ElaraShadowheart

Ava, a college student inexperienced in love, crosses paths with Liam Blackwood, the city's most formidable bachelor.  Their initial encounters spark Liam's curiosity, but Ava, intimidated by their differing social statuses, rejects his advances.  Undeterred, Liam strives to win her over, but their budding romance is complicated by the sudden reappearance of his ex-girlfriend, a woman who betrayed him in the past.  Pressure mounts as Liam's family pushes him to reconcile with his ex, a demand he firmly refuses.  Caught in the crossfire, Ava finds herself torn between her growing feelings for Liam and the overwhelming complexities of his life.  Will she risk it all for love, or will the weight of his past and the disapproval of his family force them apart?

Not a Chance, Mr.Blackwood

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across Ava's face. She stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. A sense of disorientation washed over her as she took in her surroundings. Why wasn't she in her own bed? And why was she wearing a soft, unfamiliar nightgown?

Fragments of the previous night flickered through her mind like disjointed scenes from a movie. The gala, the flashing cameras, the pink drink... and then a blank space. She remembered being carried, the feeling of strong arms around her, the scent of a familiar cologne. Then, a vague, hazy memory of pressing her lips against someone's... Liam?

Ava's heart pounded as she tried to piece together the events of the night. Had she really kissed Liam? Had she confessed her feelings? A wave of heat crept up her neck as she recalled the depth of emotion she had felt in that moment.

Just then, Sarah breezed into the room, a tray with a steaming mug of coffee and a plate of pastries in her hands. "Good morning, sleeping beauty!" she chirped, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Ava sat up, her brow furrowed with concern. "Sarah, what happened last night? I... I don't remember much."

Sarah placed the tray on the bedside table, her smile widening. "Don't remember much, huh? Well, you certainly had a memorable night!"

Ava's anxiety spiked. "Did I do something embarrassing?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "And who changed my clothes?"

Sarah laughed. "Relax, Ava. You didn't do anything too crazy. Liam carried you out of the gala, and I helped you change into something more comfortable."

Ava's eyes widened. "Liam carried me? But why?"

Sarah's grin turned mischievous. "Well, let's just say the pink drink wasn't as innocent as you thought."

Tears welled up in Ava's eyes. "Oh no," she mumbled, burying her face in her hands. "I can't believe I got drunk at a business gala."

Sarah patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Hey, it happens. Besides, it was pretty entertaining." She pulled out her phone, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "In fact, I even have a little souvenir for you."

With a dramatic flourish, Sarah pressed play on a recording. Ava's heart skipped a beat as she heard her own voice, high-pitched and giggly, followed by Liam's deep chuckle. The recording captured every embarrassing compliment, every touch, and finally, her heartfelt confession.

Ava froze, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had actually told Liam she loved him. Out loud. In a drunken stupor.

Sarah snapped her fingers in front of Ava's face, breaking her out of her trance. "Earth to Ava? You still with me?"

Ava's panic escalated. She jumped out of bed, pacing the room, her mind reeling. "No, no, no," she muttered, her voice filled with disbelief. "This can't be happening."

Just then, her phone rang, the screen flashing with Liam's name. Ava stared at the phone, her heart pounding in her chest. Should she answer? What would she say?

The ringing continued, each tone amplifying her anxiety. Sarah, sensing her turmoil, gave her a gentle nudge. "Answer it, Ava. He deserves to hear from you."

With trembling fingers, Ava answered the call. "Hello?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Ava? Good morning. How are you feeling?" Liam's voice was warm and concerned.

Ava took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "I... I'm okay. A little embarrassed, but okay."

"Don't be embarrassed," Liam chuckled. "You were adorable."

Ava's cheeks flushed. "I said some things I probably shouldn't have," she mumbled, her voice laced with regret.

"You did," Liam agreed, his voice softening. "And I need to talk to you about them."

Ava's heart pounded. This was it. The moment of truth. She braced herself for whatever Liam was about to say, her mind a whirlwind of hope and fear.

Chapter 43: The Morning After and a Shocking Revelation