#don't get me wrong not at liam directly just everything that happened to him and led to his demise

[louisliamforever]

Gotta Be You is probably my favorite song off UAN and I can't even listen to it anymore

[serickswrites]

Make Me Your Villain III

Master list here (including bios, summary, and all chapters)

Warnings: destruction, loss, devastation, fire, burns, threat of death, physical violence

Henry knelt in the rubble of the place he had once called home. His entire block had been leveled in a freak explosion that no one could explain. Jude Morse had appeared on the news that evening to say that it was likely Liam Ward's hand that caused the explosion. Henry, as had the whole of Hiraethian, believed Jude. Why would he lie to them when he was sworn to protect them? Everything that had gone wrong in the last few years had been because of Liam. Liam had been the apprentice that betrayed Jude, betrayed the whole city, and had been on an unending path of destruction since. And Henry couldn't believe he had experienced the destruction, the utter devastation, first hand. Everything, everyone, he had known and loved was gone. And he couldn't believe it.

How was he supposed to continue on? How was he supposed to rebuild his life when everything was gone? Henry sobbed as he knelt in the rubble, unsure of how he was going to move forward. Henry started as he heard someone appear just behind him. He spun around, eyes going wide as they saw Liam. Henry knew Liam on sight. Not only because in the two years since he had betrayed Jude, Liam’s face was everywhere as the most wanted man in Hiraethian, but because of his eyes. Liam’s pale blue eyes were mournful, haunted. Henry would know Liam anywhere.

"Come to finish me off?" He spat as he stood on shaking legs. He had absolutely no magic, but his sister had. His sister that the house had come down around. His sister that Liam had destroyed.

Liam's face was grim. He shook his long blond hair off his face and stared directly into Henry’s eyes. He held out a hand, a placating gesture. Shadows coiled around Liam's legs. But he made no move to hurt Henry. "I'm not here to hurt you," Liam said softly.

"I find that hard to believe," Henry said coldly. "You killed them all! Why? Why would you do this?" Henry sobbed at the last. "You may as well finish me off because if you don't I'm going to make sure Jude finds you and makes you pay for what you have done."

"I am sorry about your family," Liam's words sounded genuine, his face earnest. "I can only imagine the pain you are experiencing."

"Don't patronize me! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW I FEEL!” Henry threw a rock at Liam's head.

Liam's shadows merely snaked up and snatched the rock from the air. He set the rock down gently. "I am not here to patronize you. I'm not here to hurt you. I'm here to beg your forgiveness."

"I will never forgive you for killing them!" Henry roared. Henry grabbed for a large piece of rebar laying on the ground. He waved it in the air. “GET ON YOUR KNEES YOU PIECE OF SHIT!” Henry was going to make Liam beg for mercy before ending it. Henry was going to beat the life out of Liam for every thing he had done. As he looked up into Liam’s strange, pale eyes, he knew he could do it. Everyone always underestimated him because of his height. But he was strong, he could take on Liam even though he had powers. He could do it. And he would. “I SAID ON YOUR KNEES!”

Liam knelt on the ground, his head bowed. "I didn't kill anyone, but I wasn't enough to stop what happened here. And for that, I am sorry." Liam looked up at Henry at the last, his eyes also filled with tears. The shadows flared around Liam, but they made no move to take the rebar from Henry’s hand. No move to attack him or neutralize him. They just coiled and flared around Liam, almost as though they were a living, moving shield.

Henry opened and closed his mouth. Liam looked so genuine. Liam had made no move to hurt him, to attack. He had only defended himself. If anything was true about him, he could have killed Henry in an instant. But Liam did nothing of the sort. He was so young, barely older than Henry. And yet according to Jude, he had been causing endless damage to the city for the better part of a decade. "How old are you?"

Liam looked confused. "I don't….why--"

"I said how old are you. Answer my question," Henry barked. He pointed the rebar at Liam’s throat.

Liam closed his mouth and swallowed. "Twenty. I'm twenty."

Twenty. Two years older than Henry. There was no way Liam had started on the path of darkness when he was twelve. Not possible for such a young person to cause that much harm. "Who did this then, if not you?" Henry still wasn't sure he could trust Liam. He dropped the rebar. There was no point in holding it if he wasn’t going to use it.

"To know is to live in danger, I can't put you at risk without you understanding that you will be hunted. Portrayed as evil. And you may even die. Are you sure you want to know?”

"Tell me. Now." Henry took a step towards Liam, fist raised. Liam's shadows tensed, but retreated. “Not telling me is suspicious. How can I believe you when you say you didn’t do this?”

“I didn’t. I didn’t stop it in time. And I hate that I failed them, failed all of them.” Liam’s eyes were shiny with unshed tears. He sighed. “But you won’t believe me even if I tell you. No one has believed me yet.” Liam sounded lost at the last.

”You say you didn't do this, but you didn't stop it. That's as good as doing it." And he punched Liam in the jaw. Liam's head rocked back and Henry fulled expected to be seized by the dark, evil shadows that Liam wielded. But he wasn't. Liam let himself be defenseless. Liam would have let him get another hit in. He just knelt there, retreating behind his curtain of hair. Henry’s fist dropped. "Tell me."

Liam put a hand to his jaw, wincing as he shook his hair out of his eyes again. "Only one person can do this. Only one person has the power to do this. Only one person would lure people into a false sense of safety and strike. Only one person would be beloved by all so none would question their appearance. None would question their motives. Until it was too late. Until they couldn’t.” Henry shook his head. It couldn't be true. Liam pressed on. ”Jude has been terrorizing the people of this town for decades. And he’s been hiding his tracks for a long, long time."

Henry's heart stopped. Jude was behind all of the death and destruction? The one person sworn to protect and serve. How was this possible?

“He is very cold, calculating, and greedy. But he can hide his true nature very well," Liam said, as if he could hear Henry's thoughts.

Henry sighed. "I believe you."

Liam's face was careful as he spoke, "Why?"

Henry's heart twinged with sadness as he heard the fear, the mistrust, in Liam's voice. Liam had grown used to people hating him. People mistrusting him. People doubting his truth. "Because you came here to seek forgiveness. Because you didn't try to hide who or what you are. And because," Henry said as he offered Liam a hand, "you let me punch you in the face even though you could have used those shadows to stop me. Why shouldn't I believe you?"

Relief flooded Liam's face. He took Henry's hand and pulled himself up, wincing slightly. Henry looked, really looked at Liam. His shirt was torn and singed on one sleeve, the skin beneath bright red and angry looking. "Are you--"

Liam shook his head. "It's nothing." He rubbed his jaw. "Though remind me to never get in a fist fight with you. You'd kick my ass."

Henry chuckled. "I won't hit you again, Liam." Liam smiled. "You can. When I'm being an ass." He started to walk away.

"Wait," Henry said, unsure if he should say the next thought that flashed through his mind.

"Yes?" Liam turned and stared, his eyes guarded once more.

"I want to go with you. I want to work for you. I…I don't have any powers. But I can cook. I can clean. Please, take me with you. I want to stop Jude." The words tumbled out of Henry's mouth. Henry knew if he tried to take on Jude he would be annihilated. But Liam stood a chance. And if he could get Liam closer to that, he would do anything. Anything. “I have to stop him. I have to,” Henry’s voice broke, “I have to avenge them. All of them. My sister. My family. My friends. All of them.”

Liam's face softened. "You don't have to work for me." Henry could feel all the hope drain from him. "But," Liam said with a smile, "I would be honored to work with you."

Henry breathed a sigh of relief. He held out his hand once more to Liam. "Thank you Liam, I promise I won't let you down."

Liam took Henry's hand. "You could never let me down…I'm sorry, I don't know your name." Color flooded Liam's cheeks.

"Henry. My name is Henry."

Liam smiled. "Well, Henry, welcome to the team, let's go home."

"Home?" Henry looked around him. He no longer had a home. “The Haven. It's not much, but it will be home for as long as you like." Liam took Henry's hand once more. "Close your eyes. You might get a little queasy."

Henry looked at Liam with concern. "What? I don't--"

But Henry's words died in his throat as Liam teleported the two of them from the rubble. Henry's knees buckled as his feet hit the ground once more. "Welcome to the Haven, Henry."

Tags: @dutifullykrispyland@jesssmolfur@parad0xical2@st0rmm@keeper-of-all-the-random-things @pigeonwhumps @gala1981

[qwerty019283ytrewq]

Max said, "Thank you, Daniel."

Maybe I'm making it up, but now it seems like "thank you" for everything that Daniel did and was for...not formula 1, but for people.

He is a bright man who says "enjoy the butterflies." Enjoy all the experience you get. Max started it, but so many people continued it. For many fans, Daniel was the beginning of their passion for Formula 1, so I understand why they feel this pain, hatred towards Red Bull, towards Liam.

Liam's fans may hate Dan's fans. I want to reach out to you a little bit. We, Dan's fans, are so devastated by what happened, we can wish you the same, but actually, I don't think that's what we mean. We're just in a lot of pain. I ask you not to say nasty things to us, but to wait it out. Because he is like a dear person to us, whom we cannot hug and support directly, and this makes it even more painful for us.

The world, sports, prospects are changing, but we still live with those old thoughts.

I joined the Formula in 2021, exactly from the same Monza. At that time, I was still not so passionate about Dan, I didn't know anything about the Formula and about him. My father was rooting for Max and so was I, after a few races I started rooting for him, but since 2022 I've learned all about Dan. He became my racer and conquered me with everything. Although it was a long time ago at that time, but I found out how he was at Red Bull, what he did for Renault and hoped for his future at McLaren. And then I saw the cruelty of the world and sports.

But I decided that I would be the kind of fan who always supports a great athlete. It didn't work out with McLaren and I was hoping for Red Bull, but it didn't work out here either. It's like rooting for your brother at a meeting. So I was rooting for Dan. When you want him to be just happy.

I want him to be happy now. Racing or not. I'm rooting for him as a person, I'm worried about him as an acquaintance who has a bad period in his life. It warms my heart, the way people, photographers, other racers, fans support Dan. Honestly, I did not dive deep, but it seems to me that even for Sebastian there were not so many kind words and tears, although I may be wrong.

I hope Daniel knows that even though he didn't achieve the championship, he still did a lot and people won't forget it. He gave everything he had. I deeply appreciate that about him.

