chapter 3

Heartbreak and Betrayal*

Liam stormed into the room, his footsteps echoing off the walls. I followed, my heart racing with anticipation.

"No, it can't be," Liam said, his voice cracking as he took in the scene before him. Anna and Alex's lips were locked in a passionate kiss.

The dimly lit room reeked of betrayal. The air was thick with tension.

"What's going on here?" Liam demanded, his eyes blazing with anger.

Anna stepped back, her cheeks flushed. "Liam, it's not what it looks like."

Liam's face twisted in disgust. "What does it look like, huh? My best friend and girlfriend together?"

Alex smirked, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Chill, bro."

Liam's fists clenched. "You're dead to me, Alex. And you," he spat at Anna, "it's over."

He turned to me, his eyes welling up with tears. "Thanks for telling me ahead, Amy."

With that, he spun on his heel and left, leaving us in an awkward silence.

Anna shrugged, her voice dripping with malice. "Believe me, I'm happy we broke up. He's a washed-up footballer. Alex is a better kisser."

My stomach churned at her words. "You disgust me."

Alex chuckled, his eyes glinting with triumph. "How about you leave? We were in the middle of something."

I turned to exit, but not before casting a scathing glance at the pair.

Outside, the cool evening air enveloped me, a welcome respite from the toxic atmosphere. The sound of laughter and music drifted from the party, a stark contrast to the anguish I'd just witnessed.

Nora approached, concern etched on her face. "Amy, what happened? We saw Liam running off."

I filled them in on the devastating scene.

Emily's expression turned sympathetic. "Poor Liam."

Joshua's jaw clenched. "We need to find him."

"I'm with you," Emily said, determination in her voice.

Nora nodded. "Me too. What Anna did was unforgivable."

Joshua's eyes locked onto mine. "You're coming with us, right?"

Isaac fell into step beside us. "I'm tagging along. Sounds like a party."

As we searched for Liam, the crunch of gravel beneath our feet echoed through the night.

At the swing, Mia and Kelvin were lounging.

"What brings you guys here?" Mia asked, her voice lazy.

"We're looking for Liam," I replied.

Kelvin snorted. "Took him long enough to find out."

Mia shot him a warning glance. "Kelvin."

Joshua's eyes narrowed. "You knew?"

Kelvin shrugged. "Everyone knows everything in this school."

We left the swing, our search continuing.

At the gaming booth, Martin and Henry were engrossed in a heated competition.

"Hey guys, is Liam here?" I asked.

Martin gestured to Henry. "He was, but he left. Talked to Olivia, though."

Henry leaned in, his voice conspiratorial. "You're new, but you seem close to Emily. Is she single?"

I smiled wryly. "She's got a crush on Liam."

Henry's face fell.

Olivia, focused on her game, didn't notice us until I challenged her.

"Can't talk, must beat the high school," she muttered.

Martin chuckled. "You need to beat her high score to get her to talk."

I accepted the challenge, my fingers flying across the controller.

When I won, Olivia looked up, impressed.

"Okay, what do you want to know?" she asked.

"We just need to find Liam," I said.

Olivia's expression softened. "He went to the beach to clear his head."

We made our way to the beach, the sound of waves crashing against the shore soothing.

Liam sat alone, his back to us.

Nora whispered, "We should let someone talk to him first."

I nodded, approaching Liam.

"You're one hard man to find," I said softly.

Liam turned, his eyes red-rimmed.

As I hugged him, the tension in his body eased.

The others joined us, offering words of comfort.

Liam's gratitude was palpable. "Thanks, guys. You're the true friends I never noticed."

As we walked away from the beach, the stars twinkling above, I knew this was just the beginning.

The next morning, Liam sat beside me in class, his eyes still haunted.

"Good morning, Amy," he said, his voice low.

"Good morning, Liam."

Alex sauntered in, a smirk on his face.

"Hey, pal," Alex said, but Liam ignored him.

Alex's grin widened. "Oh, really? Your girlfriend's ..... a great kisser, sorry your ex".

"Enough", Liam's eyes flashed with anger

"What are you going to do, punch me", Alex said smirking

"Maybe I will", Liam said angrily

Is Liam really going to pinch Alex?.

TO BE CONTINUED.