Chapter 97. The Words Wouldn’t Come

2024

Amelia’s POV

The silence was deafening.

Liam didn’t say a word as we stepped out of the mansion, his hand warm but stiff around mine, guiding me in the opposite direction of the party. The sound of music faded with each step until all I could hear was the soft tap of our shoes against the ground as we walked. His grip was gentle, but his entire body radiated tension. It felt like walking next to a loaded gun.

He led me further and further away from the mansion until we reached a quiet bench tucked away in a secluded corner of the estate. The cool evening air brushed against my skin, but it did nothing to ease the unease that felt like a noose around my neck as I waited for Liam to say something. Liam sat down first, elbows resting on his knees, staring at the ground. I hovered for a moment before sinking down beside him, leaving a careful few inches of space between us.

The silence stretched so long I thought it might strangle me.