Daniel Joseph Ricciardo, you won me over in 2021-2022, and I'm going to support you in the future. Just drop a message sometimes, okay? I'm taking a huge step in my life thanks to you. I'm not pushing, honey, I'm just saying that I like your worldview and I'll try to follow your beliefs.

[kristinamae093]

You did it!!! 👏 👏

"Please don't leave me please. I don't have anyone other than you."

Already pulling at my heart strings 😭😭😭

Since he couldn't do anything in middle of the night other than calming her down, he hugged her cuddling her closer to himself after a while Riley stopped trembling and instinctively moved closer to Liam in her sleep.

I love this so much!!!!! He did anything he could to help her and if that isn't Liam, I don't know what is. 🥹

"No, it was really hard for me to even start this conversation, if I stop now I don't know if I could ever get back, strong enough to talk again"

I feel that in my soul. but poor Riley!!!! I'm glad she's finally going to talk to him.

Around 3 a.m. Riley slipped into deep slumber in Jerome's arm, combined with the alcohol in her body and everything else that happened she was so tired that she failed to notice his smug smile the small red light blinking in the corner of the room.

THE ANGER I FEEL AT THIS DUDE RIGHT NOW ALSKDJFALKSDJFALKSEFJ😤😤😤🤬🤬🤬

After confronting Jerome she got to know that Jerome never really loved her and all he did was just for sake of a bet he made with his friends. She was truly heartbroken but she was not going to cry for him.

WHAT A FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT but GOOD FOR YOU GIRL, HE DOESNT DESERVE YOUR TEARS!!!

"You deserve it Jerome Alston, so stop looking at me like I have did something wrong"

TELL HIM GIRL!!!!! HE DESERVED THAT AND MORE!!

"After everything I didn't feel like facing anyone so I directly went to my dormitory. I thought the matter would settle down on its own but before that could happen I got a call from my dad. My parents knew about the photos. I told them I'll handle everything but they didn't listen and decided to drive instead of taking the train, on the way they were hit, mom died on the spot from excessive blood loss and dad was in critical condition"

Someone hug this poor girl 😭😭😭

"They are really gone" Riley muttered not sure if she was telling it to herself or Charles.

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

"That night was the last time I saw Charles, when I woke up next morning he was gone along with all his belongings. I tried calling him, you know I called his colleagues, his friends and even his ex girlfriend but no one knew where was he. I slept soundly that night because I was so sure that no matter how hard it would be without mom and dad by elder brother will always be with me through thick and thin. I can't explain that feeling Liam, I was angry,helpless and everything was falling apart. It seemed as if the whole world has abandoned me."

Again, someone hug this poor girl! But at least she finally got it off of her chest.

Liam hugged her tightly as he patted her back "None of it was your fault love, and I would never ever blame you for mistakes someone else committed."

Hug her TIGHTER, Liam!!!!!!!! I'm so glad he's giving her the reassurance she needs 🥹

Her reunion with Charles a month later in Cordonia was something unexpected for Riley, when Charles first came to Cordonia she was really reluctant to approach him but she was glad that they talked, their reunion was heartfelt and emotional. Riley never asked why he left and he never told her. Riley never thought her life could be more perfect then it was already but the presence of her loved ones made it possible.

I'm so glad they reunited!!!!!! Maybe in time they can both heal. 💚

This was excellently done!!!! I think we need some follow ups about these two next! 😊😊😊😊💚💚💚💚

Destiny

Book- TRR

Paring - Liam x Riley (present) ; Riley x OC (past)

Author's note : I have always wondered why there is no proper discussion regarding Riley's past so this is something I came up with.

Warning- Alluding to smut and mention of death

A special thanks to @ao719 and @kristinamae093 for encouraging me to write this down and helping me throughout the story 💕

No of words- 2.87k

Past in italics

"Please don't leave me please. I don't have anyone other than you." Riley begged the person in front of her as tears continuously fell from her eyes but he was not listening. Riley held his hand with all her might not letting him go but when she looked up at him, she couldn't speak because those eyes which were always filled love care and concern for her were filled with hate and resentment. Riley was heartbroken seeing his gaze like this but she didn't let go, at last the man in front of her forcefully removed her hand from his arm and left her alone. No matter how much she screamed or begged he kept moving. As Riley sat there, the darkness seemed to envelope her completely. She was stuck in the loop of never-ending nightmares that left her completely vulnerable.

While Riley was inside her own little bubble fighting her inner demons all by herself in her sleep Liam was looking at her, his eyes filled with concern as he watched his wife's trembling body. He woke up in middle of the night but she showed no sign of waking up hearing her whimpers, it was not the first time he saw her like this, he wanted to talk to her, help her with whatever problem she was facing but Riley always changed the topic or stopped their talk altogether. He tried to wake her up but she was showing no sign of waking up. Since he couldn't do anything in middle of the night other than calming her down, he hugged her cuddling her closer to himself after a while Riley stopped trembling and instinctively moved closer to Liam in her sleep. After sometime Liam also drifted off.

A week later Liam and Riley were in New York for the gala, Liam had his arms around her waist as they talked with few delegates, all of a sudden Liam felt his hand being crushed from Riley's vice grip when he looked at her he saw that she was staring at the door her eyes red due to anger. Liam was not aware of the man's identity but when he saw him looking at Riley with a smirk on his face he felt his blood boil , he excused himself from the delegates he was talking and led her to the side. When Riley looked at him he saw that she desperately tried to hold back her tears,

"Talk to me, I hate seeing you like this. It breaks my heart love" Liam said

Listening to him Riley's tears started to fall and she lets out a sob.

"I am here, I'll always be here" Liam told her

"Can we talk somewhere in private" Riley asked and Liam nodded leading her to the balcony.

In the balcony Riley held the railing looking at the huge buildings of New York taking deep breaths to calm down her nerves , after a while she began to speak.

"The man you saw outside is Jerome, he was my ex boyfriend. Jerome and I used to study in the same law college.I thought we were in love and we will spend rest of our lives together" said Riley

"What exactly happened?" asked Liam.

"I met Jerome six years ago , six years ago he....."

"I know I said you should talk, but if you want to take more time, I'll not force you." Liam said as he enveloped her palm in his own when he saw she was struggling to speak.

"No, it was really hard for me to even start this conversation, if I stop now I don't know if I could ever get back, strong enough to talk again"

Liam nodded waiting for her to continue. Riley sighed once more and began speaking.

-----------------------------------

Riley stood at the entrance of Harvard Law College along with her parents and her elder brother. She held the admission letter in her hand excited to start the new phase of her life as a college student. Few hours later, rest of the procedures for her admission were were done and the dean's assistant handed over the keys of her dormitory.

"I am so excited dad" exclaimed Riley happily as she held her father's arm.

Her father Austin smiled seeing her so happy and patted her arm affectionately. "Of course you are, you worked so hard for this."

Her brother Charles came to her and threw his arm casually around her shoulder. "I'm also excited you know, I will not see your irritating face after today"

"Oh please, you love me too much my dear big brother and I am sure you'll cry after going back home"

"Cry?" scoffed her brother "I will throw a feast"

"Okay enough both of you, stop bantering" scolded Christine, their mother.

"Mooooommmmm" both whined at the same time but Christine ignored them. She turned to Austin "I'll go with Riley and help her settle in her dormitory"

"Are you sure you want to live in dormitory?" asked her dad. "I can look for a flat nearby"

"You don't have to dad, I'll be fine."

Two days later she bid goodbye to her parents and Charles.

The first time Riley saw Jerome he was alone in a lecture hall looking quite handsome and Riley like any other girl was attracted by his good looks but she had something to do so she didn't stay. When she came back he was gone. She often found herself thinking about him so when the professor told him to sit beside her she was beyond happy.

"Hi, I am Riley Brooks. Nice to meet you" she introduced herself as she held out her hand for handshake.

He smiled and held her hand to shake it "Jerome Alston and nice to meet you too."

After that day Riley and Jerome became really good friend, they were always seen together talking an laughing. One day on the way to their canteen Jerome stopped her holding her hand.

"I have something to tell you but I don't know where to begin" he said nervously as he avoided looking directly at her face.

"Why are so nervous? You didn't steal something right?" she joked.

"No, of course not don't be ridiculous." Suddenly he was on his knee in front of her.

"Riley Brooks will you be my girlfriend"

Riley's mind went blank for a second, she couldn't believe that Jerome was proposing her. She only came back to her sense when others started cheering around her.

"Yes, yes I'll be your girlfriend" Riley dropped at his level hugging him tightly.

-------------------------------

Riley stopped speaking for a while, Liam too didn't say anything waiting for her to continue.

"When Jerome proposed me I was really happy. To know that the man I liked, liked me back gave me a different kind of happiness. He was very attentive towards me. Giving me flowers out of blue, taking me on dates on almost every weekend. Slowly but surely I was falling deeply for him. His birthday was coming up and I wanted to do something special but after that night everything changed"

-------------------------------

Riley wanted to do something special for him, so she decorated his whole apartment and baked his favourite chocolate cake. They celebrated his birthday in his apartment with their friends. After the celebration was over and everyone went back, Jerome requested Riley to stay back with him to which she agreed.

"Would you like a drink " he asked her as they both sat on the couch.

"Yes please" she replied.

Jerome poured two glasses of whiskey and handed her one glass. As they drank they started getting tipsy. When Riley looked at him ,the lust in his eyes couldn't be concealed, the candles made the atmosphere more romantic. After that one thing led to another and soon both of them were naked entangled in each other's arms

Around 3 a.m. Riley slipped into deep slumber in Jerome's arm, combined with the alcohol in her body and everything else that happened she was so tired that she failed to notice his smug smile the small red light blinking in the corner of the room.

Next day, when Riley arrived at the college she met with a huge blow. Her intimate photos with Jerome was being circulated through social media, in those pictures Riley's face was clearly visible but Jerome's face was blurred. Few of them were pitying her but most of them were laughing at her misfortune. Riley didn't want to believe that Jerome was the one behind the incident but everything was pointing towards him so she went to confront him. Se found him in the canteen with his friends.

After confronting Jerome she got to know that Jerome never really loved her and all he did was just for sake of a bet he made with his friends. She was truly heartbroken but she was not going to cry for him.

At that moment she felt nothing else then anger, she was angry with Jerome for playing with her emotions, for making her believe that they had something special.

