Felicity turned to Liam with a sly grin. “Liam, tell us–doesn’t Olivia look amazing in this dress?”
The question made Olivia’s heart skip a beat. She hadn’t expected Felicity to put Liam on the spot like that. Technically, they were just step sibling no blood between them. They’d always danced around the unspoken line between them, careful not to cross it.
Olivia tugged at the hem of her dress, trying to deflect. But Liam just shrugged and looked as aloof as ever. “I don’t know. I’m not really into this kind of thing.”
Felicity rolled her eyes. ‘Liam, really? Stop pretending you don’t notice.‘
Felicity, who always knew how to keep things in check, didn’t press further. She shook her head, letting it go. She held up her phone. “Olivia, can I take photos of you in the dress?”
It was a harmless request, and Olivia nodded, posing for a few quick shots with a smile.
As soon as it was done, Olivia made a dash for the fitting room. It wasn’t her dress, after all. Wearing it felt all wrong–like borrowing someone else’s
story.
And honestly, being the center of attention around Liam was the last thing she wanted, She felt most comfortable when she could just fade into the background.
And once she was out of sight, Felicity gave Liam a nudge on the shoulder. “I’ll send you those photos later,” she said, her smile full of mischief.
Without any reply, Liam looked up, his eyes as unreadable as ever.
Felicity studied him for a moment, but she couldn’t quite figure him out. Finally, she said, “You were practically glued to her. Don’t tell me you don’t want to see Olivia in that dress again.”
After a pause, Liam simply said, “Thanks.”
Felicity blinked, taken aback for a second, but then she smiled warmly. She sat down next to him and said, “You really need to let go of what happened five years ago. Maribel’s actions have nothing to do with Olivia.
“Besides, you’ve been chasing shadows for years, and you still don’t have any solid proof. Maybe you’re just seeing what you want to see. But I’m glad you’re finally taking a step forward. I’m really happy for you.”
Liam listened in silence. His eyes were half–closed, casting shadows that hid his thoughts.
His phone buzzed to life with an incoming message. He glanced at it, and then stood up. “Gotta go. I’ve got some urgent work,” he said, his gaze flickering briefly toward the fitting room.
Felicity caught his drift and grinned. “Don’t sweat it. I’ll get Olivia home safe and sound, and I’ll make sure everything in the apartment’s in order.”
Liam nodded, relief softening his features. “Thanks,” he said, before turning and heading out.
Soon, Olivia stepped out of the fitting room. “Where’d Liam go?” she asked, looking around for Liam.
Felicity chuckled, “He’s off to his next fire to put out. You know how he is.”
“Oh, right,” Olivia said with a nod.
“Come on, let’s go check out your place,” Felicity said, leading the way.
“Thanks, Felicity,” Olivia said.
“Oh sweetie my pleasure,” Felicity replied.
10:46 Sun, 22 Jun G
Chapter 19
Inside a country house, Neil was sprawled on the couch, his mind a million miles away. He idly tapped on the message from Jason that had just popped up. As the photo loaded, his fingers tightened around the phone.
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