Chapter 85: Ava Takes the Stage

Ava's POVThe tension in the room was thicker than the smoke from the fog machine. Isabella's sudden appearance had thrown a wrench into our celebratory karaoke night, and the air crackled with unspoken questions and a palpable unease.Liam, however, was a master at deflecting attention. He quickly regained his composure, introducing Isabella with a curtness that spoke volumes about their strained history. But I could see the flicker of unease in his eyes, the ghost of his past threatening to overshadow our present.He tried to brush it off, to reassure me with a casual smile and a dismissive wave of his hand. But I wasn't fooled. The tension in his jaw, the way his grip tightened on my hand, betrayed his inner turmoil.I knew he was trying to protect me, to shield me from the complexities of his past. But I also knew that I deserved more than a dismissive reassurance. I deserved the truth, no matter how painful it might be.As Liam steered me towards the karaoke song list, a wave of determination washed over me. I wouldn't let this woman, this ghost from his past, ruin our night. I would reclaim the joy, the connection, the love that had been so abruptly interrupted.I grabbed the microphone, a surge of confidence replacing the apprehension that had been building within me. I selected a song, a powerful ballad that resonated with the emotions swirling within me, a song that spoke of a love that defied all odds.As the music started, I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. Then, I opened my eyes, my gaze locking with Liam's, and poured my heart out into the lyrics:"I think that you are the one for me 'Cause it gets so hard to breathe When you're looking at me, I've never felt so alive and free When you're looking at me, I've never felt so happy..." My voice, usually soft and hesitant, resonated through the room, filled with a newfound strength and conviction. I sang for Liam, for our love, for the future we were building together."And I've heard of a love that comes once in a lifetime And I'm pretty sure that you are that love of mine..."Liam's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and adoration swirling in their depths. He stepped closer, his gaze never leaving mine, his heart mirroring the emotions pouring out of me.As the last note faded, a hush fell over the room. Then, Liam, unable to contain himself any longer, pulled me close, his lips crashing against mine in a kiss that was both passionate and tender.The world around us melted away, the only reality the warmth of his embrace, the taste of his lips, the undeniable truth of our love echoing through the silent room.When we finally broke apart, breathless and flushed, a wave of laughter erupted from the corner booth. Sarah, ever the comedian, clapped her hands with glee."Well, well, well," she exclaimed, her voice laced with playful mockery, "looks like William and I are the only ones left out of this love fest!"William, never one to miss an opportunity for a bit of fun, leaned towards Sarah, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I wouldn't mind a kiss either, Sarah," he teased, his voice a low rumble that sent a playful shiver down her spine.Sarah, completely caught off guard, sputtered in surprise, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. Liam and I, unable to contain our amusement, burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the room, a joyous counterpoint to the tension that had lingered just moments before.The ice had been broken, the awkwardness dispelled. We were a team again, our bond strengthened by laughter, love, and the shared joy of a moment that would forever be etched in our memories.