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.
