Chapter 27: A Thorn in the Past

The hum of chatter filled the private room as everyone from the journalism class shared laughs and stories. The warmth of the evening suddenly shifted when the door creaked open.

Allie’s eyes followed the collective gaze. Standing in the doorway was Nick Lawson, exuding an air of authority and tension that turned the room silent.

Nick’s gaze locked onto Allie almost instantly. His jaw tightened, but his expression was unreadable.

Before Allie could react, Cher Waverly rose from her seat with a saccharine smile, her movements calculated as she made her way to Nick. Sliding her arm around his, she turned to the group.

“Everyone, meet Nick Lawson, my boyfriend,” she said with a laugh that felt sharper than glass.

The room erupted with murmurs. Nick Lawson, the heir to the Lawson Enterprises, wasn’t just known for his business acumen. His name was a staple in gossip columns, often linked to glamorous women and bold headlines.

Allie’s heart clenched as she tried to stay composed, but her hands balled into fists beneath the table.

“Boyfriend?” someone whispered. “Isn’t that the guy who’s always linked with the Brooks family?”

Cher’s ears perked up, and she squeezed Nick’s arm tighter.

“Nick and I have been inseparable for months,” Cher said sweetly. “But of course, Nick and Allie go way back. Isn’t that right, darling?”

Nick’s lips pressed into a thin line, but his gaze lingered on Allie. He finally spoke, his voice low and deliberate. “Allie, how have you been?”

The room seemed to hold its breath.

Allie fought the urge to roll her eyes, instead forcing a polite but cold smile. “I’ve been fine. Busy.”

Cher’s laugh broke the tension like a whip. “Oh, Nick, don’t be so formal! Allie’s practically family, after all.”

The words stung more than they should have. Allie could feel her temper rising, but she refused to give Cher the satisfaction of a reaction.

Moments later, Allie grabbed her bag and stood abruptly. “I need to head out. Early meeting tomorrow.”

Nick took a step forward as if to stop her, but Cher tightened her grip on his arm. Leaning in close, she whispered something only he could hear.

“Go after her now,” she said sweetly but with venom in her eyes, “and you’ll just make her despise you more.”

Nick hesitated, his expression unreadable, before taking a deliberate step back.

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Allie walked briskly down the hallway, her chest tight with frustration and pain. The cool night air outside barely helped. She wanted to scream or cry, but instead, her thoughts betrayed her, drifting to Liam Hart.

What’s he doing right now?

She reached for her phone, the urge to call him almost overwhelming. But then her screen lit up with his last text:

china. Three days.

Her chest tightened even further. He was on a business trip again, unreachable.

Why does this house feel so empty without him?

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The following morning, Allie awoke to a stir on campus. A live interview featuring Liam had been uploaded to the university’s website. The site had practically crashed from the overwhelming traffic.

As Allie watched the video, Liam’s composed and captivating demeanor filled the screen. Even through the chaos, he seemed untouchable, a constant in her chaotic life.

She paused the video, her heart racing. Why do I miss you so much?