She was so angry that she couldn't resist the urge to slap him , so she in front of everyone in the canteen slapped him. Due to the hard slap Jerome's face turned sideways and soon the red mark of Riley's hand became prominent on his face.

"You bi**h" Jerome yelled angrily.

"You deserve it Jerome Alston, so stop looking at me like I have did something wrong"

-------------------------------

"After everything I didn't feel like facing anyone so I directly went to my dormitory. I thought the matter would settle down on its own but before that could happen I got a call from my dad. My parents knew about the photos. I told them I'll handle everything but they didn't listen and decided to drive instead of taking the train, on the way they were hit, mom died on the spot from excessive blood loss and dad was in critical condition"

-------------------------------

Riley was sitting in her dorm holding her phone, she just had a heated conversation with her father. She knew that her parents were concerned but they didn't have to come there all the way from Boston. She sighed and got busy with her works, half an hour later she got a call from her brother Charles.

"If you're calling to tell me..."

"Mom and dad met with an accident" Charles whispered on the call.

"What?" Riley wasn't sure if she heard correctly.

"THEY HAD AN ACCIDENT OK, MOM IS GONE....." he yelled angrily

Riley could clearly hear the slight tremble in his voice.

"Mom is gone and the doctors are not sure if dad could even make it through the operation"

Before Riley could say anything she heard the beep sound from her phone singling the end of phone call. She immediately booked the tickets for flight and after informing the college dean she went to airport with her phone and a small tote bag.

When she reached the hospital she saw Charles sitting leaning along the wall sobbing, she ran to him.

"Charles" she called out.

"Dad's gone too, I am an orphan now" Riley heard him muttering. She couldn't hold back her tears, she got down on her knees and hugged Charles as he wept hugging her. After he stopped weeping he pushed her away and got up from the floor and then helped her up.

"Just go home, I'll handle everything here"

"But Charles..."

"Just go home please"

Riley wanted to stay but she went back home after Charles insisted. When she reached home, she looked around, this was the place where she grew up. She remembered how her father used to move around the house with both her and Charles in his arms when they were little, she remembered how she would fight with her dad over the last cronut which they both loved especially if Christine was the one who made them and how every time her mom would be waiting for both her children at the gate when they came back from school.

When the sudden realisation hit her that her parents were truly gone, something clenched her heart making it hard for her to breathe. Riley didn't cry when she came to know about Jerome's betrayal, she didn't cry when everyone around her mocked her and called her name but she couldn't hold her grievances to herself any longer. She wanted to scream, trash everything around, anything that would help her vent out everything but she fell with a thud and cried her heart out, she didn't know when she passed out but when she woke up, it was already 5 a.m. in the morning. She was lying on the couch with a thin blanket on her and Charles was sitting there with his eyes closed and head tilted backwards, her movements woke him up.

"It's still early, why don't you go to your room and sleep for few more hours" Charles told her.

"Mom dad?"

"They are kept in the morgue, we can bring them back after I make the preparations for their funeral"

"They are really gone" Riley muttered not sure if she was telling it to herself or Charles.

Charles didn't reply, he just scooted closer to her, allowing her to hug him. No one said anything after that, they just sat there watching the sky brightening eventually. Both of them started getting messages from friends and family.

Three days later the funeral was held, Charles and Riley bid the final goodbye to their parents as they both laid in casket. They were covered with bandages but Riley still thought that her mother was the most beautiful lady and her father the most handsome man.

After the funeral was over Riley and Charles came back home, Riley felt that something was wrong with Charles, he was so lost in thoughts that he didn't even notice that a pillar was in front of him. Before he could hit his head on the pillar Riley pulled him back.

"Can't you see there is a pillar?" Riley exclaimed

"I am sorry I am quite tired I didn't notice" Charles told her

Riley took a deep breath to calm down her nerves "I can understand, I am tired too. Just go and change, I'll bring something to eat"

Charles nodded and headed upstairs, after Riley brought their food to Charles's room, they ate in silence, after that Riley went back to her room wishing him good night. She was so tired that sleep consumed her as soon as she hit the bed. In middle of the night she felt someone holding her hand, she could not hear if anything was being said but she started feeling anxious all of a sudden and wanted to wake up but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't open her eyes due to tiredness.

-------------------------------

"That night was the last time I saw Charles, when I woke up next morning he was gone along with all his belongings. I tried calling him, you know I called his colleagues, his friends and even his ex girlfriend but no one knew where was he. I slept soundly that night because I was so sure that no matter how hard it would be without mom and dad by elder brother will always be with me through thick and thin. I can't explain that feeling Liam, I was angry,helpless and everything was falling apart. It seemed as if the whole world has abandoned me."

"Why didn't you tell me any of this? I know I cannot change your past but I could have been there for you, I could've helped you overcome the grief" Liam told her

"How Liam? Everyone around me started telling me that it was my fault that my parents were dead, that Charles left because he hated me, you know I started having nightmares after Charles left, I always see him leaving me alone and every time I feel like the same helpless girl who was abandoned by everyone around her . I was afraid that you might think that I was the reason for everything that happened." Riley said as she slipped into his embrace

Liam hugged her tightly as he patted her back "None of it was your fault love, and I would never ever blame you for mistakes someone else committed."

When Riley looked up at him her eyes with filled with pain and agony but there was an unmistakable tint of love present.

Liam kissed her forehead and held her in his arms for few minutes, after few minutes he unwrapped his arms and said"We should go back we have been here for a long time"

Riley nodded and they both went inside.

Her reunion with Charles a month later in Cordonia was something unexpected for Riley, when Charles first came to Cordonia she was really reluctant to approach him but she was glad that they talked, their reunion was heartfelt and emotional. Riley never asked why he left and he never told her. Riley never thought her life could be more perfect then it was already but the presence of her loved ones made it possible.

Thank you

Tags:

@ao719 @choicesficwriterscreations @kristinamae093 @sfb123 @angelasscribbles

[breefarrow]

Hi. I have not been on twitter or even in the fandom long enough so i came here to ask you about something. What's with the song claiming thing? Suddenly ziams are claiming songs that have been claimed as larry song. No I'm not gate keeping. Pardon my word choice.I'm not English. But I'm just curious. As long as i have been in this fandom, no control was a larry song the moment it came out and everyone was ok with it and even ziams never claimed it before.now suddenly they are like oh liam also wrote it? Home has always been larry song considering the timeline, him leaking and all, ziams never claimed it before, now suddenly home is a ziam song too? 18 was taken as a larry song from the moment ed said it was written from 1D perspective and everyone was ok with it considering how Louis used to literally serenade Harry like turning his whole body,changing pronouns etc. No one had a problem untill now. Suddenly in 2020/21 ziams are claiming it. Why didn’t they do it before? Why now? I'm just curious.

Warning selfies have been a thing with Louis for years. Now suddenly it is linked with liam too? How? Did he do it before or something? I genuinely don't know. So let me know plz.

The whole devlin thing, devlin album came out in 2017 i guess and they comparing Louis tweet with zayn tweeting that is from 2016. How does that make sense?

Also some people say larry closeting didn’t work but ziam did...awful thing to say. If it didn’t work then there wouldn’t be so many antis and they are still going through so much. People wouldn’t believe Harry dates every woman that breaths around him. And they claim there are two bbg in ziam relationship right? Why did they need two bbg if it worked? I mean if the closeting worked? Bbg has nothing to do with relationships.

Idk if ziam was real or not but I'm sure gigi was pregnant, she had that symptoms, pregnancy glow,tired face and all. Now whoever the father may be..idk.

I'm not convinced about ziam and how does that make me hypocrite? Also there are some "if this counts(larry),this counts too(ziam)" thread. what's with the comparison?

Sorry about the rant.

Hello anon wow this is long a lot to unpack so I'll start with your song questions.

Idk why ziammies are suddenly trying to claim songs that have ALWAYS been larry related. Especially when Liam said in an interview that Louis and him were a song writing duo for 1D BUT that he wrote the melodies and it was Louis who wrote the song lyrics. Last I checked melodies don't equal meaning of a song so how are these songs about ziam?

Some examples of this....

They are trying to claim Home but Liam said the song was personal to Louis and how when he read the lyrics he didn't want to change them. Home is also a direct response to If I Could Fly with ONLY Harry on the credits. Home was leaked by Louis the night of Belfest when Larry found out BG was being taken pasted the birth of a kid and it pissed off Louis so he leaked Home as payback bc it was clearly a loud song management didn't want on the album.

They are trying to claim 18 but the song was written by Ed who said [compared to other 1D songs he wrote for them] he wrote 18 with a 1D member in mind. [That is why we claim the song at all.] Ed was closeted in the band to Harry next being Louis and Niall he was the least closeted to Zayn and Liam. Side note Ed has a song called Friends that he said was about 2 friends of his who fell in love and when a fan yelled L&H he laughed/smirked and said init so it makes the most sense 18 was written with Harry in mind. Plus 18 is about meeting/loving someone sense they were 18 and it was only Louis who was 18 when they all met and it was Harry who would scream NO 16 when singing the song. Also larry changed the lyrics to HIM and would stare directly at each other when singing 18 livem According to ziam MPs ziam weren't a couple until at least 2 years into the band so why would 18 make sense for them also given they were both 17 when they met & none ever went NO 17 when singing it.

They are trying to claim No Control but that song as we know is about the morning after sex and the second round they end up having. Like stated before Louis wrote the lyrics to 1D songs and Niall plus Larry always made it DAMN CLEAR what that song was about. Also remember when Harry would always jam out hard core when Louis would sing his part in No Control aka majority of the song. Yeah that song is Louis song no doubt.

They try to claim Alive which makes no sense bc Zayn nor Liam is on the credits at all only Louis. They say it's bc Liam said he related to the song ok I see that but still he didn't write it and still how does this song equate to ziam? Alive is more a song used as proof Louis isn't straight bc it's about self exceptance of who you are even tho others around you for along time made u feel there is something wrong with you. It's about Louis who is more confident part way through the story being told and then helping his lover [who seems to be a bit insecure about themselves] except and love who they are. Since Liam didn't write on it the relationship aspect couldn't be about him and Zayn. Since he said he just relates to Alive at BEST it could mean he might not be straight but it can't be used as proof of who his partner is when he didn't write on it.

