Serena’s POV
My eyes swept over the club, unease settling deep in my chest. The lights were too dim. The music was too loud. The air slled of alcohol and indulgence.
Why would Liam bring here?
Did he forget how much I hated places like this?
"I knew I was right to co with you," Maya muttered beside , arms folded tightly. Her eyes scanned the room with open distaste.
I exhaled softly. At least I wasn’t alone.
Before I could respond, a shadow fell over us. I lifted my head.
Liam.
My lips curved into a polite smile, automatic and practiced.
"If it isn’t the heartthrob from college," Maya said dryly. She didn’t bother hiding her dislike. She wasn’t that type of girl who played pretend.
Liam chuckled lightly, unfazed. "Nice to see you too, Maya."
She scoffed.
He turned his attention to , his gaze lingering just a second longer than necessary. "Was it difficult getting in?"
I shook my head. "No."
His brows knit together as he glanced around. "Let’s get a private room. This place isn’t ideal."
Sothing about the way he said it made my stomach twist—but I nodded anyway.
Liam started toward the stairs, Maya and I following behind him. We’d only gone a few steps when my foot faltered.
I froze.
My eyes collided with a familiar figure across the room.
"Alexander..." I breathed out, my voice barely above a whisper. .
Liam followed my gaze. His jaw tightened for a split second—so fast I almost missed it—before his expression smoothed out.
Maya, however, brightened instantly.
"Boss!" she called out, her voice cutting through the music.
Alexander stopped.
For a heartbeat, the entire world seed to hold its breath.
His gaze moved from Maya... to Liam... then finally to .
Sothing unreadable passed through his eyes.
"Didn’t expect to see you here," Liam said, his tone casual, almost lazy.
"Neither did I," Alexander replied coolly.
The air between them grew taut, heavy with sothing sharp and unspoken.
I shifted, fingers tightening around my purse strap. Perhaps... I shouldn’t have co.
Maya leaned in and whispered, "Do you want to leave?"
Before I could answer, Alexander spoke again.
"Enjoy your evening."
The words were polite. But, the tone wasn’t.
My chest tightened painfully. He was doing exactly what I asked earlier—keeping his distance.
So why did it hurt?
"Thank you," Liam replied smoothly. Then, without asking, his hand settled on my waist. "Shall we?"
My breath hitched.
He guided forward, his grip firm, but possessive.
I almost didn’t look back.
Almost.
Alexander’s eyes were dark, burning with sothing raw and unmistakable. They flicked to Liam’s hand on my waist... then returned to mine.
Jealousy
.
Anger.
It made my pulse race.
Uncomfortable, I gently pried Liam’s hand away.
"What’s wrong?" he asked softly.
"People are staring," I replied calmly.
It was a lie.
There was only one person watching.
And only one opinion that mattered.
I didn’t turn to look at Alexander again, but my thoughts lingered on him even when we arrived at the private room.
"Co in," Liam’s voice snapped out of my thoughts and I forced a smile on my face.
Maya seed to have noticed as she ca to stand beside , while she whispered into my ears.
"You’ve been absentminded ever since we walked away from Mr. Blackwood. Don’t tell you are thinking about him?"
I snapped my head, my eyes widening. "W-what do you an?" My words ca out in a stuttering ss while my eyes darted around.
Maya was silent for a while, before she chuckled slowly. "You may fool others, but you can’t fool . I’m your best friend, and I understand you better than anyone else."
I didn’t respond. She was right. Maya was the only one who knew the ’real’ . The ’’ nobody knew.
"Alright ladies. What are you whispering about? Care to let know?" Liam’s voice snapped us out of our discussion.
Maya was quick to respond while rolling her eyes. "Nothing for you to know about."
I didn’t know if it was , but I swear I could see a dangerous glint flashed through Liam’s eyes. But it was only for a few seconds, before his eyes reverted to its calm. It made question if what I had seen was my imagination or if it was real.
"You may have your seat." Liam gestured, breaking my thoughts. Just like a gentleman, he had pulled the seat out for .
Maya scoffed, grumbled sothing which I didn’t get under her breath, walked to the opposite seat, and took a seat directly in front of .
We made eye contact, and I smiled at her. She looked cute with her rage simring in her eyes.
Maya kicked my foot lightly under the table.
I t her gaze again. Her annoyance softened just a fraction, replaced by concern. She was watching —really watching —and that alone cald my breathing.
Liam snapped his fingers, and within seconds a waiter appeared, placing drinks on the table without asking for our order.
I frowned slightly. "I didn’t—"
"It’s fine," Liam cut in smoothly. "I ordered for you. Sa thing you used to like"
Used to. The word sat wrong with . I glanced at the glass in front of , unease creeping up my spine.
Maya didn’t hide her irritation. "She didn’t say she wanted it."
Liam’s smile didn’t falter, but the air shifted. Subtly. More dangerously.
"I’m sure Serena doesn’t mind," he replied, eyes flicking to . He was not asking, but expecting.
I forced a polite smile. "I actually—"
"You’re still the sa," he interrupted softly. "You are always hesitant and always overthinking."
Sothing cold brushed against my ribs. Liam felt... different.
Maya leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "Funny," she said, voice sharp and laced with sothing I was unable to pinpoint. "from where I’m sitting, it looks like she’s just learned to choose for herself."
For a brief second, Liam’s jaw tightened.
There it was again—that flash. That familiar yet unfamiliar dark, impatient glint before he smoothed himself out.
"You should excuse us," he said, standing abruptly and turning to . "Serena and I need a mont alone."
My pulse spiked.
Before I could respond, Maya stood too, placing herself slightly in front of . "No," she said calmly. "She’s fine right here."
Silence fell between the three of us.
Liam stared at her. Maya stared back, unflinching.
And then—
My phone vibrated on the table.
A single ssage lit up the screen.
Alexander Blackwood:
[Are you okay?]
My breath caught.
I looked up instinctively—toward the door, and I made contact with him.
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