right no
Who’s real? Who’s not? Emilia Janice Carter, the poor bakery owner, or Emily Margaux Vanderbilt, the estranged daughter of billionaire couple Genevieve and Andrew Vanderbilt?The headline loops in my mind, over and over, like a bad dream I can’t wake up from.My stomach twists violently, and I hunch over the toilet, retching.Liam is right beside me, one hand rubbing slow, soothing circles on my back, the other holding my hair away from my face. His touch is steady and reassuring, but I can hear the worry in his voice.“Breathe, love. Just breathe.”I squeeze my eyes shut. I can’t breathe.Because it’s out now.The truth.The secret I’ve spent years protecting.Exposed for the whole world to see.Liam helps me up and I stand in front of the mirror, leaning onto the sink for support. I open the tap, rinse my mouth and face. My movements are automated and I can vaguely feel Liam let go of me.Then I hear the sound of the toilet flush.My chest tightens.The air feels too thick, too heav
LIAMIs this what people mean by saved by the bell?Because in no universe do I want to talk about what Jess means to me right now. Not with Emilia. Not when I can’t even explain the dark, ugly feeling that sank its claws into my chest the second I saw that headline. The second Emilia broke down in my arms.Like there wasn’t a damn thing I wouldn’t do to make whoever wrote that article pay.And they will pay. Even if it’s the last thing I do.I push off the bed and grab the chocolate-stained containers from Emilia’s hands. I can’t help but smirk. She eats like a chipmunk, cheeks puffed, a little smear of chocolate at the corner of her mouth. The sight makes something tight in my chest loosen just a little.Knock. Knock.The sound cuts through the room. Again. I can already feel a headache coming. Hopefully, the intruder will realise they’re really not wanted and turn back around or whatever.I sigh. “How about you go wash up? I’ll get the door.”She nods, looking almost relieved that
TESSAGod help me.Of course it’s Aaron freaking Cobalt. Because why not?There he is — gliding across the ice like it’s an extension of his body, all smooth lines and effortless control. He isn’t just good. He was stupidly, unfairly, annoyingly good.Left winger for the NYC Titans, but honestly? If Liam is the heart of the team, Aaron is the sharp edge. Fast, unpredictable, and lethal when it counts. The kind of player that makes defence lines cry and sports commentators lose their minds.Everyone loves to compare them — Liam, the golden boy center, all power and precision. Aaron, the chaos wrapped in charm, turning plays into magic like it was no big deal. Together, they make the Titans impossible to beat. Separately? Still a damn nightmare.And of course, he’s the last person I want to see right now.I spin on my heel, making a beeline for the exit, but my stupid heels betray me. The sharp CLACK, CLACK echoes louder than his skates slicing the ice, and I hear him stop. I can practi
TESSAMy head is pounding. Like, heartbeat-in-my-skull kind of pounding.Hours spent hunched over a computer will do that to you. When the first set of migraines hit, I grabbed some Tylenol, swallowed it dry, and threw on my reading glasses like a grandma with a grudge.Ana from Legal? Probably curled up in bed, dreaming of spa days and balanced schedules — AKA she’s my polar opposite and has a life to live, probably tucked in bed, asleep by 12:58 AM — so she has no time to respond to my emails.Meanwhile, I’m still here.Alone.Again.Whatever.I stretch and let out a yawn. My desk is a disaster—coffee cups, highlighters, Post-its with half-written thoughts and tomorrow’s to-do list.1. Make amends with Emilia.2. Contact her family’s lawyers.3. Get her family photos copyrighted.I seriously do not get paid enough, as a best friend and PR manager. Sometimes, it feels like I work ten different jobs at once with absolutely nothing to show for it. Well, except in the Emilia department,
LIAMTHIRTY MINUTES AGOI have to force myself to stay put and not chase after her.Frustration knots in my chest, tightening like a fist around my ribs. It makes no sense.Why do I care this much?If Emilia wants to run back to Zane, that’s her choice. She doesn’t owe me anything.All she has to do is fix my image — turn me back into the media darling I used to be. That’s it. Simple.Hell, wouldn’t it be easier for her if she just left me in the dust and rode off into the sunset with her ex?Then why does the thought make me feel like I’ve just been checked into the boards. Hard.A million excuses race through my mind, but none of them make sense. None of them feel right.None of them are enough to make this up to Emilia.“Shit.” I run a hand through my hair, leaning against the railing. For a second, I consider throwing myself over just to escape this mess.The party is still going strong behind me, even though Becca and Zane disappeared over an hour ago. The music is loud, pounding
