The last echoes of laughter and music faded into the night as the grand estate slowly emptied. Crystal chandeliers dimmed, and the polished floors lost their sparkle under the soft glow of fading lamps. Maya stood beside Liam in the quiet corridor, her heart still fluttering from the earlier tension. Tonight wasn't just any night — it was the first time she'd stay under Liam's roof, alone with him.
They walked through the vast hallway, their footsteps soft on the marble, until Liam led her toward the guest suite. The air between them was thick with unspoken emotions — desire, protectiveness, and something deeper, more fragile.
But before the night's peace could settle, the following morning arrived with a storm brewing.
The formal meeting with Liam's parents was set in the elegant dining room — a space framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, sheer curtains fluttering with the morning breeze. The heavy scent of fresh flowers mingled with the faint aroma of fine coffee and pastries.
Liam's mother greeted Maya with a smile that was warm but distant, while Liam's father, Victor, sat close by, eyes flickering with the same unsettling amusement from the night before.
The conversation flowed smoothly at first — polite inquiries about Maya's background, shared laughs — but the undercurrent of tension never fully left the room.
Then, the moment happened.
As Maya reached for her glass of water, Victor's hand brushed against her arm — lingering far too long, fingers tracing a path that sent a chill crawling up her spine. His smile widened, but it no longer felt charming — it was invasive, bold, a silent claim.
Maya's breath caught, her heart pounding. She glanced toward Liam, whose expression darkened instantly. His jaw clenched, eyes narrowing to sharp slits.
"Enough." His voice dropped low, steady but fierce.
Victor's hand froze, then slowly withdrew, the smug smile fading as he met Liam's unwavering gaze.
Liam stood abruptly, the chair scraping sharply against the floor. His voice was low but resolute, dripping with possessiveness and a fierce promise.
"Maya, I'm going to marry you." His eyes locked on hers, filled with fire and certainty. "Tonight. And we're leaving this place — this house — forever."
Maya's breath hitched, her chest swelling with emotion. She reached out, her fingers trembling as they found Liam's hand. The promise was overwhelming — a shield against the toxicity they'd just escaped.
Without another word, Liam turned and led Maya out, the weight of his decision burning in every step.
Outside, the crisp night air wrapped around them as they slipped into the waiting car. The city lights blurred past the windows, a new beginning shimmering just ahead.
Tonight, they would bind their futures together — against all odds, against the shadows of the past.