Chapter Forty Five
Chloe felt a flutter in her chest as she met his gaze. There was something about Liam that drew her to him, something that made her heart beat faster whenever she was near him. “I’d like that,” she said softly. “I’m excited to get to know this new Liam.”
He laughed, the sound rich and full of mirth. “I’m not new, Chloe. Just refined.”
Chloe giggled, feeling a lightness in her chest that she hadn’t felt in a while. “Well, refined or not, I’m happy to have you in my life again.”
They fell into an easy conversation then, talking about everything and nothing, just enjoying each other’s company. Chloe found herself feeling more and more comfortable with Liam, as though they had never been apart. They laughed and teased each other, and as the sun began to set, Chloe knew that she didn’t want the evening to end.
But eventually, they had to part ways. Liam walked her to her car, and as she got in, Chloe turned to him with a small smile. “Thank you, Liam. For everything.”
Liam leaned down and brushed a soft kiss against her cheek. “Thank you for giving me a chance, Chloe.”
Chloe felt a warmth in her chest that she couldn’t quite explain. Liam had taken a huge risk for her, and she knew that she would never forget it. She couldn’t wait to see what the future held for them.
As they walked around the Lycan Kingdom, Chloe and Liam chatted about various things. Chloe shared her knowledge about the Lycan heritage, telling him how the culture had developed over the years. Liam was fascinated by her insights and listened intently.
“I must say, Chloe,” Liam said, “you have a way of making things come alive. The way you talk about the Lycan heritage, it’s like I’m actually there experiencing it myself.”
Chloe smiled. “Thank you, Liam. I’m glad you find it interesting.”
They continued walking and soon arrived at a beautiful garden. Chloe showed Liam around, pointing out the different plants and flowers. Liam seemed to appreciate the beauty of it all, and Chloe couldn’t help but notice how his eyes lit up as he gazed at the colorful blooms.
“This garden is amazing,” Liam said. “I can see why you like it here. It’s so peaceful and serene.”
“Yes, it is,” Chloe replied. “I come here often to relax and clear my mind.”
They sat down on a bench and continued talking. Liam asked her about her life before she came to the Lycan Kingdom, and Chloe opened up to him. She told him about her struggles and the hardships she had faced, and how being here had given her a new sense of purpose.
“I’m happy for you, Chloe,” Liam said. “You deserve to find happiness and fulfillment.”
Chloe smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Liam. That means a lot coming from you.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying each other’s company. Eventually, Liam broke the silence.
“You know, Chloe,” he said, “I never thought I’d enjoy spending time with a Lycan. But being with you, it’s different. You’re not like the others. You’re special.”
Chloe felt her cheeks flush with heat. “Thank you, Liam. You’re pretty special yourself.”
They both laughed, and Chloe felt a connection between them that she had never felt before. It was as if they had known each other for years, even though they had only just met.
As they walked back to the house, Chloe couldn’t help but feel grateful for the day she had spent with Liam. It had been an unexpected but pleasant surprise, and she felt as though she had made a true friend.
“I’m glad we did this, Liam,” she said.
“Me too, Chloe,” he replied. “I had a great time.”
Chloe smiled, feeling content. As they walked back into the courtyard, she knew that things were going to be different from now on. Then Liam stretched out his arms for a hug and she hugged him.
“I will be patient Chloe,” he whispered. And then pulled out of the embrace and walked away and that was when Chloe saw Aiden standing beside her.
As Chloe followed Aiden to his room, she could sense his anger radiating from him. She tried to reassure him that Liam’s visit was harmless and that they were just talking. But Aiden couldn’t shake off the jealousy and insecurity that he felt.
“Why was he even here, Chloe? Why did he have to come and rub his victory in my face?” Aiden asked, his voice laced with bitterness.
Chloe was taken aback by his accusation. “He didn’t come to rub anything in your face, Aiden. He came to apologize and to try and make things right between us.”
Aiden scoffed. “And now he’s the hero, isn’t he? He made some grand sacrifice and now he’s the noble one. What about me, Chloe? What about everything I’ve done for you?”
Chloe could feel the frustration building up inside her. “This isn’t a competition, Aiden. Liam didn’t come here to compete with you. He just wants to be friends and to try and make amends. And as for you, yes, you’ve done a lot for me, but that doesn’t mean you get to dictate my feelings or my choices.”
Aiden’s eyes blazed with anger. “I’m not dictating anything, Chloe. I just can’t stand the thought of losing you to him. You have to understand that.”
Chloe shook her head, feeling hurt and exhausted. “I do understand, Aiden. But I can’t keep being treated like a prize to be won. I need to be with someone who trusts me and respects my decisions. And right now, that person isn’t you.”
Aiden’s face twisted in disbelief. “Are you saying that you’re choosing him over me? After everything we’ve been through?”
Chloe took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “I’m not choosing anyone, Aiden. I just need some space and time to figure things out for myself. Maybe we can try and be friends again later, but right now, I need to go.”NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.