Page 53 of Broken Hearts

“I’m not entirely sure yet,” I admit, wary of his judgment. Liam always has everything calculated, but I can’t operate like that, not with Eva. It’s not entirely a lie—I’m open to everything with her while we’re here, but because I have no idea how she will react, I have a few half-baked plans that I hope will be helpful.

He lets out a sigh, his gaze fixed outside the window. Ethan, sitting beside him, sends me a cautious look. “You know, I do understand emotions. I hope you get her back. Remember, actions have consequences.”

I know I’m volatile, well, less so in everyday life. But I’m quite insane when it comes to her, and more so now that everything has come to light, and I realized that my girl was just as perfect as I always thought she was and that I was the clown in the whole narrative.

His words hit a nerve. “Trust me, I know all about consequences,” I reply, a bitter taste in my mouth. The memory of that prank gone wrong, the one that led to all this mess with Eva, still haunts me.

Liam nods, his eyes lingering a moment longer on the passing scenery outside the window as if searching for answers in the blur of the world rushing by. He seems to be carrying a weight that goes beyond the conversation, something deeper that he’s holding back.

“Isn’t it exhausting, always playing Mr. Perfect?” I probe, hoping to get a glimpse behind that meticulously crafted facade.

He turns slowly, a smile flickering on his lips, but it’s strained like it’s costing him. “You have no idea,” he murmurs, his voice tinged with a hint of irony that doesn’t quite mask the underlying fatigue. For a moment, his guard drops, revealing a flicker of vulnerability. “Keeping up the act, making sure every piece is in place, it’s… it’s a relentless pursuit, Cole. And sometimes, I wonder what I’m chasing after.”

Ethan and I exchange a look, both sensing the underlying struggle in Liam’s words. It’s a rare admission, a crack in his polished armor, and it makes me realize that Liam’s battle with perfection might be more consuming than any of us knew.

My hands are slightly shaky as I adjust my jacket again, the fabric feeling too constrictive, too formal. I hear a knock at the door, and my heart leaps into my throat. Taking a deep breath, I open it to find Eva standing there. She looks breathtaking in an emerald dress that echoes the color of her eyes. For a moment, I’m speechless, lost in admiration.

“Wow, you look…” I trail off, unsure how to finish the sentence without exposing the storm of emotions brewing inside me.

She steps back, glancing at the number on the door. “I’m sorry, isn’t this Poppy and Ethan’s room?”

Her confusion makes me smile. “Yup, this is the right room.” I catch her eyes wandering over my outfit, and I feel a flicker of hope. “You look lovely, by the way. Should I be jealous?”

She rolls her eyes, but I notice the faint blush on her cheeks. “You look handsome too. Any plans tonight?”

Taking a moment to savor her compliment, I feel a bit more confident. I dressed up in everything I know she likes, including that cologne she can’t resist. “And yes, my plans involve you,” I say, half joking, half hoping.

She shakes her head, a playful smile on her lips. “Poppy gave me this room number; we’re supposed to go see a show.”

I open the door wider, gesturing for her to come in. “Actually, their room is at the end of the hall. Ethan’s planned a surprise for her.”

“Oh.” She sounds disappointed, and I feel a pang of guilt, but it’s quickly replaced by triumph as she steps inside. “Nessa’s off to meet a friend, too.”

“Liam, I suppose?” I add, trying to lighten the mood.

She laughs, the sound filling the room with warmth. “Yes! They think we’re so blind.”

Nodding, I offer her my arm. “Seems like everyone’s got plans tonight. How about I escort you to your show?”

She raises an eyebrow skeptically. “You don’t even know what it is.”

“As long as I’m with you, it doesn’t matter.”

Her expression softens, then swiftly shifts to a stern look that I find irresistibly attractive. “It could be the Chippendales,” she teases.

I snort, feigning arrogance. “Please, you’ve seen my abs. They’ve got nothing on me. Besides, I should be there to ensure you behave.”

She scowls, a reminder of the distance between us. “We’re not together. We’re not even friends.”

“No, we’re not enemies either,” I reply, trying to keep the mood light.

She looks uncertain but nods. “I guess.”

“Great, let’s grab a drink first, then head to the show.”

She sighs, her resolve wavering. “Fine, but this isn’t a date.”

“I wouldn’t dream of calling it that,” I say with a grin, though inside, I’m thinking it’s so much more.

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