Chapter 1

In the quiet of the flat, the click of the door behind me sounded louder than normal. Liam's frantic, quiet voice echoed from the living room. I stopped in the middle of my stride, my hand lingering over the light switch. I was frozen in place by something in his tone.

"I told you I can't do this right now, Isabel," he replied, his annoyance piercing the silence.

I scowled. Isabel? My heartbeat accelerated. That name—an ex he had allegedly left in the past—had not been in our life for more than a year.

My heartbeat reverberated in my ears as I slipped toward the corridor, leaning into the darkness. As he talked, Liam's figure moved over the wall, pacing.

He went on, his words full of anxiety, "You don't realize how delicate this is. She is not a moron. If I'm careless, she'll discover it."

I felt a chill descend over my abdomen. She. The word stuck in my head and kept coming up like a broken record. I mean, he couldn't mean me?

Liam softened his voice to a nearly plaintive tone and added, "Look, I'll fix it." "Give me some time,"

I moved closer, being cautious not to step on any creaking areas of the floor. "You know I care about you, Isabel," he continued, and I gasped.

I held on to the wall for stability as the room whirled. Concerned about you? A hundred questions flooded my mind, each one more agonizing than the previous, and my chest constricted.

Liam ended the call by saying, "Yeah, I'll give you a call tomorrow." The ensuing hush was deafening.

As he turned toward the corridor, I frantically tried to gather myself. His face glowed with delight when he appeared. "You're home early, Nora."

I made an effort to smile, but it was more like a grimace. "The meeting concluded earlier than anticipated."

His eyes shifted to his phone and then back to me. "How did your day go?"

"All right," I said, my voice concealing the fury that was building inside of me. "Yours?"

He put his phone in his pocket and muttered, "Busy." "Just finishing up a few tasks."

Work. I swallowed the harsh response that rose in my throat, even though the untruth was nearly ludicrous. "Sounds intense," I remarked nonchalantly.

With a little smirk, he answered, "Nothing I can't handle." Do you want some wine? You appear to be in need of a glass.

"Yes," I said, already assembling the tidbits of his talk in my head. Liam vanished into the kitchen, leaving me still as I gazed at the location where his phone had vanished.

Later that evening, as Liam's steady breathing filled the room, I lay in bed next to him and stared up at the ceiling. The warmth of his presence did nothing to calm the icy knot in my gut as my thoughts raced.

Isabel. Her name tore at my thoughts, keeping me from sleeping. His tone of dismissal when she was brought up in conversation was a far cry from the gentle, intimate manner he had talked to her.

I rolled onto my side and observed Liam's face as it was illuminated by the dim moonlight. How many times had I put my faith in him? Had faith in the love we had created? The answers to the burning questions were hidden in a place I wasn't sure I wanted to search.

I went through my routine automatically the following morning. Light-hearted and unconcerned, Liam buttoned his shirt and hummed gently.

He looked at me while I was sipping my coffee and remarked, "You're quiet today."

"Just exhausted," I answered.

"What can I do to help?" The words seemed hollow, yet his tone was relaxed, even kind.

I forced a tiny smile and shook my head. "I'll be all right."

Liam kissed my forehead and then reached for his keys. I'll see you this evening. Don't put in too much effort.

"Same to you," I answered, maintaining my composure in spite of the commotion below.

When the door shut behind him, I let out a trembling breath. His phone, which he had left on the counter, caught my attention. The gadget was both a lifeline and a possible weapon, and as I got closer, my heart raced.

The icy surface felt heavy in my hand when I took it up. A passcode was requested as the screen came to life. I tried his birthdate, but my fingers shook and hesitated. False. I stared at the figures and bit my lip.

This time, I tried my birthdate as a combination. The screen became unlocked. I browsed to his call log with a mixture of relief and fear. Isabel's name at the top, her number registered several times during the previous few days, made my stomach drop.

I fumbled to lock the phone and put it back on the counter after flinching at the sound of keys jingling outside the door.