There's others but I think you get the point they have always been larry or hinting at Louis sexuality songs so I don't get why or how they are suddenly saying their ziam songs? Myself @lovemylarents and @fearlessmoon09 think bored people in quarantine is what happened to change the landscape.

To your next question warning selfies...

So warning selfies was something Louis did everytime something BG stunt related was going to happen. He started it and did it a ton back in 2016/17 when BG stunting was massive for him. Liam never had anything to do with warning selfies and Louis warning selfies were ALWAYS like I said BG related so suddenly ziammies going Liam does warning selfies for things involving Maya or Gigi makes no sense. It was ALWAYS a Louis thing.

For the Devlin thing...

You hit the nail on the coffin with that one the album with the song Cold Blooded that had the lyrics "so is it true XXXX fathered a baby? I don't really think so, if you ask me he don't like ladies. Could have been HARRY, yeah, I bet it was HARRY" [emphasis on Harry bc I saw a ziammie change the lyrics to Liam] came out in 2017 while Zayns tweet was done in 2016. Unlike Louis tweet which was specifically about this album not just the artist and tweeted during the height of BG stunting. So not the best comparison. They really should fact check before making these "larries are hypocrites" threads bc veteran larries know and fact check everything.

Next thing you mentioned what I call their slogan "larries closeting didn't work but ziams did that is why less talk about/believe in ziam then larry" piss me off so much and what you said it right. If larry's closeting didn't work then we wouldn't be here complaing about how the GP sees Harry as a queerbaiting womanizer, how solo henries who want to have sex and suck Harry's dick exist and how some locals don't want to join Louis fandom bc they think Louis and his fans are homophobic or that twarries exist thinking Louis is a deadbeat dad. Tell me again ziammies how their closeting didn't work? It is so invalidating to everything larry has been put through. Also if larry's closeting didn't work but ziams did then why did they need 2 BGs for Ziam and only one for Larry? Myself @kaybutlarry @babyhoney-28 and @onlythebravestan are still waiting on an answer to that question haven't gotten one.

As you said about Gigi yes she definitely looked more pregnant then Briana ever did. The reason I don't believe in their BG with Gigi is bc their story is inconsistenent. Side note back when Liam had a kid no one besides a few on tumblr ever said it was BG 2.0 they didn't start saying BG 2&3 until Gigi happened. Back to inconsistenences so their original story when we first learned Gigi was pregnant was it's fake just like Briana there's no kid, then when Gigi did the livesteam showing she had a bump and a round face you get when pregnant the story changed to she's pregnant the kid is just not Zayn's.

Then I recently saw some who [after the kid was born] went back to the story the kid is fake there is no kid OR they are using a child actor. Unlike Louis BG they don't have a consistent story that makes sense. Also the kids are never shown unlike with Louis kid F gets posted every damn day with creepy and bad photoshop, and a million articles about how he is Louis twin to shove it down our throats the kid is Louis. The situations have NEVER been the same with Louis vs even just Liam kid.

To your last point ziammies keep calling and making threads about how larries are hypocrites bc we don't believe what they do which is damn annoying bc they constantly say just leave us alone why do you care we exist but then constantly make threads like that getting mad we aren't all ziammies. If your going to make threads against us then yeah were going to say something and respond to your threads the way we would to a debunking larry anti thread. Their threads like that are either using funny coincidences of larry that we don't use as concrete proof to compare to ziam OR their ziam version of our proof has been debunked already like the Ziam Levine Stylinson sticker on the bears. [If you want more info on that ask @lovemylarents.]

They constantly take what is a larry proof and say it's also about ziam [Example the songs] or have a ziam proof that mirrors a larry proof. [Example the devlin thing or selfies] In their threads they always compare miniscule larry things that aren't our MAIN proof. See the miniscule proofs are the house and the big proofs are the concrete foundation that without it those miniscule things would not be able to really count as proof of larry and the larry house would fall. Ziammies ONLY have miniscule proof not a very solid foundation so I'm unsure how long their house will last.

I have been in this fandom for 10 years I have seen MANY ships come and go [Examples: Ziam, Ziall and Narry] but the one ship that has always been here was Larry. Larries have been here for 10 years, Larries are the ones who are talked about in the media, Larries are the ones constsntly gaslighted, Larry is the one ship that needs to be denied a bunch [poorly might I add] there's NEVER been any other ship or ship group people have hated, gone against or talked about this much besides Larries/Larry.

Funny [not for us] but funny that Liam goes through all the trouble of gaslighting Larries and talking about EVERY Louis stunt but he never mentioned Ziam which is a ship that actually involves him or the Ziammies who say Bear isn't his kid. Why did he talk about US and not THEM which involve him? Also funny Liam can easily say the word Ziam but Louis can't pronounce an EASY @ just bc it has the word Eroda in it.

My mutrals and I all agreed we didn't give af that ziammies existed until they kept talking shit about how we aren't ziams to and then go why are larries acting like antis hating us. First off it was NEVER larries hating on them it was toxic solo Zsquad and solo Liam stans who were. We didn't get involved until the entire tl was LARRIES ARE HATING US AND BEING HYPOCRITES. Second off and my last thought it's easy if you don't want us in your replies then don't make threads about us being hypocrites and use easily debunked ziam proof or miniscule larry proof to mirror bc we will point it out bc you think were hypocrites thank you.

[hobisexually]

What annoys me about things Liam says about Harry isn't the fact that he says it because it's pretty obvious that they are not all very close and i don't expect him to lie. The problem is that he changes his narrative all the time. It's like one moment he says that he doesn't talk to Harry, that he is friends with Louis but he has nothing to do with Harry, then the next day he realises that they have the same fanbase and that he should play nice so he eg. names all of the boys in his thanks (1)

(2) on the album, talks about how all of them are like brothers or right now - posts a story of watching Harry perform (a bit awkward to directly write something in a story to someone who you haven’t talked to in years if you ask me). And the next day he goes back again to ‘i have never been friends with Harry’. Just make up your mind or don’t talk about it at all. Sorry about ranting, you probably don’t want to involve in a discourse about it, but this situation feels really off

–

I don’t mind, I’ve been thinking about this, and I get it, I get what you’re saying. It’s just more nuanced than how Liam makes it sound, and I think that when Liam says “I haven’t talked to Harry in years” I think he means had a Conversation with Harry That’s Not Small Talk In Years, not “we haven’t spoken at all”. We know they’ve spoken since they’ve been to the same events and there’s documentation of it. And that comment about them not having much in common is not surprising, there’s been Lirry Has The Least Chemistry Of Them All jokes since the beginning of it all.

I don’t think he means ill. Have we forgotten that Liam hasn’t been able to accurately say what he means, ever? That boy is the definition of foot in mouth. I don’t want to bash him too much because I am fond of him still, but he’s just generally not that great at expressing himself and says dumb things always, case in point that whole Attitude magazine debacle with what he said about the rainbow flags (or that Boris Johnson comment a few weeks back, that one made me recoil). It’s been years and I’m still annoyed about it, but I also know Liam and that he draws wrong conclusions often and that he’s just… not the brightest or the best at speaking his mind…

That doesn’t mean that I think he can’t be held accountable for what he says, and people should definitely tell him when he fucked up, don’t get me wrong. But with Liam I’ve learned not to take what he says too seriously because he never says what he means, it all just comes out a bit Off which leaves you scratching your head, or angry, and makes you think What Is The Truth.

From my perspective, everything he says adds up. I do think he means the brothers bit. I think you really do have to look at it as friends from school you will always treasure because you shared a part of your past with them no one else will ever get to live with you, but you’re now off doing your own thing and with some of them you talk a lot and still ask for advice or ask to hang out one on one (Louis, apparently), some of them you only see at parties once a year or less (Harry) and some of them are in between (Niall). And some of them you had a complicated falling out with, like Zayn, rip. 

And that’s okay. That doesn’t make the experiences you shared any less meaningful, or the impact they had on your life less existent. It doesn’t mean they lied to us for all these years (though there were many lies, to be fair jfdsksd). 

I just think that the other boys have more tact when it comes to this than Liam does. Essentially they all say the same thing; that the circumstances put them together, that they care a lot about each other, that they were brothers and shared something you don’t share with anyone else so no one else will ever get it, but that they speak less now because they’re finally able to live their own lives and do whatever the fuck they want that lies in their own line of interest. And that interest happens to be something different for all of them. That’s literally what it is. Liam just has a talent of saying it in a way that makes it sound less nuanced than it is. 

So when Liam says “Harry and I never had much in common”, I think that’s true. I also think that this doesn’t undo what they meant to each other in the band. Were they the closest? No, but we knew that then too. That’s not a surprise. So when he says “he’s my brother” the day after, I also think he means that. It’s not changing narratives; I have plenty of friends from school who I shared a lot with back then, but we also never had much in common, we literally were only friends because we had the same class and circumstances put us together. Am I still fond of them? Sure, and I speak to them sometimes. Are we superclose? Nah. We run into each other at parties sometimes and remember old times fondly. And I think that’s what it is, and what Liam means. He could just go about this better or not say anything at all tbh because it causes drama every single time and I’m tired of it by now, he does need to learn when to stop talking, RIP.

[guardian-angle22]

Okay, so these don't quite fit the bill in the context of ~the breakup of it all~ but there's some great s3 spec fic that was written prior to the premiere that I don't think get enough love since they're now canon-divergent... so please allow me to hijack this post and rec some more fic!

These include Carlos being on the scene of the Great TK Ice Plunge:

◆ this love is alive back from the dead by tkstrands (Words: 4.6K)

“Ok, ok, I’m going to take off my safety jacket and give it to you, alright?” TK said to the boy who quickly nodded. “TK. Careful.” Paul warned, noticing the cracking sound they just heard from under them. TK nodded at him and slowly took off his safety jacket, carefully putting it on the boy. TK accepted the harness Paul gave him and secured Liam. He picked up his bag and froze when he saw the ice cracking under his feet. He looked up to Paul and before he could do anything, the ice under him totally cracked and TK fell in the iced cold water.

