The early morning sun peeked through thick curtains as a gentle breeze swirled through the half-open window of Liam's manor. For once, there was no darkness weighing on his chest when he woke up—only the quick thrum of anticipation and the soft memory of Alex's smile from the night before.
He glanced at his phone.
08:23 — Already a message from Alex.
Alex:Morning. Don't be late. I'm dressing up for this, so you better look hot too.
Liam smirked, thumbs dancing.
Liam:I was born hot. I'll be there at 10.
He paused, then added:
Liam:You're already perfect, but I want to see you try to impress me anyway. 😘
By 10:15, Liam had pulled up in a sleek black Aston Martin, matte finish shining under the sunlight. His hair was tousled just enough to look carelessly styled, and he wore a white shirt half-unbuttoned beneath a navy bomber jacket.
Then Alex stepped out of the house.