With a forgotten file in hand, Liam entered as the door swung open. He grinned as his gaze fell upon me. Holding out the folder, he continued, "I forgot this."

As he walked across the room, I forced a neutral expression and nodded. Without a second look, he scooped up his phone and slipped it into his pocket, making my heart accelerate.

He kissed my cheek one more and murmured, "See you tonight," before leaving.

I shakily exhaled as the door clicked shut, the weight of what I had witnessed bearing down on me.

I was distracted from my thoughts as my phone buzzed on the counter. The screen was illuminated by a text from an unidentified number:

"You have a right to hear Liam's real story. Come see me at 7 p.m. at the cafe on Fifth.

With my heart pounding in my ears, I gazed at the message. I was paying attention to whoever sent it.

And I was about to discover just what they knew.

I had mentally reread the enigmatic paragraph a dozen times by the time Liam came back that night. You have a right to hear Liam's real story. With the promise of answers I wasn't sure I wanted to face, the words taunted me and stuck to me like a second skin.

As he entered the kitchen with a bottle of wine in his arm, the smell of takeout permeated the room. With that easy smile that used to reassure me, he continued, "I thought we could skip cooking tonight."

Chapter 2

I forced a nod, the countertop's edge digging into my palms. My determination became stronger with each step he took in my direction.

"Liam," I stated calmly but firmly, "we need to talk."

When his smile faltered, he set the food bag on the counter. "It seems like a major matter. Is everything okay?

"Not really." I folded my arms across my chest, trying to even out the trembling in my voice. "Who is Isabel?"

His countenance had changed slightly yet noticeably. A moment of amazement that was quickly eclipsed by indifference. "What is the source of this?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Avoid deflecting. I heard you on the phone last night.

Liam spoke calmly despite his stiff jaw. "She is just a longtime friend. We hadn't spoken for a while, and she wanted advice on something."

"Suggestions?" I said it again, the word coated with disbelief. "You told her that you were worried about her, Liam. That doesn't sound like advice, in my opinion."

He combed through his hair, his tone tinted with irritation. "It's not what you think, Nora. Isabel and myself... We have history, yes, but it's very old. Right now, nothing is happening."

"So why did you not tell me that you were speaking with her?" I yelled and made a demand. "If it's so innocent, why keep it a secret?"

Liam approached with his palms raised in a gesture of appeasement. "Because I anticipated this reaction from you."

The sound of my bitter laugh was disagreeable, even to my own ears. "Answer like this? When I hear my sweetheart having a private conversation with his ex, do you intend to ask?"

He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "You see, I didn't mean to irritate you. I should have said the truth. I get it. But I can tell you that you're reading too much into this."

His words seemed weak, like a hastily assembled justification. I wanted to push more, but I stopped when he gave me a half-pleading, half-defensive look.

"Liam, please tell me the truth," I muttered. Completely honest. Is there anything I should know?

He hesitated for much too long, and I could feel the last of my trust in him begin to wane.

At last, he answered in a kind but unconvincing manner, "There's nothing, Nora. You are the only one I care about. The only one I want."

The words should have reassured me, but they didn't. Instead, they hung between us, false and heavy.

So the next day I was standing in front of the closet, staring blankly at the rows of gowns. Liam convinced me to accompany him to a charity banquet after our acrimonious dispute, saying that we had to show unity.

He had disarmed his smile and replied, "It'll be good for us. An opportunity to start over and remind ourselves of what's important."

I didn't have the energy to argue, but it felt like I was playing a role I no longer fit when I thought of parading around in public with him.

Behind me, Liam sprung up and yelled, "Wear the red one." He wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his chin on my shoulder. "You look amazing in red all the time."

I faked a small smile as I took the outfit off the hanger. "Yes."

The occasion was as glamorous as I had expected. The room was filled with laughing and the sound of glasses clinking, and the crystal chandeliers cast a pleasant glow. Liam effortlessly enthralled the audience and was in his element.

