Late Nights & Unspoken Words

The city hummed softly at night—cars passing. You stood outside the upscale restaurant, arms wrapped around yourself, the cool breeze biting at your skin. Inside, your fiancé, Evan was still at the table, laughing with his business partners, completely unaware that you had slipped outside.

And then, there was him.

Liam leaned against the brick wall near the alley, half-hidden in the shadows. Hands in his jacket pockets. His dark eyes locked onto yours the moment you stepped out.

"You shouldn't be here," you whispered, but you didn’t move.

He let out a quiet chuckle, tilting his head. "Neither should you."

Your heart ached at the truth of it. You weren’t supposed to want him. You weren’t supposed to feel this when he looked at you. But every late-night text, every stolen glance, every lingering touch had led you here.

"I can't keep doing this," you said, voice barely above a breath.

Liam stepped closer. "Then tell me to leave."

You should. God, you should.

But when he reached out—his fingers ghosting over yours, warmth seeping into your skin—you knew you were too far gone.

"You deserve better than him," he murmured, searching your face. "You don't have to do this alone."

Tears burned at the back of your eyes. Inside that restaurant was the life you had promised yourself.

And yet, standing here with Liam, the world made more sense than it ever had before.

"You don't have to go back in there," he said softly. "I promise I won't let you down. Just say the word."

The door behind you opened. A voice called your name.

A choice had to be made.

And you had seconds to decide.