Chapter 7 - Hidden Truths

The old warehouse creaked in the silence, its shadows dancing on the walls. Julian stood alone, her eyes blazing with a fierce intensity. Memories of Liam's birthday party last year flooded her mind, each image etched with painful clarity.

"Laughter, music, and the sound of shattering glass," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Alex's screams echoed through her mind, the bathtub slick with blood. Liam's house, once filled with joy, now tainted by tragedy.

Julian's face twisted in anguish, her eyes hardened with a villainous glint.

"Revenge will be sweet," Julian whispered, her smile growing.

She gazed at the camera on her phone, displaying the security footage.

Liam's bathtub, Alex's lifeless body.

Julian's smile grew wider.

"Liam will pay," Julian vowed.

Screen shift.

Liam's house, dimly lit.

Liam sat on his couch, lost in thought.

Aria's smile flashed before his eyes.

Her laughter echoed in his mind.

But Julian's touch lingered.

Guilt and loyalty clashed.

"Who do I protect?" Liam wondered.

Ethan and Maya's secrets?

Or the truth?

Liam's thoughts swirled.

Aria or Julian?

His heart pounded.

Torn between loyalty and desire.

The darkness closed in.

Liam's phone buzzed.

An unknown number: "Keep quiet, Liam."

Liam's heart skipped a beat.

Who was this?

And what did they know?

Liam's eyes narrowed.

Was Julian seeking revenge?

Or something more?

The silence hung heavy.

Liam's decision would change everything.

But for now, he was trapped.

In his own web of secrets.

Suddenly, Liam's phone rang.

Aria's name flashed on the screen.

"Liam, where are you?" Aria asked.

Liam hesitated.

"I'm home," Liam replied.

Aria's voice was laced with concern.

"Are you okay?"

Liam sighed.

"Just lost in thought."

Aria's pause was palpable.

"Liam, we need to talk."

Liam's heart sank.

About Julian?

About the secrets?

"Liam, I know something's bothering you," Aria said.

Liam's resolve crumbled.

"Aria, I don't know what to do."

Aria's voice softened.

"Tell me, Liam."

Liam took a deep breath.

"Julian...she's seeking revenge."

Aria's gasp echoed through the line.

"What do you mean?"

Liam's words spilled out.

"Alex's death, the party...Julian blames me."

Aria's voice was firm.

"We'll protect you, Liam."

Liam's heart swelled.

"Aria, I—"

The line went dead.

Liam's phone displayed a text from an unknown number:

"You're next."

Liam's world went dark.