◆ spent a week in the cold by @morganaspendragonss (Words: 1.5K)

They don't see TK slip under the ice, but they do see the rope tethering him to safety pull taut and then snap. They hear an ominous crack, followed by a surprised shout that’s cut off in milliseconds. And they see the spider web cracks spreading all the way to shore. * a season three speculation fic

These involve the Great TK Ice Plunge but Carlos is not directly on scene when it happens:

◆ cold as ice by @strandnreyes (Words: 2.6K)

It should've been a simple rescue, but when was luck ever on TK's side? Bad Things Happen Bingo: Hypothermia

◆ a storm to weather by @marjansmarwani (Words: 17.9K)

Austin has been hit with a freak ice storm, of all things. And, as TK quickly learns, dealing with winter weather is not the same as dealing with winter weather in a place where no one is used to it. Of course, everything turns to disaster, as it so often tends to, but when a rescue gone wrong puts TK at risk it's all his family can do to save him and hope for the best. ---- A 3x01 spec fic, apparently

These deal with post-Ice Plunge consequences:

◆ i'd wait forever in this waiting room by @morganaspendragonss (Words: 1.4K)

Carlos jerks awake to a violent trembling in the bed. It takes a moment for his tired brain to register where it’s coming from, but when it does, he shoots upright, staring in horror down at TK. He’s no longer peaceful; instead, his face is scrunched with discomfort and relentless shivers wrack his tense body. His hair is plastered to his clammy forehead, and when Carlos reaches out to touch him, TK’s skin is burning hot. “TK!” He shakes him roughly, panic mounting. “TK, wake up!” Nonsensical, fevered ramblings fill the bedroom and TK’s eyes are twitching behind closed eyelids, but he doesn’t wake, and it’s clear that he’s not going to. Carlos twists to grab his phone off the nightstand, but it’s not there, and he realises with horror that he left it on the side in the kitchen. He doesn’t know where TK’s is and there’s no time to search for it, so Carlos launches himself from the bed and sprints to the door.

◆ Soothe My Soul by @noxsoulmate (Words: 2.9K)

After TK’s break through the ice, Carlos is there to pamper him back to health – just like always. For once, though, TK isn’t the only one who needs the reassurance and soothing quality time together. Flufftober2021 Day 28: Soothing Baths

What if Carlos was with TK's team when he plunged into the water in S3? I hope someone can write something about it. Will sacrifice my first child for it.

I don't know if there are any fics like that, can anything think of any??

[teamdrake27]

Second Thoughts "TRR" "Choices Fanfic" Part 1.

Pairing: Drake x MC.

Summary: Kate finds herself having second thoughts about her past decisions.

- Kate pretends to be already asleep when she hears Liam entering their bedroom. She left earlier than usual before the ball even ended. She is feeling so drained, she doesn't understand what's wrong. Something's just not right. She wasn't feeling quite okay for a while now. It's like something's missing but she can't put her finger on it or more like she doesn't want to. Though the thing is starting to eat her inside out. She has been thinking about another man more than she would like to admit. Seeing him invite Kiara to dance with him when he never really liked to dance in the first place. Well, except when she invited him to dance that one time which really got her worried. Is he falling for Kiara? Has he moved on that easily? They haven't talked to each other directly since she chose Liam and back then she was really happy. She has it all, all of Cordonia is hers. Even the people of Cordonia admire her. She is the queen. She dresses beautiful expensive dresses and jewelry like every girl's dream, so why is she not feeling okay?

She felt Liam slide in bed next to her then his arm wrapped around her waist. She didn't like the fact that she didn't like it. She wasn't comfortable with him touching her like she used to before and she is hating herself for it. What's wrong with me? She started feeling like she is suffocating. Like there's no air left in the room. She needs to get out of here even if for a little while. She waited a while before she started hearing his snores. He always falls asleep fast, tired of the pressure on his shoulders every day. Especially since she wasn't much help lately. Trying to avoid her duties as much as possible. She has started feeling selfish but she can't help it.

She gently removed his arm and placed it next to him causing him to move a little. She wrapped the robe around her body. Then she slowly, so slowly made her way to the door. Just when she placed her hand on the door handle-

"Kate? Is everything alright? Where are you going?" Liam said with a sleepy voice

She took a deep breath "Sleep, baby. I'm just gonna eat a bite then comeback" She said giving him a small smile.

"Do you want me to come with you?" He asked already half asleep.

"No, don't worry. I'll be back before you know it. You sleep and get some rest" then she left the room.

She was making her way to the garden before she heard noises coming from the living room. She quietly peeks at the room when she sees his frame infront of the firepit with a glass of whiskey in hand. His back is facing her as he stared intensely into the fire not moving.

"Shouldn't you be already asleep, your majesty?" He suddenly said without even moving a muscle causing her to jump. How did he even know I'm here? She questioned herself. She winced at the name. She missed the way he used to call her.

She swallowed hard before she made her way inside the wide room, slowly taking hesitant steps towards him.

" I- I couldn't sleep!"She said nervously. This is the first time they are alone since that night they spent together in her hometown New York, before she broke his heart and chose Liam. It's been almost a year ago.

His lips were pressed together in a thin line as the fire glow illuminated his handsome features. She missed him. She could already feel butterflies in her stomach like when your high school crush finally recognizes you. He kept his gaze settled on the fire. Avoiding making any eye contact with her.

"Hm..." He said softly.

There it is, the awkward silence between them. Even though it isn't very hot in the room she started sweating. He knew very well how to make her be in a weakend state around him without crossing any boundaries and it's so frustrating. It felt like he is the king and she is the commoner. Though after everything she has done, she is the one who put herself in this position. She is guilty infront of him. She led him on, made him fall more and more in love with her then like the selfish woman that she is, she chose the king 'his bestfriend'.

She didn't want this moment to end even though it isn't in her favor. After all it's probably the only time she will be alone with him for a while or who knows maybe ever.

She has to say something "I...I don't know what's happening to me lately. I haven't been able to sleep for a few days now..." She said swallowing hard again.

It took him a while to answer "Something's on your mind lately?" He said understanding exactly where she is going.

"I...I guess. But I don't know what it is. I...it's... I don't know what's wrong" She said looking down.

"I think you know but maybe you don't want to admit it to yourself. Whatever it is, avoiding it won't make it easier, it makes it harder" He said, as if he is an expert in this kind of situation, though his eyes are still focused on the fire.

"I...I guess I just feel so...unhappy!" She said almost in a whisper. Ashamed of saying that to him. Cause they both know that she deserves it. She has no right to complain about it, after all it was her decision.

His silence scared her, he didn't say anything at first causing her heart to throb hard and fast inside her chest. He gulped half the liquid inside the glass.

"What's making you unhappy? Is Liam treating you poorly? Cause as far as I'm concerned, he is treating you like a queen. Besides You got everything you ever wanted, how can you be unhappy?" He shook his head taking another gulp of the glass.

"Maybe I don't know what I want" with that his eyes darkened.

"What do you want, Mckenzie?" Her breath catches in her throat at the mention of her last name on his lips as his dark eyes met her terrified ones. Though she can see that there's hurt and pain, a lot of hurt and pain behind those dark eyes and it makes her burn from inside. It's like his eyes are piercing her soul, like he can read her every thought. The strength of his gaze caused her to take a step back.

"I..." It's like her tongue got tied, she couldn't speak anymore. She couldn't say anything. She has no right to say anything. It was pretty clear what she was getting at and he knew that this day would come. His gaze turned unreadable. Dark eyes. Intense gaze as he started taking steps towards her slowly.

She felt her body freeze. He has her now under his full control. She felt sweat running down her neck as he neared her more and more until there's only one inch left between them. She could already inhale his familiar scent wanting to rub her face in his chest. Though she was still standing still, frozen, staring deeply in his unreadable intense eyes. She sucked in a sharp breath when his gaze sweeps over her face until they settle on her lips. She felt like an invisible force is pulling her to him. Like gravity, but before she could move he bent down and placed the glass of whiskey behind her on the table. She felt the blood rise in her cheeks as tears threatened to fall. He looked her in the eyes one last time before making his way outside the room.

"Sleep well, your majesty".

[cocomaxley]

What's Left of Us - Part 1

This is a part of a TRR A/U called Cordonians Gone Wild, a collaborative effort by @ao719 @speedyoperarascalparty @leelee10898 and yours truly. Catch up HERE.

Summary: Even though this crazy squad has a ton of fun, their relationships still get tested. Genevieve has to decide if Rashad deserves another chance.

Rating: Angst

Tag List: @fullbeaumonty @brightpinkpeppercorn @alj4890 @zaffrenotes @annekebbphotography @carabeth @moneyfordiamonds @give-me-ernest-sinclaire @3pawandme @indiacater @ooo-barff-ooo @ownworldresident @tornbetween2loves @perfectprofessorherokid @stopforamoment @editboutique @wannabemc2 @enmchoices @lauradowning29 @lodberg @smalltalk88 @gibbles82 @heatherfilliez @drakesensworld @nikkis1983 @sweetest-marbear @classylady1234 @daniv2278 @jlouise88 @jared2612 @liamxs-world @notoriouscs @blubutterflyy @captain-kingliamsqueen @lynne1993

Genevieve sat at the restaurant looking at the time on her phone. Rashad was 45 minutes late for their reservation. Her text messages and phone calls went unanswered. She paid for her drinks and left the restaurant. At first she was worried that something bad had happened. So she drove to Domvallier to make sure everything was alright. The majordomo answered the door and directed her towards Rashad’s study.

As she stood outside of the door, she could hear him on the phone talking in an irritated tone. “William, this contract was really important. Whoever did the analysis didn't do it right, and we got outbid.” He went quiet as his business partner responded. “Yeah yeah. Let's talk tomorrow after you talk to her about what went wrong.”

She couldn’t quite make out what William was saying through the door. She felt bad eavesdropping so she knocked on the door. “What?!” Rashad flung the door open. Genevieve jumped, having never seen him lose his temper before. “Rashad, are you ok? I was waiting for you at the restaurant and you never showed up.”

“I had more important things to deal with than dinner, Gen.” He walked backed into his office and she followed him. He slumped down into his chair and she faced him, sitting on his desk. “Honey, what's the matter? I...I’ve never seen you like this.”

“We lost a bid, and we really needed to land this client. William is right. I've been too distracted…” he grumbled. “Well how can I help?” She put her hand on his.

“I need you to stop asking questions! You're the reason I've been distracted! This is why I didn’t date. It takes too much time away from the important things.” He pulled his tie loose and unbuttoned the top button on his shirt.

