Chapter 61: The End Of An Illusion

Deborah's POV I rolled my eyes at the irony of what was happening before me as the memories of all the times Caleb had ignored me when I needed help and even when I was bullied flashed through my mind.I could taste the dry bitterness of the wine still lingering on my tongue, and suddenly it seemed fitting for this entire evening. Despite the sounds around us all I could focus on were the memories flooding back like a dam had burst in my mind.I remembered standing at the keg-party Olivia had invited me to, where she had humiliated me and how Caleb stood by the corner, laughing with them. "Why did you just walk away when the basketball hit me in the face?" I asked, referring to the game the team had the day I confessed my feelings to him.My voice came out steadier than I felt, and I could feel my pulse quickening as I brought up that humiliating memory. The restaurant's soft jazz seemed to fade into the background as I waited for his response. I could hear my own breathing becoming

Last Updated : 2025-08-29

Chapter 62: When Old Flames Flicker

Third Person POV Hurt and dejected Liam sat in the theatre room watching some random movie with a big white and black teddy bear beside him. The plush toy's button eyes stared blankly at the massive screen while action scenes flashed in rapid succession, casting dancing shadows across the darkened room. The leather of the reclining sofa creaked softly under his weight as he shifted, trying to find a position that might ease the tight knot in his chest. The air conditioning hummed steadily overhead, filling the silence between dialogue with a low, constant drone that somehow made the emptiness feel even more pronounced. That was all he could do to keep his mind far from away from Deborah's date with Caleb and how happy he had seen them. As he clicked another button on the remote control, the plastic making a sharp little snap with each press, Olivia came to sit beside him. Her perfume hit him first—something floral and expensive that seemed to coat the back of his throat. The cushio

Last Updated : 2025-08-30

Chapter 63: When Shadows Turn Real

Third Person POV As soon as Deborah got into the campus, she felt liberated and quite hopeful that things were going to go in her favour as regards the guy she was now brave enough to admit she liked. The evening air was crisp against her skin, carrying the earthy scent of damp grass and the faint smell of someone's dinner cooking in the nearby dorms. Her low heeled sandals clicked softly against the wet pavement with each step, the sound echoing off the buildings in a gentle rhythm. The straps rubbed slightly against her ankles, still tender from the evening of walking, and she could feel small pebbles occasionally catching between the sole and her foot. The familiar sounds of campus life drifted around her—distant music from an open window, the hum of late-night conversations, the gentle rustle of leaves in the old oak trees that lined the walkways.As she turned towards a corner leading to her dorm, the comforting sounds gradually faded, replaced by something that made the hair o

Last Updated : 2025-08-31

Chapter 64: Behind Closed Doors

Deborah's POV "Oh my god," the words escaped from my mouth as soon as I closed Liam's room door behind me. The heavy wooden door clicked shut with a finality that seemed to seal us away from the nightmare we'd just escaped. The sudden safety of these four walls made my knees weak, and I had to lean against the cool wood of the door for support.My breath hitched and my heart pounded so fast from both relief and fear . Each gulp of air felt thick and heavy in my lungs, like trying to breathe through cotton. My chest rose and fell rapidly as I struggled to get enough oxygen, and I could taste the copper tang of adrenaline coating my tongue.Liam panted and gasped for breath as he turned to face me, his chest heaving with the effort. Sweat glistened on his forehead under the warm glow of his desk lamp, and strands of dark hair stuck to his damp skin. The usual confident set of his shoulders was gone, replaced by the trembling exhaustion of someone who had just fought for his life. "Are

Last Updated : 2025-08-31

Chapter 65: Healing Touch

Third Person POV With her hands still trembling, Deborah dropped the first aid box on the table and carefully picked up the antiseptic, cotton bud and a wrap of bandage. The plastic bottle felt cold and slippery in her nervous grip, and she could hear the liquid sloshing inside as her hands shook. The sharp, medicinal smell of the antiseptic filled her nostrils, clean and sterile against the warmer scents of Liam's room. The cotton swab was soft between her fingers, and the bandage wrapping crinkled quietly as she unwound a small section to test its length. She applied the antiseptic on the cotton bud and moved to sit close to Liam on the bed, turning to face him. The mattress dipped under her weight, and she could feel the warmth from his body radiating across the small space between them. Her sandals brushed against the carpet as she adjusted her position, the straps now loose around her ankles after their frantic run."I'm so grateful you were there at the perfect moment," she s

Last Updated : 2025-09-01

Chapter 66: The Truth Unveiled

Third Person POV Nerves ate at Deborah, making her stand on her feet. The sudden movement sent a wave of dizziness through her head, and she had to steady herself for a moment against the edge of his nightstand. The wood was smooth and cool under her palm, grounding her as adrenaline continued to course through her system. As she did, Liam stood to his feet as well, the mattress springs creaking softly as he rose. The bandage on his chest caught the lamplight, a small white square that reminded them both of what had just happened outside. "Caleb isn't the one for me," she said as her fingers pressed against the empty bandage wrap. The cardboard felt rough and dry under her nervous touch, and she could hear the faint crackling sound it made as she squeezed it."Yes, finally," Liam said with a small smile playing on his lips. Relief washed over his features like sunrise breaking through clouds, and she could see the tension leaving his shoulders for the first time all evening. "Who is