Chapter 6 - Liam's Memories of Julian

Liam's eyes locked onto the darkness, memories flooding his mind.

Julian's fiery spirit, her infectious laughter, their whispered secrets.

Their whirlwind romance, two years ago, had left him breathless.

He remembered their first kiss under the stars, Julian's lips soft and inviting.

The way her eyes sparkled in the sunlight, illuminating her entire face.

The gentle touch of her hand, sending shivers down his spine.

Liam's thoughts drifted to their midnight strolls, hand in hand, through the quiet streets.

Julian's giggles echoing through the night, her smile radiant.

The way she made him feel alive, like nothing else mattered.

"Julian...she was different," Liam said, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

Ethan's eyes narrowed.

"What do you mean?" Ethan asked.

Liam's voice dropped to a whisper.

"Passionate, fiery...and broken."

Maya's expression softened.

"You loved her," Maya stated.

Liam's eyes locked onto Maya's.

"I thought I did," Liam corrected.

Ethan's face contorted.

"Maybe I wronged her, Liam," Ethan said.

Liam's jaw clenched.

The silence hung heavy.

Liam's phone buzzed, breaking the tension.

An unknown number: "Remember me, Liam?"

Liam's heart skipped a beat.

"Julian?" Liam whispered.

Maya's eyes widened.

Ethan's face paled.

"What does she want?" Ethan asked.

Liam's voice firm.

"I'll handle it."

But doubts crept in.

Could he face Julian again?

Liam's thoughts drifted back to their past.

The way Julian's touch ignited a fire within him.

The way she shattered his heart.

"Liam?" Ethan's voice interrupted.

Liam's gaze snapped back.

"I'll talk to her," Liam said.

Maya's eyes locked onto Liam's.

"Be careful," Maya warned.

Liam nodded.

As he stepped out into the night, Liam's heart pounded.

What would Julian say?

Would she forgive him?

Or would she destroy him?

The darkness seemed to close in around him.

Liam's phone buzzed again.

"Meet me at the old warehouse at midnight. -J"

Liam's heart sank.

What did Julian have planned?

Would he face his past, or would he run?

The clock ticked closer to midnight.

Liam's decision would change everything.

He drove to the old warehouse, memories swirling.

Their first date, their first kiss, their first everything.

Liam arrived at the old warehouse, his heart racing.

Julian stood, shrouded in shadows.

Her eyes gleamed in the moonlight.

"Liam," Julian whispered.

Liam's voice trembled.

"Julian, why are you back?"

Julian stepped forward.

Her face twisted in anguish.

"You know why," Julian spat.

Liam's heart sank.

"Is it about us?" Liam asked.

Julian's eyes blazed.

"You left me shattered," Julian hissed.

Julian's arms wrapped around Liam's waist.

Liam hesitated, then reciprocated.

Their hug was brief, hardly 10 seconds.

But in that moment, Liam's mind betrayed him.

Aria's smile flashed before his eyes.

Guilt washed over him.

He pushed Julian away, gently but firmly.

"Julian..." Liam whispered.

Julian's eyes searched his, confused.

Liam turned, swiftly exiting the warehouse.

Into the night.

He jumped into his car and sped away.

Leaving Julian alone.

In the darkness.

Liam's thoughts swirled.

Aria's laughter echoed in his mind.

Her bright smile.

Her sparkling eyes.

Why did he think of Aria now?

Was it guilt?

Or something more?

Liam's heart pounded.

He accelerated, racing through the night.

Back to the safety of his home.

Away from Julian.

Away from the past.

But the memories lingered.