Page 84 of Liam
“Dr. James?”
I freeze at the voice. Mr. Johnson, my landlord, is tucked into a corner booth, coffee cup halfway to his mouth.
“Oh. Hi.” I manage a nod, though all I want is to grab my coffee and hide in my lab. “Thank you, by the way. For the rent reduction. It really helped with everything.”
He stares at me, his coffee cup frozen halfway to his mouth. “Thank me? I didn’t have much choice in the matter, not with that Valeur fellow breathing down my neck about it.”
The world tilts sideways.
“What?”
“Oh.” His face falls. “Shit. I wasn’t supposed to mention that part.”
My heart pounds. “Which Valeur?”
“Tall fellow, expensive suit. First time I’ve ever had a CEO in my office.” Mr. Johnson chuckles nervously. “Came by months ago. Said he’d buy the whole building if I didn’t agree to reduce your rent. Offered to pay the difference himself, but was very clear you weren’t to know about his involvement.”
Months ago. Back when I still acted like he was the enemy—when I could barely stay civil in meetings.
“Very determined young man. Wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
My accusations echo in my head:"Some of us don’t have trust funds to fall back on. You wouldn’t understand."
But he did understand. He’d been quietly helping all along, making sure I could support my family without ever letting his pride get in the way of mine.
“The thing is,” Mr. Johnson adds, his voice softening, “when I suggested telling you about this, he was determined. Said you’d never accept help if you knew it came from him. Seemed to know you pretty well.”
Oh, Liam.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice thick. “For telling me.”
I stumble out without my coffee, the morning sun blurring through my tears. All those times I accused him of being privileged, out of touch, unable to understand actual struggles...and he was quietly carrying my burdens, expecting nothing in return. Not even acknowledgment.
Yesterday’s anger crumbles, replaced by a different ache.All that time… All that time, Liam was making sure I was okay even when I treated him like the enemy. That’s not the action of someone who’s above it all.
That’s friendship.
And I just threw it in his face.
My phone feels heavy in my hand as I stare at his name on the screen. How do you apologize for judging someone so wrongly? For assuming the worst when they were silently doing their best?
I need to tell him I see him now. Really see him.
For everything he is.
I yank at the hem of my dress again, like it’s somehow shrinking with each step closer to the nightclub. Neon lights smear the night, or maybe that’s just my nerves twisting everything. Then I spot them—Ava, Cora, and Sloane—lined up like they’ve just sashayed off a magazine cover and ended up here.
“Deep breaths,” I whisper, forcing my shoulders back. “It’s only a casual night with your boyfriend’s ridiculously stunning, successful family. Totally normal. No pressure whatsoever.”
Ava sees me first. Her lips, a perfect shade of ruby red, twist into a smile. “Well, if it isn’t the brave woman who’s tamed our dear Liam,” she calls out. “Come on, darling, we don’t bite...much.”
Cora, the youngest of the Valeur siblings, all Amazonianblonde power, flashes a grin sharp enough to qualify as a weapon. “Speak for yourself, Ava. I haven’t had my evening snack yet.”
I laugh, the sound coming out more like a hiccup. “Hi, I’m Aleria. But you knew that. Because Liam told you. Or maybe you didn’t. I don’t want to assume... I’m rambling, aren’t I? I’ll stop now.”
Sloane gives me a sympathetic smile. “Don’t worry, I tend to ramble myself. We’re used to socially awkward geniuses.”
“I’m just so nervous,” I admit, fidgeting with a loose string in my dress. “I changed outfits seven times before coming here and don’t even know if it’s on right. I once gave an entire lecture on quantum entanglement with my shirt on inside out. Nobody said a word. I’m still not sure if they were being polite or if they thought it was some sort of new fashion.”
