Page 130 of Branded Hearts

Liv’s fists clench at her sides. “I thought you were my friend, Amelia. MY BEST FRIEND!” She laughs nervously. “I’d suspected you’d had a little crush on him, but I never fucking thought it wouldget to this extent. Going behind my fucking back!”

As Liv’s words cut through the air, I feel a sharp pang of guilt for the hurt I’ve caused my sister. What we’ve both caused. Her anger is palpable, yet amidst this, my heart breaks for Amelia, too. She stands there, pale and shaken, bearing the weight of my sister’s accusations. I know she’s feeling the same thing as me. She’d been concerned, and I’d selfishly brushed it off, saying we’d tell her when ‘the time was right’.

Olivia’s words hang heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the breach of trust between us. She backs toward the door, her expression hardened.

“Please, Liv... don’t leave. Let’s talk about this. Letmeexplain,” Amelia’s soft voice pleads, breaking the tense silence.

Olivia pauses, caught in a moment of contemplation, her eyes reflecting a mix of hurt and anger. “You know, Amelia, fair enough. I get it. You’ve never experienced being with a guy before, so you’d jump at any opportunity you get,” she says, her voice laced with disdain.

“Liv, there’s no need to be hurtful,” I say through gritted teeth.

“But you,” Liv continues, pointing at me, “you fucking disappoint me,” she spits. “I can’t even look at you. You both disgust me.” Her parting words sting, the final blow to an already shattered moment, before she turns, slamming the door behind her, leaving us both standing there, hearts heavy with regret.

The weight of her words hangs heavy in the air, and I can feel the sting of her disappointment like a physical blow. As an older brother,the sense of duty to my sister weighs heavily on me, and I know I’ve let her down. I turn to Amelia, who now has tears streaming down her cheeks. I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close as she buries her face in my chest, her body shaking with sobs, and my heart breaks.

I feel responsible.This is all my fault.

“She hates me. Oh, God,” Amelia says into my chest.

I hold her tighter, trying to offer what little comfort I can. “She’ll come around. I know it,” I say, hoping it’s true.

Amelia sniffles, pulling away slightly to look at me. “I don’t know, Bradley. This is a mess.”

This is a mess.I couldn’t agree more.

As I continue to hold her, rubbing circles on her back, deep down, a part of me fears that Liv’s hurt runs too deep, that this betrayal might be too much for her to forgive. And if Liv can’t forgive, I can’t help but wonder how Amelia will cope with losing her best friend.

The thought gnaws at me, twisting my gut with worry. This mess has the potential to not only damage Amelia’s relationship with Liv, but also to jeopardise whatever we have between us.

How do we move forward from this?

“Bradley,” she whispers, her voice choked with emotion. “Maybe you should go home. Talk to her. You’re her brother; maybe she’ll listen. I just need some time to think.” My heart sinks at her words, and I frown, realising my fears may have been correct.

I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be buthere, withher. But I respect her enough to do what she asks, as much as I hate it. Ireluctantly release her from my embrace and head to her bedroom to change and grab my things.

Returning to the living room, I find Amelia still standing in the same spot, her eyes red and swollen with tears. I move to her side, gently tilting her chin up to meet my gaze.

“We’re gonna be okay,” I reassure her, my voice soft.

She looks at me, hurt evident in her eyes. “I-I hope so… I just need to fix things with her. I can’t lose her.”

I swallow hard, a pang of disappointment hitting me.What about me?I want to say, but I hold back, wanting her to ask me to stay, to reassure me as well.

But nothing.

With a heavy sigh, I acknowledge her request and press a soft kiss to her forehead before turning toward the door. Stepping out into the morning air, a sense of foreboding settles over me, and I’m left to ponder what lies ahead for us.

43

Vienna - Billy Joel

It feels like forever since I last saw Bradley or Liv. Each day drags on, and the ache in my heart just gets heavier. I miss Liv—her presence, our conversations, our laughs, and jokes.

But God, do I miss Bradley even more.

I’ve been receiving messages from Isla and Xav, checking in on me. Even Imogen sent a text the other day, offering her own comforting words. She even mentioned that she’s there if I need to vent. But I didn’t have it in me to reply.I feel horrible.

I’m not one to be rude or dismissive. Not replying to everyone, when all they’re trying to do is providesomecomfort, is just downright bitchy.

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