Chapter 30: The Weight of the Sky

Liam Hart stepped out of the car, his movements calm and deliberate. He walked over to Allie Brooks, removed his tailored coat, and draped it gently over her shoulders.

The quiet between them was heavy, but his voice broke through, low and steady. “Do you know how worried I’ve been? You didn’t answer your phone.”

Allie kept her head down, her fingers clutching the edge of the coat. She didn’t respond.

Liam sat down beside her, the bench creaking softly under his weight. He reached for her hand, his palm warm and firm against hers. “Allie, tell me what happened,” he urged. “Please.”

Her lips trembled, but she remained silent.

Without hesitation, Liam pulled her into his arms. His voice softened, laced with a quiet determination. “Silly girl, no matter what it is, I’m here. Even if the sky falls, I’ll hold it up for you.”

Those words shattered the fragile dam of her composure. Tears spilled freely down Allie’s cheeks as sobs wracked her body.

She had endured so much—Maria Lawson’s scathing words, Cher Waverly’s scheming lies, and Nick’s cold distance.

But it was Liam’s unwavering promise that undid her completely.

Through her tears, Allie whispered, “She…she blamed me for everything. For losing her baby. But I swear, Liam, I didn’t push her. I would never…”

Liam’s hold on her tightened, his voice dropping to a resolute tone. “Allie, punishing yourself for someone else’s actions is the last thing you should do. Cher is playing a dangerous game, even at her own expense. Don’t let her guilt consume you. Let me handle this. I’ll find a way to prove your innocence.”

Allie’s sobs began to subside. She looked up at him, her voice trembling. “You believe me?”

“Of course, I do.” His answer was instant and certain.

“But why?” she asked, her gaze searching his.

“There’s no why,” he said simply. “Because it’s you.”

His words warmed her like sunlight breaking through a stormy sky. She nodded, wiping at her tears.

Liam continued, his tone firm. “For now, stay away from Cher. I’ll take care of the rest. Trust me—I’ll make sure she answers for what she’s done.”

The tension in her chest eased just a little, and for the first time that day, Allie allowed herself a small, fragile smile. “I trust you.”

Liam stood, holding out a hand to her. “Come on, let’s get you home. What do you want for dinner?”

Caught off guard, Allie blinked at him. “Dinner?”

“Yes, dinner,” he said, his tone lighter now, like he was coaxing a reluctant child. “Name it, and I’ll make it.”

Her lips twitched into a faint smile. “Braised pork.”

Liam chuckled. “Done. Let’s go.”

Back at his place, the smell of caramelized soy sauce and spices filled the air. Allie watched in awe as Liam expertly

prepared the dish. When the meal was ready, she couldn’t believe how good it looked—and tasted.

“You made this?” she asked between bites, her eyes wide with admiration.

“Surprised?” he teased.

She nodded, then smiled. “Is there anything you can’t do, Liam Hart?”

“Plenty,” he replied with a smirk. “But I’ll save those secrets for another day. Feeling better now?”

Allie sighed contentedly. “There’s nothing a good plate of braised pork can’t fix. If there is, two plates should do the trick.”

Liam laughed, his deep chuckle filling the room. “Glad to hear it. Now, go wash the dishes.”

Allie froze mid-bite, her brow furrowing. “Wait—me?!”

“Have you ever seen a chef wash the dishes?” he countered with mock seriousness.

She opened her mouth to argue, then thought better of it. “Fine, but only because the pork was amazing.”

In the kitchen, as she scrubbed the plates, the events of the day still lingered in her mind. Cher’s blood-stained dress, the way she’d tumbled down the stairs, the accusations that followed—it was a weight that wouldn’t leave.

But standing in Liam’s kitchen, surrounded by the lingering aroma of his cooking and the warmth of his unwavering support, Allie felt the faintest glimmer of hope.

Just as she finished drying the last dish, Liam appeared in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame. “Allie,” he said, his voice calm but serious, “Cher’s game isn’t over yet. And I have a feeling she’s going to play her next move soon.”

Allie’s heart sank. “What do you mean?”

“She’s desperate. People like that don’t stop until they’ve destroyed what they think they’ve lost,” he said, his eyes darkening. “But don’t worry. I’ll be ready.”

For a moment, she simply stared at him, her pulse quickening. “Liam…what if she goes too far?”

“She already has,” he said quietly. “But so have I.”

The intensity in his gaze left her breathless. And though she didn’t fully understand his words, she knew one thing for certain: the storm was far from over.