I stayed at his side, using my glass of champagne as a prop and a distraction. I glanced around the room, half expecting to see Isabel's face among the sea of strangers.

Liam presented me to a silver-haired man whose company was funding the event. "This is Andrew, Nora," he said.

"Nice to meet you," I said as I shook his hand, but my mind was elsewhere.

Andrew said, "This is a great partner for you," gesturing to Liam. "One of the most intelligent people I've ever worked with."

I forced myself not to smile politely as I asked what kind of intelligence was needed to deal with secrets.

As the evening wore on, I noticed that I was becoming increasingly absorbed in my thoughts. The gentle touch of Liam's palm on my back was a dim recollection of his presence, but it felt weird now.

I said, "Pardon me for a second," and stepped aside to get some fresh air.

I made my way to the terrace since the cool night breeze was a welcome change from the stuffy interior. I leaned on the railing, my breath trembling.

"Nora?"

As soon as my name was announced, I turned suddenly. Isabel stood a few steps away, her form visible in the soft glow of the yard lights.

For a while, we were quiet. Her face was hazy, but her eyes never wavered.

"I wasn't expecting to see you here," she finally said in a light, slightly dark voice.

I responded, "Neither was I," in a strained voice.

She moved closer, her sneakers clicking softly on the stone floor. "You want to know why I'm here."

I said nothing, which is a response in itself.

Isabel's lips curled into a faint smile. "I guess Liam kept it from you."

My chest tightened. "Tell me what?"

She had a spark in her eyes that was almost predatory. "I'm more than just an old friend." I am the reason he has been so busy lately.

I gripped the railing tighter, my fingertips becoming white. "What are you discussing?"

She tilted her head to study me. She turned on her heel and disappeared into the crowd before I could respond, saying, "Ask him yourself."

As I stood there, her remarks weighed heavy on me. Each inquiry I asked was more damaging than the last.

Behind me, Liam's voice drifted through the open door and yelled my name.

I turned back toward the ballroom, my heart pounding. Tonight and the falsehoods weren't over yet.

The air in the ballroom was thicker after Isabel's mysterious comments on the terrace. The soft strings of a live orchestra and the chatter of discussion drowned out the click of my heels on the marble floor as I re-entered the gala. However, my heart was beating rapidly.

Chapter 3

Liam saw me almost immediately, and as he crossed the room to greet me, a smile softened across his face. He touched my arm and said, "There you are." "I was beginning to believe you had disappeared."

I answered calmly, "I just needed some air," despite the chaos roiling inside of me.

"Are you alright?" He spoke in a kind tone, but his gaze flicked momentarily to the terrace door as though he sensed something was wrong.

I gave a stiff grin. "All right."

After giving me another look, he nodded and his own smile reappeared. "All right. Andrew wishes to present a possible customer to us. Let's leave.

With his hand lightly resting on the small of my back, I allowed him to lead me across the room. Isabel's presence was heavy, and her words kept repeating in my mind like a menacing tune. Ask him.

I looked around the room for her as we negotiated the mob. She wouldn't have vanished so quickly if she had the courage to face me.

We came to a halt in front of a group of folks by the bar. The sharply dressed man Andrew was talking to was laughing loudly over the commotion. I hung back while Liam slid into the dynamic with ease, shaking hands and saying hello.

I narrowed my gaze and ignored the conversations surrounding me when I noticed a flash of movement. As she sipped a glass of champagne, Isabel stood across the room, her elegant black gown enveloping her form. She appeared to be aware that she was being watched because of her relaxed posture and humorous grin.

Her eyes met mine, and I tensed, gasping for air. She didn't turn her head. Rather, she lifted her glass a little, a tacit challenge, or toast.

"Nora?"

I was brought back to the present by Liam's voice. When I turned around, he was observing me with a worried expression on his face. "Are you certain you're alright?"

I forced a smile and hurriedly answered, "I'm fine." "I apologize, I was a little preoccupied."

Andrew laughed. He misunderstood my uneasiness and remarked, "Big events can be overwhelming." However, you're fortunate to have Liam. He has a talent for putting people at ease.

