"Move out of the way, Liam!" I growled, pushing him aside frustratedly. I was in no mood to fight. I simply wanted to grab some clothes and return to grandma's home.
His eyes were intense, but I ignored it. I walked to the closet, pulled out my bag, and started stuffing my clothes into it. But before I could zip it up, Liam came over and threw my bag to the corner of the room.
"What do you mean?" I stood up, angry at him.
You want to go? Just leave and leave this place like that?!" he shouted. "Is another man following you now?!"
"If so? What do you need? Isn't Jessica already with you? I think this relationship is really meaningless," I shot back no less angrily.
Liam looked hurt, but retaliated quickly, "Daisy, I know you've been jealous of Jessica for a week now. I told you, my marriage to Jessica is business. I love you. More than anything."
Suddenly his squeaky voice softened, I mocked a laugh.
"This isn't jealousy, Liam. This is you constantly belittling my feelings. If you love me so much, show me. Break up with Jessica, end it with her now!"
He remained silent.
I stepped closer, looking deep into his eyes.
"You can't, can you? Even on the day of my ice skating competition, the most important day for me… you forgot. You were too busy welcoming Jessica from the airport, even after I reminded you every day."
Previously, I would have chosen to remain silent, to give in, to hold on to this relationship. But now I understand, what I've been protecting all this time wasn't love. but lies.
"From now on, we're done, Liam. This relationship is over. Besides, our parents don't even know about us, do they?
My tears fell, I no longer hid them. For the first time. I let myself feel the pain.
"What? No, Daisy… don't do this." Liam's voice was frantic, he was rushing towards me, his breath in short gasps.
I turned my face away, but he held my arm gently as if he was truly afraid of losing me.
"I'm sorry…really," he whispered.
"I was wrong for missing your competition. I don't know what I was thinking. That day I should've been there, supporting you, hugging you after you won…"
Liam's eyes started to turn red.
"But I chose Jessica instead. I also apologize for not being able to accompany you to take care of your family's ranch files. I... took your feelings for granted.”
I stared at him silently. Trying to look for the final remaining sincerity in his eyes.
He grabbed my hand, placing it on his chest. His heartbeat was pounding wildly, as if to reassure me.
"If you still feel even a little bit… don't go."
I inhaled. Before, this hug would have melted me. But now… I wasn't sure I wanted to stay.
Liam looked at me passionately.
"I know I messed up. But give me a chance. Just one. I'll make it all right. I'll come to whatever you want. Even to your ice skating practice every day if you want."
My heart was pounding. But I couldn't trust him anymore.
"You trust me, right?" he asked softly.
I nodded slowly. Smiling a bit like I meant it.
Yes, I forgave him. But only pretended to. Liam hugged me, as usual. But this time it was flavorless. Maybe… my heart could no longer sense his touch.
Besides, in twenty days I'll be going away. There is no point in forcing love that has lost its form.
"Then…" Liam let out a sigh of relief, then suddenly lifted up my body.
"H-Hey!" I shouted.
"I'm not letting you go anywhere, honey!" Liam suddenly picked me up and placed me on the bed.
"So.can I sleep here, with you?" He playfully grinned at me.
"No!" I willingly answered, then I pushed his body with all my might.
Liam's body fell over the edge of the bed and crashed onto the floor with a loud thud. He winced, rubbing his back.
"Aww… why'd you put me down? It's okay if you don't want to."
Liam tried to laugh. I gave him a cold look. Somewhat taken aback, but not sorry.
Liam got up, brushing his clothes lightly.
"Alright. If you want to sleep alone, I'll go."
He walked to the door, but before he went out, turned around. He came back, then bent, kissing my forehead.
"I love you so much, Daisy," he whispered, but I didn't say anything.
Liam smiled slightly before he gradually closed the door.
And when the door was completely closed, I just stared at the ceiling. Flat and empty.
No more pounding heart anymore. No yearning. No sensation when I'm with him.
****
The next morning, Liam made breakfast for me like he was really trying to win my heart. He fed me. And I fed him sometimes, just like before.
Liam took my hand and said, "Thank you, Daisy. We've repaired our broken relationship. I don't want to lose you."
I nodded and smiled, pretending along. I became the old Daisy again, warm, gentle, and submissive. In secret, though, I packed my bags each night for five nights.
I was happy I could attend Freya's engagement. She was smiling, and I forgot my grief for a time. We sat together afterward as we once did. I said I was leaving, and she cried and clung to me.
You're my best friend, Freya. Not just a friend… you're like a sister to me," I replied, hugging her back.
"Before you go to Harvard… I want us to meet often. Like we used to in the past," Freya managed between sobs.
"Yes, of course," I said.
But when I remember the moment that the ring was placed on Freya's finger, I can manage only a bitter smile. I want to feel the same. I want Liam to be beside me at the altar. But in life, my finger is empty. It means nothing.
I said goodbye to Freya after dinner. Shortly afterward, I received a message from Jessica.
[Daisy, can you take Liam. He's got a fever right now. He's in my apartment.]
I immediately replied and said I would go. I was just being a good girlfriend, at least for the time being here. But when I arrived at Jessica's apartment and walked towards her half-open room, I heard something.
"Liam, don't do this. What if Daisy discovers?" Jessica's voice was spoiled and breathy.
Liam's voice followed after the searing kiss. He sounded casual, and sneered.
"Daisy? Oh, she's my submissive girlfriend. Like a dog that always listens to its master. She won't get angry at anything we do."
My throat constricted. My body was like it froze at Liam's response to me.