She winced at his words. She knew he was upset, but what he was saying cut through her. “I get that you're angry, but be very careful that you don't say something that you can't take back. I want to help you. Just tell me what…”

“Nothing. There's absolutely nothing you can do. Maybe being in a relationship is a mistake.” He rubbed his forehead and then ran his hand through his hair.

“A mistake? Seriously, Rashad? You're saying that our relationship is the reason you lost this client? Let me fix that for you.” She stood up and walked out of his office, flinging the door open and allowing it to slam shut behind her.

She walked quickly back to her car and peeled out of the estate driveway. Her phone rang and Pam’s number displayed on her car’s screen. She answered the phone and burst into tears.

“Gen, what's the matter?” Pam asked, concerned.

“Rashad...he's an asshole!” She said crying. “I don't want to talk about it right now.”

“Come to the beer garden. I'll call an emergency squad meeting.”

“O-ok…” Genevieve managed to sob out.

A short while later she pulled up to the beer garden. She looked in the mirror and sighed when she saw her reflection. She did her best to wipe off the smeared makeup before going inside the bar.

She explained what happened to Pam, Anitah, Alicia and Stephanie. All of them equally shocked and angry. Her phone beeped and a couple of texts came through from Rashad. She rolled her eyes without even reading them. Then her phone rang. She was about to silence it when she noticed it was her mom that was calling. She stepped outside, “Mom? Is everything ok?”

“Hi, baby girl. I'm afraid I have some sad news to share with you...Grandpa passed away today.” Her knees buckled. She knelt down on the ground, covering her face as she broke down and sobbed. “Baby, are you there?”

“I'm...I'm here, mama. I'll be on the next flight to Chicago. I love you.” She managed to get out.

Her phone rang again and it was Rashad calling. She pushed the ignore call button and turned off her phone. Her four friends came out looking for her.

Alicia knelt down beside her, “Gen?”

“I-I have to go back to Chicago...my grandfather died today…” she broke down again, and Pam pulled her into her arms.

“Ok let me drive you home. We will help you find a flight and get packed. Come on.”

Anitah pulled out her phone and said, “Let me call Liam. I'm sure we can have the jet prepped pretty quickly.”

Genevieve smiled at her friend. “Thanks, Nita. But I'll be fine flying like a commoner. I don't want Rashad to know where I went...and Liam's lips are looser than Doug’s.” She looked at them with a serious expression, “You guys, please don't tell him any of this. I can't deal with that right now.”

They all nodded in agreement and pulled her into a group hug. The five women arrived at her apartment. Alicia and Stephanie started packing a suitcase for her while she looked for flights.

“Gen, honey, do you want us to pack a black dress or a black suit?” Stephanie called out from her bedroom. “You know what? I'll pack both.”

Genevieve found a red eye and booked the ticket. The girls dropped her off at the airport. While waiting to board the plane she turned her phone back on and saw voicemails and text messages from Rashad. She didn't even bother to read them. She sent her mom and dad a message telling them that she was on her way then turned off her phone again.

Rashad sat in his office looking at his phone. She hadn't answered any of his texts or calls. She was sending him directly to voicemail. He felt terrible for the things he said. He was angry with himself for taking his frustration out on her, the woman that made him happy. She was his rock. He grabbed his car keys and drove to her apartment, knocking on the door. No answer. He could tell no one was home. He let out a sigh and called Pam. "What do you want Rashad?"

"Pam...I take it you've talked to Gen..." He could tell she was mad. "Is...she with you? I have to talk to her and apologize. I fucked up."

"Yep. You sure did fuck up, and if I recall correctly...Rashad...this is not the first time you've fucked up."

"I know, I know. Fuck! Is she there? Please just give her the phone."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Are you in a hurry? Do you have a big business deal to run off and close? Am I taking up too much of your precious time?"

Anitah yelled from the background, “Thought you had more important things to deal with!”

"Pam, please. I know you're pissed at me. I'm pissed at me. Can you please tell me where she is?"

Anitah yelled out, “Don’t tell him Pam!”

"Tell me what, Anitah?" Rashad asked, concerned.

“None of your business!” She spit out.

"Well I can tell you where she's not. She's not here with me, where she should be! It doesn't matter where she is. So lucky you! You’re free to focus on your important business dealings...completely uninterrupted."

Anitah added, “Yeah, that mistake is no longer a concern of yours.”

"Pam...Anitah...please...can you please just tell her to call me? And that I'm...nevermind." He stopped himself knowing he wasn't going to get any sympathy from either woman.

"Yea...nevermind your empty apologies. You blew it once and she gave you another chance. Do you have any idea how lucky you were to get a woman like her? Obviously not, or maybe she would have been a little more important to you."

She disconnected the call. He sat on the top step and put his head in his hands. His heart twinged knowing that he might have just lost the love of his life. Rashad made his way back to his car and drove home feeling defeated.

The following day, Pam, Anitah, Alicia and Stephanie were having lunch in the palace dining room. Pam looked at the others and said, "Poor Gen...I should be there with her. I loved her grandpa. On top of everything with Rashad, she's probably a mess.”

“We should be there...she shouldn’t be alone.” Anitah sat quiet for a moment before slowly looking up at then. “We can be there...” Anitah smirked.

Pam grinned, “You always have the best ideas. Let's do it.”

“I’ll meet you on the tarmac.”

They left the dining room and saw Drake in the hall. He stared at the four girls with a questioning look. “Do I want to know?”

Pam giggled and said, “We’re going to Chicago to be with Gen...Drake, not a word to Rashad or Liam. She doesn't want him to know where she is.”

“Nope, I didn't want to know, but my lips are sealed, baby. Be safe and call me when you get there. I love you.” He pulled her into a deep kiss and walked towards the conference room.

Rashad rushed into the palace looking disheveled. He was unshaven and looked like he hadn't slept. He was late for his meeting with Liam when the ladies saw him. Anitah snickered, “You look like shit, Rashad.”

He ran his hand through his hair. “I know. I...couldn't sleep last night. Is she ok? I just need to know that.” He looked at them, hopeful that they would at least give him that small piece of information.

“No, she's not ok. Why do you even care?” Alicia snapped.

“Of course I care...I love her, Alicia! I know I hurt her, and I deserve all of this. But can't you just tell me where she is so I can talk to her and try to fix this?” Liam opened the conference room door and said, “Rashad, you're late!” He walked towards the room, giving the girls one last sad look before closing the door behind him.

“Girls, I'm gonna have to sit this one out. Otherwise I'll have to tell Maxwell what we're up to...which means we might as well tell Rashad. I will hold down the fort and keep these boys in line, maybe talk a little sense into Rashad.” Stephanie gave the girls a wink before walking into the conference room.

“Me too, guys. Leo's a blabber mouth too. It must be a Rhys thing. Stef and I will make Rashad cry while you're gone,” Alicia said before heading back to hers and Leo’s quarters.

After packing, the two women went to the airport and boarded the royal jet with Brad in tow. “Bradley, hand over your phone,” Anitah said as she held out her hand. Brad groaned but did as he was told. She shot him a sweet smile. “Thank you. You know I can't have Bas pinging your phone. Otherwise, Liam and Rashad will be in the air before we even land. You understand, don't you?”

Brad just nodded his head as he took his seat behind the queen. After a long flight over the Atlantic, they landed at the airport and drove to the northern suburb where Genevieve's family lived. They knocked, and Genevieve answered the door, immediately bursting into tears when she saw her friends. She pulled them both into a hug, “You didn't have to come, but I'm so happy that you're here.”

Two days later, Liam sat in his study tapping his pen against a pad of paper. Bastien hadn't found out where his wife had disappeared to, and no one was divulging any information. The airfield said that the queen made made them sign a non-disclosure agreement, stating specifically that the king and King’s guard could not get the flight manifest. Stephanie and Alicia refused to say anything. The two women avoided both him and Rashad. Even Drake seemed to be avoiding him, leading him to think that he knew where Pam was, which meant Anitah was with her. The only consolation was that Drake didn't seem worried.

There was a knock on his study door, and Rashad entered. He looked even worse than he did the two previous days prior. He had dark circles under his eyes, hair was unkempt, and facial hair unshaven. “Liam, have you heard anything? She's still not responding to me. I think she blocked my number.”

“No,” Liam sighed running his hand through his hair. “Her phone is turned off and so is Brad’s, so we can’t ping them. And she made the airfield sign a NDA that myself or any of my guard cannot retrieve the manifest.”

"Can...can she do that?" Rashad asked, shocked

“She’s the Queen. So, yes, unfortunately she can...” Liam’s jaw clenched.

"You couldn't marry someone dumb, could you? Dammit. Can Bas run Gen's name to see if she left the country? I need to find her, Liam."

Before Liam could respond, there was a knock on the door, and Bastien walked into the study. He spoke directly to Liam, "Your majesty, Genevieve left for Chicago three days ago on a United flight. I confirmed that the royal jet is at the private airfield close to her parents’ home.”

Bastien turned to Rashad, "You should know...I found her grandfather’s obituary that was dated three days ago."

Rashad looked at him and he felt his heart drop. The same day he lashed out on her, her grandfather had passed away.

Liam addressed Rashad, “So...what do you want to do?”

"Bastien, please have my jet prepared. I want to leave as soon as possible."

“I’m coming with you...I need to speak to my Queen…” Liam clapped his shoulder, “and to protect you. I'll have Drake meet us at the airport.”

After they boarded Rashad’s plane, he asked, "Liam, how...do I fix this? I really fucked up..."

Liam looked at his friend and sighed. “I’ve been in your shoes...I’ve said things I haven’t meant and realized it afterwards. You just need to, one, apologize profusely, tell her what an idiot you were. Two, you need to not just tell her, but show her how much she means to you. You need to let her know that you love her and you’re willing to fight for what you two have. And three...hope Anitah and Pam don’t rip you to shreds before you get the opportunity. Those girls are like a small gang,” he shook his head.

Rashad took a deep breath, "I can do that. Hopefully she will let me. I don't know who hates me more...Gen or her friends. So, now I have to buy five sets of flowers and apologize to all of them?"

“Actually, that might not be a bad idea. Come with peace offerings for all,” Liam smirked. "Done. I'll order the flowers for Alicia and Stef now. I'll hand deliver the other three.” Rashad pulled out his phone and sent his assistant an email.

Liam eyed Drake, “You've been quiet. What's going on with you?”