In my stomach, the words twisted. If only you were aware.

Liam pulled me in by putting an arm over my waist. "She's a natural," he declared with delight in his voice.

I wanted to fall for the façade of normalcy he was attempting to present, to believe him. However, my eyes returned to Isabel, who was now approaching us.

"Liam," she called in a confident, silky voice that sliced like a dagger through the commotion.

He tensed up next to me, lowering his arm from my waist and turning. "Isabel," he said in a deliberately neutral tone.

A smile that was both warm and piercing grew on her face. "A long time has passed."

"It has," he said, his body language tight even though he appeared composed.

I could feel the tension as I looked between them. Isabel looked across at me and held out her hand. "You have to be Nora."

After hesitating, I shook her hand, which she held coolly and firmly. "You must be Isabel, too."

Her smile remained unwavering. "I've learned so much about you from Liam."

It's funny that he hasn't brought you up at all lately, I murmured, maintaining my composure in spite of the rage that was bubbling underneath.

Liam gave me a stern look, but Isabel's face remained unflinching. She seemed, if anything, to enjoy the underlying animosity.

With her eyes fixed on Liam's, she remarked softly, "Old friends have a way of drifting back into your life." "Don't they?"

Liam cleared his throat. "We ought to contact Andrew again. He is awaiting our arrival.

Isabel stepped aside with an elegant arm sweep and murmured, "Of course." "Avoid letting me keep you."

As we moved away, her eyes remained fixed on Liam, and I felt the weight of it.

Forced smiles and courteous banter filled the remainder of the evening. I pretended to be the encouraging spouse, laughing and nodding when appropriate, but my thoughts were constantly focused on Isabel.

Liam excused himself to talk to a coworker as the gathering started to thin out. I took advantage of the moment to move away, moving to a more peaceful area of the room with my feet.

Isabel was sitting close to the bar, swirling her drink with a casual stance. As I got closer, she raised her head, looking smug.

I remarked in a firm yet low voice, "You're bold."

Her head was cocked. And you're interested. You wouldn't be here else.

"What kind of game do you play?" I crossed my arms and commanded.

She said, "No game." "I simply felt that you should be aware of what's going on. Liam isn't as open and honest as he wants you to think.

"Teach me," I responded, my heart pounding.

Before answering, she sipped her champagne and savored it. "The truth is already known to you. You simply don't want to acknowledge it.

I yelled, "Stop talking in riddles."

For the first time, I noticed a hint of something real—perhaps pity—when her smile wavered. Do you believe he is loyal to you? That you are the sole individual?

I felt sick to my stomach, but I kept my dread hidden from her. "I believe you're attempting to cause trouble."

She put down her drink and said, "Believe what you want." Don't claim I didn't warn you, though.

I started to walk away, but her next statement froze me in my tracks.

She advised him to check his phone. "Check it out for yourself if you don't believe me."

I turned around again, prepared to respond, but she had already started to go, vanishing into the throng.

With a hesitant smile, Liam located me close to the exit. "All set to go?"

Too exhausted to protest, I nodded. There was tension between us during the quiet car journey home.

He grabbed my hand as we entered the flat. "Nora, regarding tonight—"

I pulled away and interrupted, "I'm tired." "We should talk tomorrow."

After he paused, he nodded. "Good night."

Before I moved, I waited to hear his footsteps retreat to the bedroom.

I snatched his phone from the counter, my heart racing. With the passcode prompt staring at me like a locked door, the screen sprang to life.

My fingers shaking, I typed in his birthdate. The telephone unlocked.

I observed a messaging thread with Isabel right away. As I opened it and looked over the chat, my breath caught.

"You looked fantastic tonight."

"I missed you. Can we discuss this tomorrow?

Beneath me, the weight of treachery seemed to shift and crush down.

"Nora?" From the bedroom, Liam's voice shouted out.

I closed the phone abruptly, my thoughts racing.

Then I heard his footsteps coming closer.