Page 75 of All That She Needs

*** *** ***

I stood outside my office, staring at Liam's door, my mind racing with a million thoughts. I reflected on my life before this moment—all the mistakes I'd made and everything I'd tried to do to set things right. I wondered if I had truly succeeded.

Because I was still making mistakes.

My weakness had caused my kids to suffer, and my fear had kept me from facing the truth. I had let doubt dictate my choices, leaving me feeling trapped in a cycle of regret.

And now, one more person—a genuinely nice man who cared about me too much—was going to hurt because of my flaws.

I wasn't ready yet. I should've known this.

It was the first Friday of the month, so I knew Liam's office would be quiet. Liam, Theo, and Keith usually used these Fridays to catch up, review projects, and wrap up, so I was certain that Liam was going to be there. The timing felt right. It was private enough, with a quiet space that was perfect for the difficult conversation I needed to have.

Still, I was a nervous wreck. My thoughts spun as I made my way down the hallway, dread pooling in my stomach. I knew I would hurt him, and it felt inevitable. But I also hoped he'd understand that this wasn't about him. This was something I needed to do for both of us, to give us space to find our footing, each in our own way.

I stared at the panel by the door and pressed the bell, waiting with my nerves coiled tight. After a moment, the door swung open, and there was Liam, smiling warmly as he took me in. It broke my heart seeing how his face lit up when he saw me—I almost cried. He stepped aside, letting me in, and leaned in to kiss my cheek. "Hi," he said with that familiar dimpled grin that always made me feel at ease—until now.

I managed to smile, hoping it would hide the apprehension I was carrying.

He took my hand, his grip warm and steady, and led me inside. We walked to the small seating area near the window, where the city skyline stretched beyond, serene and oblivious to the chaos inside my head. I felt his fingers give mine a reassuring squeeze as he gestured for me to sit. But instead of relaxing, I felt a tightening in my chest; the words I'd practiced so many times now caught in my throat.

"You, okay?" he asked, his gaze soft but searching.

I swallowed hard and nodded. "Where's Keith and Theo?"

Liam chuckled. "Theo had a sudden craving for lobster," he said, shaking his head. "And, as usual, Keith couldn't say no."

I glanced around the empty space. "So, it's just the two of us in here?"

"Yeah," Liam said, his gaze fixed on me, studying my face as if searching for clues.

"What's the story between those two?" I asked, partly curious but also stalling, needing just a bit more time to gather my thoughts.

Liam smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "No, they're not in a relationship, if that's what you're asking. At least, not that they've shared with me. But I think they're in denial. Because it's obvious, isn't it? The way they're drawn to each other, that bit of infatuation between them."

"They're so focused on each other." I observed.

"I've known Keith since college, and he's always been a bit of a flirt, dating one girl after another," Liam said with a slight grin. "But at some point, things changed. I mean, Theo's a guy. But the thing between them wasn't sudden—it was a slow shift. After six years of working together, their relationship just evolved."

"Yeah..." I trailed off, my mind wandering back to what I needed to say.

"Asha," he said, leaning in until we were eye to eye. "There's something on your mind, isn't there? Something you need to say."

My gaze, which had been unfocused, snapped back to him. My mouth opened, then closed again—I still didn't know where to begin.

Liam offered a faint smile. "I've felt it, Asha. You've been different since the divorce was finalized."

"Liam..." I sighed.

"Are you leaving me, Asha?" His voice was small, but his brow furrowed, the muscles in his jaw tightening.

I shook my head and muttered, "Not really."

"What does that mean?" he asked, his voice gentle, but I could sense the underlying tension.

"I'm going away with my kids and my brothers. The plan came so suddenly. I'm so sorry."

He exhaled deeply, a look of relief washing over his face. "Asha, why do you feel the need to apologize? Of course, you can take a break—"

---