Page 15 of Falling for the Wrong Billionaire
I quickly change the subject, the last thing I need is any more attention on Liam. “Have you seen how busy it’s been here lately?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation away from me. “People from the neighboring towns have been coming in non-stop. We’re getting more appointments every day. Adoptions are up. The clinic’s growing.”
Stella perks up at the mention of the clinic. “Oh, yeah! It’s amazing. People are starting to talk about it more, and word of mouth is really working. I think we’re doing something right.”
Emma nods proudly. “We’ve come a long way since we first opened. People are seeing the results, and that’s what keeps them coming back. We’ve got loyal clients now, and more new ones every day.”
I feel a brief sense of relief, the conversation turning to something I can focus on. The clinic, the animals, the work that’s being done here. It’s steady, grounded. And for a moment, I feel like I belong in this world.
But even as I talk about it, I know it’s not enough. It’s not enough to ignore the life waiting for me back home, the life I’m supposed to return to. And it’s certainly not enough to ignore theway Liam makes my heart race, the way he’s starting to break through my carefully constructed walls.
I take a deep breath, pushing those thoughts aside. I can’t afford to feel anything about him. Not now. Not when I’m running out of time.
“I’m glad things are going well,” I say, trying to sound more upbeat. “We’re doing good work here.”
Stella grins. “You’re right about that. I think this place is going to keep growing. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll stick around long enough to see it happen.”
The comment lingers in the air, heavy and unspoken. It’s not just about the clinic. It’s about me. About whether I’ll still be here when everything changes.
But I don’t answer. Instead, I just take a sip of my tea and nod, trying to ignore the knot in my stomach.
***
It’s been a long week, and the weekend feels like a breath of fresh air. I’m not scheduled to work today, and for once, I’m allowing myself to have a bit of time off. My apartment feels too quiet, though. The silence is pressing down on me, so I grab my tote bag and head to the grocery store.
I’m not even sure why I’m going. I’m running low on a few things, but I know I’ll probably just buy snacks I don’t need and waste time walking around the aisles. It’s mostly just an excuse to clear my head.
But as I walk past the produce section, I start thinking about Liam. And it’s not the first time today. He’s been on my mind a lot lately, ever since he started working on the tech project with me. I tell myself it’s just because I’m around him all the time now, but that explanation doesn’t sit well.
I didn’t realize how much I’d gotten used to seeing him every day. The way he’d drop by the clinic, his casual smiles, the way he’d always find a reason to stay a little longer than necessary. It feels strange to not see him today.
Why does it bother me so much?
It’s not like I want to miss him. It’s just that... well, when someone’s a constant presence in your life, it’s hard not to get used to them. I’ve had my fair share of solitude — this little corner of Bayview is supposed to be my escape. But now, I’m starting to feel like I’m not so sure about that.
I sigh, picking up a bag of apples and some peaches. I feel like I’m losing my mind. I shouldn’t be thinking about him this way.
I continue down the aisle, grabbing a few more items when, out of nowhere, I bump into someone.
I look up, startled, and my heart skips a beat. Of course. Of all people, it’s Liam.
“Lucy?” His voice is warm, a bit surprised, but with that hint of amusement I’ve come to expect.
I freeze for a second, unsure of what to say. I wasn’t expecting to see him here. “Liam? What are you doing here?”
He shrugs, his usual casual smile spreading across his face. “Grocery shopping,” he says as if it’s the most normal thing in the world. “I needed to stock up, and I had a few minutes. Didn’t expect to run into you.”
I can’t help but laugh.
"Well, I can say the same for you,"
"How have you been?"
"Fine, and you?" I ask.
"Great. You look beautiful as always," heat rises up my cheeks hearing him give me one if his hand off compliments. I wonder if he is the same with other women. But I've seen him interact with Emma and others at the clinic he isn't the same with them.
“Well, you’re not looking bad yourself. It explains why people keep glancing in our direction.” I glance at a few curious stares coming from shoppers further down the aisle. It’s hard not to feel self-conscious with Liam in tow, looking like he belongs on the cover of a magazine. But I try not to focus on the attention we’re getting.
He chuckles, looking around at the other customers who are clearly trying to be discreet. “Yeah, I noticed that. I’m sure it's all your effect. I've been shopping for myself and I don't think I get these looks.”
