with excitement. The smell of garlic bread and lasagna filled the hou

e!" my mom said, h

dad added, his eyes twinkling.

e was

pride. "Right downtown, just a few blocks from Liam's office. We thoug

ow knew was a lie. The lasagna suddenly felt heavy in my stomach.

said, my voice gentle but firm. "I appreciate t

ces froze. My mother's

d, her voice trembling slightly. "You've loved h

aid. "I'm not anym

urther, my phone rang. The c

derstanding crossed his face. "Ah, a little fight, huh?"

"We'll leave you to it. Don'

just a typical lover's quarrel. I took

el

voice was cold, clipped.

tone deliberately nonchalant.

obably thrown by my lack of emotion. I was su

pills," he said flatly. "They'll be delivered t

d have destroyed me. Now,

thanks,

ng my response. He was expecting tears, a

he finally said, his voice tigh

him for my last birthday. A hollo

said casually. "You c

eath, and then the line went

mil

rived, I took two

htly. Using my knowledge from my past life, I pointed out a few overlooked municipal contracts and zoning changes, helping my dad secure two major projects that had

our new contract. As we were leaving, I saw him. Liam, sitting at a l

d over, his expressio

track my movements," he sai

e with my father, that this was a complete

my voice polite and di

ass. "Hey, Liam! Is that the girl? The one who finally popped your cherry? H

w tighten. He shot his friend a loo

a chilling mix of anger and humiliation. He pointed to

ping with contempt. "Go play a song. Entertain us. No need fo

me for their crudeness. He was making me

insulted by a drunk businessman at a party. Liam had smashed a bottle over the man

mpared to her. I was just a nuisance to