Drake narrowed his gaze at Rashad as he spoke, "I'll be honest, I'm not very happy about this. Gen drives me absolutely insane. But, she's the closest thing to family my wife has here. And if I'm being honest, she's like family to me too. Right now, I'm not sure you deserve another shot with her."

Rashad hung his head. "I know...I never deserved her in the first place. But I'm still going to fight to get her back, Drake. I can't lose her."

Drake cautioned his friend, “Then you better be ready for a fight. Because she's not getting hurt again, Rashad. Do you understand?”

All he could do was nod his head as hot tears pricked his eyes and a lump formed in his throat. He forced himself to look out of the window thinking about Drake’s words. He was worried that she didn't think he deserved another chance either.

They arrived at the airfield and got into the waiting car. The men checked into a hotel and Rashad cleaned himself up. He looked in the mirror and groaned as he took in his reflection. He looked worse than he did that morning. His eyes were bloodshot, but he did his best to look presentable.

He met Liam and Drake in the hotel lobby and drove to Genevieve's parents’ house. Rashad's heart was hammering in his chest. He wiped his hands on his pants. His hands only ever got sweaty thinking about his girlfriend. After a short drive, they arrived. Drake and Liam exited the vehicle first as Rashad took a deep breath then followed his friends to the front door.

“Come in!” Someone yelled. Rashad opened the door and saw the house was full of people dressed in black. He surveyed the room looking for his girlfriend. “Rashad! Gen didn't tell us you were coming,” Genevieve’s mom greeted him with a hug.

“Um, I wanted to be here. I'm so sorry to hear about your father. I...I just found out about his passing today,” he stammered. His eyes scanned the room again.

“My stubborn daughter is around here somewhere. Rashad, she needs you. She’ll forgive you.” She squeezed his hand before walking away.

Genevieve walked into the living room and stopped dead in her tracks. His eyes landed on hers from across the room. His heart started beating fast. He hadn't realized how much he missed her until this moment. She turned and walked into the kitchen without saying a word. He followed her, trying his best not to bump the other guests.

He watched as she disappeared behind a door. The door, he knew, led to her father’s office. He tried the door knob and was surprised that it was unlocked. He walked in and saw her standing with her back to him, staring out of the window with her arms crossed over her chest.

“Gen…” He whispered. He took a few tentative steps towards her. When she didn't respond he closed the distance between them and put his hand on her shoulder.

“What are you doing here? How did Bastien know I was here?” She asked still looking out the window. Her heart ached, remembering his words.

“Sweetheart, please look at me,” he turned her to face him.

She kept her gaze down to the floor, “I can't do this right now, Rashad.”

“I came here because I heard that you're grandfather died and I'm so sorry, Gen. I also came here to talk to you and beg you to forgive me… but if you don't want to talk about that right now, I understand. I want you to know that I'm here and I want to help you get through this.” He tried to pull her into a hug but she took a step back.

“Thank you for your condolences. I have to get back out there. I trust you'll be leaving now?” She tried to walk around him, but he stopped her. “No, I'm not leaving. I'm here. I want to be here. I need to be here with you. Then when we go back to Cordonia, we can talk and I can show you how sorry I am for what I did. I can't live without you, Gen.”

“I'm not going back to Cordonia,” She pushed passed him.

He was stunned at what she said. “What do you mean you're not going home?”

“I am home...my old boss called me this morning. He has an open COO position at the hospital and wants me to take the role.” She picked up a piece of paper that was on her dad’s desk and handed it to him.

Genevieve walked out of the room, leaving him to read over the offer letter. The salary was three times what she was making at the clinic in Cordonia. His eyes froze at her signature at the bottom of the page. He knew in that moment that he had lost her. She was picking her career over him. She was doing the same exact thing he did to her and it hurt like hell.

[alj4890]

Chapter 20 Bruised

The Royal Romance Fan Fiction (Liam x MC*Riley) (Maxwell x OC*Amanda) (Drake x Olivia) (Hana x Rashad)

These characters are from the amazing writers of Pixelberry's Choices stories: The Royal Romance and Red Carpet Diaries. The only character of my own is Duchess Amanda Bridgerton of House St Orella. 

Masterlist of The Other Friend

Chapter 20 summary: The four friends are trying to recover from Constantine's threats and demands. Liam goes to speak to his father privately. Drake is trying to form a plan.

Chapter 20

Liam stands before the door to the room his father is using. He had to try and make him change his mind. Liam was in agony at the thought of losing Riley. He hurt for Maxwell and Amanda. He had to succeed. Liam didn't know what else to do. He knocked.

Bastien opened the door. "Your majesty. Please come in." Liam walked in and saw his father as he had many evenings these last couple of months. Constantine was receiving medication through his portacath. That scene once saddened Liam, but tonight he felt nothing at viewing the evidence that his father was dying of cancer.

Constantine looked at his son. "Did you need something Liam? Have you come to tell me that Maxwell finished the final date?"

Liam stared into his father's cold, gray eyes. "The date will most likely not happen this evening. Amanda was...she was overcome with emotion. She is resting in her room."

Constantine nodded. "They can finish tomorrow. If you did not come with news, then I can only suppose you are here to beg me to drop this."

Liam bristled at the condescension of his father's tone and choice of words. "I am not above begging for those I love. You can not do this, Father. It is wrong and you know it. Lord Nicholas gave us the chance to find love with Amanda. One of us did. Maxwell stood by and allowed us to be with her without complaint. We knew how much he loved her. He deserves to be with her."

Constantine continued to regard his son with a cold stare. Liam continued. "Father, you told me many times about how you fell in love with my mother. How you saw her during the crowning of the Apple Queen and knew you had to be with her, that no one else would do. You've also shared when Regina asked you to dance for the first time after Mother's death, that you felt your heart come back to life. I feel that way about Riley. You wouldn't deny me to have that when you have been blessed with it twice in your life."

Constantine was unmoved by Liam's heartfelt speech. "Do you hate Lady Amanda?"

Liam shook his head. "You know that I don't."

"Then you will marry her. She is attractive enough, so you should be able to provide the kingdom two heirs at the very least. Keep your Lady Riley. Set her up in her own home. Visit her when you want. Elevate Lord Maxwell. Allow Amanda and him to have time together. Just make certain there are no cuckoos in the royal nest."

Liam took a step back at his father's words. He could not believe his father was doing this to all of them. Then to suggest that he guard against Maxwell getting Amanda pregnant...it was too much. "Father. None of us want that type of relationship."

Constantine slammed his fist down on the desk. "Then you all will have nothing! You and Amanda will be together. Whether or not you include your waitress and Maxwell is entirely up to you. Now leave. I don't want to talk to you again until you bring me news to start planning the wedding."

Liam walked out of the room, shaking with rage. He knew he couldn't go to his own room. He went back downstairs to look for a bottle. He needed a drink.

Drake left Maxwell alone with a glass of scotch. He had never seen his friend ask for anything that wasn't fruity. He was disturbed by how Maxwell looked. Maxwell's face was, there was no life to it. Drake had tried to talk to him, to get him to help think of a way out of this. Maxwell only said, "I've lost her. It doesn't matter what we do. She's gone."

Drake rubbed the back of his neck as he made his way to Amanda's room. He needed to talk to someone who could think clearly. He hoped Amanda had calmed down enough to reason with. On the way, he passed Liam. "How did it go? Did he relent at all?"

Liam's eyes and clenched fists said it all. Drake took a step back. "Liam we will find a way to fix this." Liam walked off downstairs without another word. He needed a drink. He saw the light still on in the living room and made his way there. Maxwell was sitting in a chair with a bottle of scotch in one hand and an empty glass in the other.

Maxwell looked up at him. "Come join me in getting drunk. We will toast to all things that have happened."

Liam grabbed a glass and a bottle of whiskey and sat across from him. He tapped his glass against Maxwell's. "To lost love."

Maxwell nodded and downed his drink. He poured another. Liam followed in his footsteps downing three more before settling back in the chair. They remained silent for a time, each looking into their glass.

Maxwell spoke first. "Liam. I, I probably won't see you for a long time after you and Amanda are married. I'm not going to be able stand seeing you two together. Not after all she and I said on our date tonight. I can't look at her knowing she is yours when I wanted her to be mine so much. I honestly don't know if I will ever be able to be around either of you again. I might have to move away."

Liam looked at the man who was one of his best friends. He thought back through the years at how Maxwell had always been there showering all of them with unending support and loyalty. He could not imagine his life without him. His father was making him lose his best friend. He was forcing Maxwell to lose his home, all of his friends, and his true love. Liam took another swallow of his drink, trying to deaden this added pain.

"I spoke with my father. He will not relent. He even had the audacity to suggest that I take Riley as my mistress and Amanda take you as her lover. I could have hit him. I wished I had."

Maxwell looked at Liam. He shook his head in sympathy. "There's nothing we can do. It's like Amanda said. It's over and he won. She wouldn't even look at me. She won't let me hold her. She's left me and yet she is still in this house. Just upstairs. Further from me than she has ever been."

They continued to drink through the night, each consumed with thoughts of the women they almost married.

Drake went to Amanda's room. He placed his ear to the door. There was only silence. He knocked. "Amanda? It's me, Drake." Silence was his answer. He tried the door handle. It was unlocked. He pushed the door open and found Amanda on the floor of her room. Her head was bleeding near the temple.

Drake rushed to her, looking for what caused it. He saw her feet had become tangled in the strap of a bag. She had been in the middle of packing. He looked at the nightstand and saw blood on the corner. She had hit her head on that. Drake tried to get her to wake up. Her eye was already beginning to blacken. Right when he was about to go get help, her eyes fluttered open. "Drake?"

"Oh thank God! I thought you were...it doesn't matter. Are you okay?"

Amanda placed a hand near her head and grimaced. "I've felt better." When she pulled her hand away she saw the blood. Drake picked her up and placed her on the bed. He went into the bathroom to gather stuff to clean her gash. He sat down beside her.

"This is going to hurt like hell."

Amanda shrugged her shoulders. "Then it happened on the perfect night." He gently cleaned the area, checking to see if he needed to take her to the emergency room. Around her eye was nearly black. The blood vessels in her eye had burst and part of her cheek was purple. "Damn, Amanda! You must have fallen hard."

