Chapter 7

PAST

We were currently sitting beside the lake. Its our fifth date. Damn, this thing is becoming kinda official now.

But I can't put my heart on the line again. I can't give him false hopes. I can't give myself false hopes. I can't love. I just can't. I need to talk about it. He needs to know.

" Liam? "

" Hmm? ", he faced  me. We were lying on the grass and looking at the moon above. It was quiet and peaceful here. No noise. No people. Just us.

" Where is this thing going? "

" The moon? Well, last I remember, around the earth. "

I gave out a small laugh and he did too. " No stupid. The thing as in... us. "

He sat up now and crossed his legs.

" Where do you want to go? I can take you places you've - "

" Liam, please. I'm serious. I just... I don't know, I don't think this is getting anywhere. You told me that if it doesn't work, we'll end it. And right now, Liam I don't know what's going on between us. I don't know anything anymore. I feel like a disappointment being your girlfriend. I can't even make you happ-"

I felt his hand rush to my mouth and hold it in his palm, while he pulled me on his lap.

" Don't ever , ever say that Ashley. You are and you shall always be the best thing that happened to me. I know that it's not easy to fall in love after what you went through. But I promise you I'll never let you down. I promise to be the light of your candle. Let me brighten your darkness. I promise to be the cheese of your pizza.... "

I let out a small giggle at this.

" ....you're my air. Let me breath you. Let me stay. Stay with me. I don't think I can let go of you, Ashley. Cause you're the diamond of my ring, the beat of my heart. "

I felt tears rim the sides of my eyes and I touched his forehead with mine. He wrapped his arms around me and I did the same, only more tightly. I didn't want him to go. I held him as if my life depended on it.

" Liam I.. I..I just. What happened.. "

" Sshhhh. What happened has happened. It's all in the past. I'm here for you. Always and forever. "

I pulled out of the hug and again touched his forehead with mine , my hand drawing circles on his arms.

" Your hands are like... I don't know, muscular. Like hulk. "

He giggled, " After two years of working out in the gym, finally a compliment! ", he said lightening the mood.

I let out a sigh, " My hulk. "

" My nerd. "

********************

PRESENT

The days were passing slower than usual. Its been three days since the engagement was announced and I didn't feel good. I thought I should take a leave from the office , I didn't want to see his face after what happened. But then again,  I had to meet him in order to talk about anything regarding work cause now he's the ' boss '.

So I figured that I had to go to the office one way or the other. Thankfully he wasn't anywhere to be seen these days. Maybe he won't come. But I still had to be careful.

I was still in my office when my phone buzzed. It was mom. This woman I tell you.

" Yes, mom. "

" Ashley dear,  Mrs. Anderson and I have decided that three of us should go and decide on the rings. The engagement is knocking on the door. " , she squealed like a baby.

" Mom, I'm busy. Just choose anything you like. It's not like I care anyway. "

" Ashley!  Don't talk like this. And I didn't ask you.  Im telling you to be home within half an hour. We'll leave from here. ", and with that she hung up.

Fudge . My. Luck.

I swear God is bored out of his wits and is laughing his heart out whilst watching me suffer.

I slammed my laptop close and flinched at the sound. And then apologized to my laptop.

You heard me right. I do that.

***

I reached home safely and within 20 minutes.  But as soon as I entered the living room,  I saw that along with my mom and Mrs. Anderson, sat the devil himself.

" Liam too will be accompanying us. He himself wanted to. Isn't that sweet Ashley? " , my mom chirped.

He looked at me with an innocent face and was trying hard not to smirk.

" I hope you don't mind,  babe. "

I.

Want.

To.

Kill.

This.

Man.

So.

Bad.

But played cool remembering last time we met.

" Of course not, babe. "