Emily's POVLiam's voice was low and pained as he spoke. "I was driving to pick you up, and a kid ran out into the road. I couldn't stop in time and hit her. I'm so sorry. I'm at the hospital now. I'm not sure how bad it is, but I wanted to let you know what was going on." I was still in shock, trying to process what he was saying. My heart sank as I listened to Liam's explanation. I had been so worried about being stood up, and now I felt terrible for doubting him. I was horrified to hear that a child had been injured and that he was at the hospital. "Oh my god, Liam, are you okay? Is the child okay?" I asked, feeling a wave of panic and sadness."Yes, she is."Hearing that the child was okay was a huge relief. I let out a breath that I hadn't even realized I was holding. It was a terrible situation, but it could have been much worse. I felt a little calmer, but I was still concerned about Liam. "How are you doing?" I wanted to make sure he was okay."I'm fine, a bit overwhelmed.""

Emily's POV"I'm going to pick out a teddy bear for you," Liam said, his tone playful and mischievous. "And then you're going to pick one for me. If you don't like the one I pick, I lose. But if you like the one I pick, I win." I thought about his proposal for a moment, and then I nodded. "You're on." A smile was on my face. "This is going to be fun." And with that, we set off to find the perfect teddy bears for each other.I started looking through the shelves, searching for the perfect teddy bear for Liam. There were so many to choose from, but I wanted to find one that reflected his personality. Finally, I spotted the perfect one. It was a big, fluffy brown bear with a red bowtie around its neck. I knew it was the one. "I found the perfect one," I said, holding it up for Liam to see. "It's you, in teddy bear form." He laughed, and I could tell he was impressed. "That's pretty accurate."Liam studied the teddy bear for a moment, and then he turned to me, an impish grin on his fac

Emily's POVI glanced at the clock and realized it was late. I knew I had to get up early to make breakfast for Ethan before he went to work, so I decided to call it a night. I put the flowers and note on my nightstand, next to my bed. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep, but my mind was racing with thoughts of Liam and what the future might hold. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't seem to settle my thoughts.I tried to clear my mind, to think of something else, but Liam's face kept popping up in my thoughts. I closed my eyes, but his smile lingered there, like a ghostly presence. I tried to focus on my breathing, but my mind kept wandering back to him. I wondered if he was thinking about me too, if he was lying awake, unable to sleep as well. I wondered if he was smiling too, thinking about me.I opened my eyes, my heart still racing from the thoughts of Liam. I sat up in bed, trying to calm myself down. I knew I needed to get some sleep, so I decided to do something that would help

Emily's POVThe car ride was filled with an uncomfortable silence, and I wished that we would reach Ethan's house soon. I was grateful he had offered to bring me to the store, but I couldn't help but feel a little unsettled by the sudden change in his behavior. I wondered what had brought about the shift, and whether it would last. When we arrived at his house I was relieved. I carried the groceries inside, heading straight for the kitchen. I put the items away, avoiding any eye contact with Ethan. He was still silent, and I wasn't sure what to say to him. We both seemed to be avoiding any conversation, and the air was thick with tension. I couldn't help but feel anxious and uneasy.I was almost done putting the groceries away when I tripped on the rug and a few items fell to the floor. I scrambled to pick them up, but Ethan walked right past me without offering to help. I was taken aback by his lack of concern. Was he really that self-absorbed? I continued to put the groceries away,

Emily's POV"What about the girl you ran into?" I asked, wanting to know more about Sofia's condition."You mean Sofia?" I nodded. "Yeah, she's doing better. I went to visit her today, and I bought her some cupcakes," A smile was on his face. I couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over me, knowing that Sofia was doing better. "That's so nice of you." I was impressed by his thoughtfulness. "You are a good guy," I added, my voice full of admiration."Don't flatter me." "I'm serious.""You mentioned you were busy." "Yeah, I am," I admitted. "Don't worry, I'll let you get back to work," he gave me a knowing smile. "Thanks, I appreciate it." He gave me a quick wave and then turned to leave. I watched him go, feeling grateful for his kindness and generosity.I took a bite of doughnuts, savoring the sweet, fluffy goodness. As I ate, I couldn't help but feel warm and fuzzy inside, thinking about how kind and thoughtful Liam had been. He was such a sweetheart, always looking o