Amanda stared at him. Like Maxwell, she had a haunted look to her. "I'm leaving. I'm not staying here. I can't be around Maxwell. I can't face Riley and Liam knowing what is going to happen. I...I don't know where to go, but I have to get away from here. If I'm gone, then we can't finish the tasks."

Drake continued to gently clean around the gash. It did not look like it needed stitches. Yet, he worried she might have a concussion. "You know, whether or not you leave, you will be married to someone. Either Liam, or we find out who Nicholas picked."

Amanda grimaced. Then regretted it because it made the right side of her face hurt. Drake chuckled. "Easy there. You can make all the faces you want at me when this has healed. I'll even record the incidents so that you will have an exact number to go by."

Amanda's lips twitched. "Please don't try and make me laugh. I...Drake...What are we going to do?" Tears began to fall silently down her cheeks. After Drake finished cleaning the wound, he took both her hands. "Good, I'm glad to see you ready to use that head of yours for more than fighting with furniture."

"I can't finish that date with Maxwell."

"You have to."

"Then Constantine will make me marry Liam."

"Hmm. I think what we need to focus on is the timing of everything." Drake stood up and began to pace the room. He looked back at Amanda. "What if you don't have your final date until the night of the Cornoration Ball?"

"I'm still stuck in the same problem."

"No. Think about it. What if you had the date and final kiss at 11:50 PM? Then was married directly after to Maxwell. Completing everything by midnight."

"That still leaves Liam vulnerable to being forced to marry Madeleine. It also leaves you without the knowledge of Savannah's whereabouts. I can't do that to the two of you."

"What if we had Riley and Liam marry at the same time?"

"What do you mean?"

"Double wedding before midnight. Then Constantine can't force Liam to be with Madeleine. Liam will have met the requirements for becoming king by being married. We all will have met your uncle's requirements."

"Drake...what about you?"

"I will be fine. Plus, once Liam is king, he will be able get the information to tell me where Savannah is. We all will win."

Hope began to light up in Amanda's eyes. "Drake, do you really think we can? Can we pull this off without Constantine's knowledge?"

"We must. We have to give it a try. Hmm, maybe you bashing your head is a good thing."

"If you make a crack about my either being stupid or ugly, I refuse to be held accountable for what I throw at you."

Drake chuckles. "No, I meant with the black eye and bruised cheek, you won't be able to be photographed or attend tomorrow night's party. Constantine won't be able to cause any interference. He will want you looking your best at the ball. Can't have the future queen look like she is part of a fight club. We won't tell Liam or Maxwell about this plan. They need to look depressed. Without you there tomorrow night, Maxwell will be even more so. We have to make Constantine think we have all given up."

Amanda nodded. "Maxwell and Liam have never been good at hiding their excitement or sadness. I feel horrible not telling them we have a plan."

"Don't worry. We will tell them once Constantine returns to the palace. What we will do is convince him that you should not be moved until the day of the ball. He will most likely make Liam stay here to report back on the final date."

"Drake. You are brilliant!"

"Looks like the nightstand knocked some sense into you."

"Ha ha. I don't suppose I could have an ice pack or something."

"I think we need you puffy and swollen to convince Constantine."

"Then I guess I will turn in."

"Nope, we are staying up all night watching movies. You might have a concussion. I don't want you going to sleep unless we take you to an emergency room."

Amanda sighed and moved over on the bed. Drake sat down and stretched out next to her.

"Action or horror?"

"That's all I get to choose from?"

"Yes. It's what Dr. Walker prescribes."

"Fine. Let's get the crap scared out of us."

Drake smiled and began to look for a movie. When he found one they agreed on, he settled back and wrapped an arm around Amanda. She gave him a half smile. "I don't know what we would do without you."

Drake grinned. "I am pretty wonderful."

Amanda hit his chest.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"I can't roll my eyes because the right one hurts so much. That seemed the best substitute."

"We really need to work on your reactions."

"Seriously though, I am thankful that you are able to keep a clear head and figure out a plan. I'm so grateful you're my best friend."

Drake became serious. "What can I say? You guys are my family. The only ones I have left. I would do anything for you."

Amanda rested her head on his shoulder and hugged him. "I promise that no matter what happens, we will find Savannah. You, Liam, and Maxwell are everything to me."

Drake hugged her back. 

@umccall71 @fullbeaumonty @darley1101 @katurrade @cocomaxley @mynameiskaylabella @annekebbphotography @hopefulmoonobject 

[alj4890]

Chapter 13 Fires in the Snow Part 1

The Royal Romance Fan Fiction (Liam x MC*Riley) (Maxwell x OC*Amanda) (Drake x Olivia) (Hana x Rashad)

These characters are from the amazing writers of Pixelberry's Choices stories: The Royal Romance and Red Carpet Diaries. The only character of my own is Duchess Amanda Bridgerton of House St Orella. 

Masterlist of The Other Friend TRR

Chapter 13 (part 1) summary: Everyone is headed to Lythikos for a week of fun in the snow, or so they think.

Chapter 13 (part 1)

Amanda finished packing her bags. She was dying for a nap. Her one hope was that some way some how she could sleep all the way to Olivia's. If she didn't get either a few hours of rest or an IV of caffeine, then she would fall on the floor and probably never move again.

Maxwell came running into her room. "Bertrand's been called back to Rumsford. You want to ride with me and Riley? Drake will probably hitch a ride with us too."

Amanda nods her head. She can't help but smile at his excitement. He was a person who thoroughly enjoyed life. It didn't matter if it was the party of the century or having a short stack of pancakes for breakfast. He loved life.

"I'm going to go ahead and warn you. I'm beyond exhausted from lack of sleep. I never was able to recuperate from jetlag. I have a feeling I'm going to fall asleep as soon as we get in the limo."

Maxwell's exuberance doesn't dim with the news. "No problem. I've been told I have very comfortable shoulders. Now let's get you downstairs." As he goes to pick up her bags, her phone starts ringing. He sighs and glares at it. "I thought we agreed to 'no phones'."

Amanda patiently picks it up, "You said on our dates, not in everyday life."

"I'm ready to add some more stipulations to that decree. Like, basically we have no phones anytime we are together. That should cover everything."

"Hello. Yes. What?! When? How far did it spread? What was damaged? No...not the observatory. I will be there as soon as I can."

Amanda turns to Maxwell. Her face has lost all color. "Maxwell, there was a fire at St. Orella. They aren't sure what caused it but it spread quickly and it burned down the observatory that was in the backyard."

Maxwell gasps. "Our observatory? All those times we spent there laying around, looking at the stars, gone? Not our observatory." He wraps his arms around her, hugging her tightly.

Amanda holds onto him, wishing he was able to come with her. "I've got to get there and handle everything. I don't know how long it will take. I might not make it to Olivia's this week."

He continues to hold her. "Is there anything I can do?"

Amanda pulls away shaking her head. "No. You've got Riley to guide. I will text you when I know more."

Maxwell reaches out and brings her back for one more embrace. He gives a sweet kiss and helps her with her bags. He follows her downstairs and waits patiently as she makes arrangements with the staff. She turns around and sees him standing there. "Maxwell, you need to go. I promise I will be fine. Go help Riley and Liam get some alone time."

Maxwell hugs her again. "Promise you'll call as soon as you get there."

She nods while trying not to cry. "I promise."

Maxwell takes her hands and kisses them. "See you soon."

Riley and Drake tease him for taking so long when he finally gets into the limo. He sees that Hana has joined them. When they see his face, they all freeze. "Where's Amanda?"

Maxwell explains what happened.

Drake can hardly believe it. "Lord Nicholas let me design and build that observatory all by myself after my father died. He, well, he let me make all the decisions. He said he couldn't take the pain away but he could help me find a way to live with it. I remember when it was complete. I felt like I could handle anything. I can't believe it is gone."

Maxwell stares out the window, thinking of all the memories that were made there. He listens to Drake continue to describe it to Riley and Hana. He remembers that it was there that he first realized he had fallen for Amanda.

It had been a bitterly cold December day. Her birthday, in fact. They had all been invited for a few days to celebrate. After everyone went to sleep, Maxwell had made his way to her room. Amanda was as wide awake as he was and he had been able to convince her to grab some blankets and go stargazing. It was a crisp winter evening with no moon. Perfect for his purposes.

They quickly made their way inside and went to lay on one of the many reclining couches. "Okay. I'm freezing. Maxwell, you are going to have to share both body heat and blankets." Maxwell wrapped his arm around her and they snuggled together. He began pointing out shapes, making her laugh at what he claimed each one to be.

"Maxwell, I just don't see it."

"Come on Amanda. There's her sword and you can't tell me that doesn't look like the bun she keeps her hair in. I'm telling you, it's Olivia."

The couch shakes with her laughter. "I don't see it!" "So what do you see then," he asks.

"Hmm. Over there looks like a fox skiing."

"You see a fox skiing. Skiing. Yet you don't see Olivia swinging a sword? I'm afraid, my dear, that your eyes need to be examined." He leans over her and looks into her eyes. Their breath forms little puffs of smoke around them. She gazes directly into his eyes, smiling and shaking silently with suppressed laughter.

And it hit him. Through the darkness of a moonless evening, he saw the only light. He wanted her. He wanted to run his hands along her body. He wanted to kiss her and hear what sounds she would make. He wanted to feel her pulling him closer. He wanted nights that belonged only to him where he could be the one to make her laugh then cry out in passion. He wanted her to feel the way he was feeling. He loved her.

His face must have shown his shock. She stopped laughing. "What's wrong?" He moved back to his spot on the couch and teased her to cover his awkwardness. "Dr. Beaumont recommends you rest those lovely eyes so that you can see clearly what is right in front of you instead of mammals in the Winter Olympics."

Now it was gone. He should have gone with her. He should have told her what that place meant to him. He should have told her what he had done after he realized his feelings. He had secretly carved their initials into one of the beams the morning after. He had wanted to leave some sort of mark there since she had marked his heart. He should have told her that.

Riley looks over at him. She can tell that he is hurting, yet he did not seem ready to talk. That observatory must have meant more to him than he was willing to say. She was surprised that Drake had been so open. He seemed a little shocked himself that he had shared his story, yet it appeared to help him come to terms with it.

Hana continues to offer words of sympathy over the fire incident. Maxwell seems to shake himself out of his thoughts. He reassures them that Amanda will call soon with news. He gives a smile to everyone and tries to direct the conversations to all that they plan on doing in Lythikos.