Evan stood there, frozen—his hand still hovering near the doorframe—as his eyes met Liam's.
Liam was lounging on Selene's chair like he owned it, like he owned her. That same smug smirk on his lips. His voice was smooth, calculated.
Liam:"You look... surprised."
Selene's breath hitched. She hadn't moved. Her keys were still in her hand, clenched so tight her knuckles were white.
Evan's jaw tightened. He took a step forward, placing himself slightly in front of Selene. His voice low, sharp.
Evan:"Who are you? & Who the hell let you in?"
Liam tilted his head, still smiling. "Door was open. Figured it meant I was welcome." He looked past Evan, straight at Selene. "You always did forget to lock up when you're too busy... being someone else's."
Selene flinched.
Evan glanced at her, sensing the shift. He saw her shoulders stiffen, her silence loud. She hadn't said a word yet. And Evan knew—it wasn't because she didn't have anything to say. It was because Liam still made her feel small.
Evan turned back to him, fists clenched now.
Evan:"You need to leave. Now."
Liam laughed. "Easy, man. I'm not here to fight. Just came to see my girl."
Selene finally spoke—her voice was soft but steady.
Selene:"I'm not your girl, Liam."
That smile slipped from Liam's face for the first time.
Liam:"You sure? Because I remember you saying otherwise. Right before you ran away like a scared little—"
Evan cut in, stepping closer now.
Evan:"I said—get out."
Liam stood, slowly. He wasn't much taller than Evan, but the way he carried himself—like a weapon—made it feel like a standoff.
He looked at Selene. "You didn't even answer my calls. Your dad's been asking about you."
That made her freeze.
Selene:"Don't bring him into this."
Liam leaned forward slightly, whispering,"He misses you, you know. Thinks you're still with me. Thinks I'm still the good guy."
Evan had had enough.
Evan:"You have five seconds to get out, or I'll make you wish you left when the door was still open."
Liam stepped back, turned to Selene, his tone chilling. "You can't hide behind vacation boy forever."
Liam's voice dropped, low and venomous, " Your dad is counting his last days. Your mother wants you home. You know the reason..."
Selene's eyes widened—pain slicing through her. Her throat tightened, but she didn't speak.
Evan stepped forward, voice sharp.
Evan:"Stop shitting and get out."
Liam didn't flinch. Just smiled. The kind of smile that cuts.
Liam:"Do you know that girl you're fucking is engaged?"
The room went still.
Evan turned sharply to Selene, confusion clouding his eyes.
Evan:"Stop bullshitting."
Selene didn't look at him. Her jaw clenched. Her fingers were trembling.
Selene:"Evan… go home. I'll text you later."
Evan's heart dropped.
Evan:"What do you mean? I'm not letting you stay here—with him—"
Selene:"I said go!" she snapped, loud, her voice shaking at the edges.
Evan:"I won't. Not this time, Selene."
But she was already pulling him by the arm, toward the door, pushing him out.
Selene, voice breaking:"I'll tell you everything. Just… not now."
Liam leaned in the doorway, that same crooked grin plastered on his face.
Liam (mocking):"Bye, vacation boy."
Selene slammed the door in his face.
Evan stood outside, stunned, his breath caught in his chest. For a moment, he didn't move. Then—
Evan, voice cracking in frustration:"Dammit!"
He pounded the wall once with his fist, then sat down heavily, right outside her door. His back against it. Hands in his hair. Jaw tight.
A beat passed.
Then—
Evan (softly, knocking at the door):
"I'm here, Sel. I'm not leaving."
Silence.
He rested his head back against the wood, closed his eyes.
Inside Selene's Apartment
The door slammed.
Selene stood frozen. Her hands shaking. Liam dropped into the same chair with entitlement.
Liam (coldly):"Did you really let that guy fuck you?"
Selene (sharply):"That's none of your damn business."
Liam stood up in a flash, the chair screeching. His face twisted into rage.
Liam:"You're mine. You always have been. You think sleeping with some broke traveler changes that?"
Selene (voice rising):"I was never yours. You just owned a fucking illusion. A cage."
Liam (mocking):"Cute. Still poetic. But your poetry won't help when I drag you back home in two days. Your parents are waiting. Our wedding is set."
Selene's face turned pale.
Selene:"I told you—I'm not marrying you."
Liam (smirking):"You can run all you want, but I've got the leash. Your precious daddy's still alive, for now. You know what stress does to a man in his condition?"
Her breath hitched.
Selene:"Don't you dare—"
Liam (cutting her off):"Don't test me, princess. You know what I can do. Your mother has everything arranged. Your dad still thinks I'm the perfect man for you."
Selene (voice trembling):"Because you made sure of it. You lied. Manipulated him."
Liam (walking closer):"You think this is about love? I don't give a damn about you. But I'm not letting all that money and control go to waste. Your little rebellion ends now."
He grabbed her arm roughly.
Selene (trying to pull away):"Let go of me!"
He shoved her hard onto the couch.
Liam (leaning in, menacingly):"You belong to me, Selene. Like it or not. And in two days, you'll be back in that house, wearing white."
His hand hovered like he might hit her. She flinched.
But he paused.
He turned his head slightly toward the door. He knew Evan was still out there.
Liam (gritting his teeth):"You're lucky your little boyfriend's playing knight outside."
He straightened, staring at her as she held back tears, breath shaky.
Liam (smiling darkly):"I'll be back tomorrow. Don't run again. Next time, I won't be so gentle."
And then—he walked out.
Selene sat there, shaking, her sweatshirt pulled over her knees, heart thudding like a war drum.