Trigger Warning: Sexual AssaultThis chapter includes a scene involving mild, non-explicit sexual assault. I’ve done my best to handle it with care, but the subject matter is still difficult. Please prioritise your well-being and read only if you feel safe doing so.EMILIAStone reaches out, fingertips grazing the air between us, but I jerk away before he can touch me.Something is wrong.I suddenly realise the bartender is gone. It’s just the two of us. The air feels thick, the silence pressing in.“What the fuck are you doing?!” My voice comes out sharper than I expect, slicing through the quiet between us. Outside, I can still hear the sounds of music and laughter, but it’s so loud I highly doubt anyone can hear a thing happening in here.I stumble off my stool, my legs wobbling beneath me. My head is fuzzy, but not enough to miss the way his smile lingers — like he expected this.Like he was waiting for this moment.Every single alarm bell in my head goes off and this time I don’t
EMILIAAnger rolls through me in thick, uncontrollable waves.Who the hell does he think he is? Judging me like he’s any better? Like I’m the one who’s screwed up here?I stalk down the deck, barely aware of where I’m going. The ocean breeze whips against my skin, but it does nothing to cool the fire in my veins.All the words I should have said claw at my throat. I should have told him exactly what I thought of him. Of his arrogance. His entitlement. His complete inability to take anything seriously unless it benefits him.At least I got over my ex. At least I didn’t leave the girl saving my career alone for two weeks while my psychotic fans harassed her.My nails dig into my palms as I turn into a corner.I pass Johnson — the tech bro from karaoke — and force myself to smile, giving him a small wave. He grins back, but I don’t stop. I can’t.Because the moment I do, my mind goes right back to him.Liam.That stupid, infuriating, reckless man-child.Why do I let him get to me like th
LIAMThe party roars on behind me — music thumping, glasses clinking, someone belting out an off-key rendition of some early 2000s pop hit.I don’t turn. I don’t care.The ocean stretches endlessly before me, dark and shifting, waves rolling in and out as if they have all the time in the world. As if they didn’t just witness Emilia press her tongue to Zane’s skin.My grip tightens around my glass.It was a game. Just a stupid drinking game.And yet my jaw is clenched, my pulse thrumming.I tell myself it’s nothing. A moment that will be forgotten by morning, buried under rounds of tequila and poor decisions.But the thought still lingers — if it was just a game, why did she look away so quickly afterward?I can still feel the heat of Emilia’s body beneath my hands. Remember every shiver a flick from my tongue pulled out of her.Then images of her hands on Zane’s chest, her tongue against his skin.The way he looked at me with that look of disbelief mixed with smugness.I could read hi
The air between us is charged.Liam doesn’t move away. Neither do I.The lime wedge is still between his teeth, his lips curved into that infuriating, knowing smirk. Like he’s already won.I try to pretend that this didn’t just send heat rolling through my veins.But his thumb is still tracing slow, lazy circles on my waist. His breath is still warm against my lips.I’m not sure I can move even if I want to.“Still think it’s just a game, love?” Liam murmurs, voice low, teasing. Sinful.I force myself to roll my eyes, despite the way my pulse is hammering. “You’re ridiculous.”His smirk deepens, eyes glinting. “I think you’re more ridiculous. Seeing as you’re still standing here.”His fingers flex against my waist, a touch so small, so subtle, but I feel it everywhere.Before I can snap back, someone whistles loudly, snapping the moment in two.“Damn, Liam, you trying to take the whole ship down with you?” Tonia calls out, laughing. A few others join in, and just like that, the spell
The music pulses through the air, the energy in the room electric. Laughter and cheers surround us as guests take turns playing the body shots game.We ditched the pool for something a little more intimate. The bar barely fits thirty of us, but that only makes everything feel more dangerous. More thrilling.The game is simple: one person in a couple sits on the floor, we spin the bottle, and whoever it lands on can either do body shots with their partner—or pick someone else.For me, it’s risky as hell.But I’d rather pretend I’m into it than end up as tomorrow’s first victim in shots roulette.A round finishes. Two guys — ridiculously hot, obviously — pull apart, their lips glistening from salt and tequila. I swear, being unfairly attractive must be a requirement to get on this guest list.“This is going to be fun,” Liam murmurs, nudging my shoulder. His voice is low, teasing.We’re perched on barstools, waiting for our turn to sit on the floor.It was Liam who did it last time, so u
EMILIAI ignore Lacey, or at least I try to. But it’s very hard to act normal when I can still feel Liam’s hands on me like a phantom touch.I need a distraction. Fast.So I swim toward Lacey’s float, reaching for the edge to flip her over.“Don’t you dare,” she warns, lifting her sunglasses just enough to glare at me.I grin. “You’re right. I’d hate to interrupt your important sunbathing time—”Before I can finish, hands grab me from behind.And suddenly, I’m airborne.I shriek, flailing for all of one second before I hit the water with a massive splash.I resurface with a gasp, wiping water from my face as Liam stands there, arms crossed over his chest, looking so damn smug.“Payback,” he announces.“Oh, you’re dead.”He only grins, backing up. “Catch me if you can, love.”Oh, it’s on.I launch myself at him, but Liam’s fast — too fast. He dodges easily, swimming just out of reach every time I get close.It turns into a game.Me, chasing him. Liam, laughing every time he escapes. Th