The party 2

Ariana and Darin arrived at the address Liam had described. Ariana was taken aback by the modest, white-painted house. It radiated a cheerful warmth, with a small but charming garden outside that gave off an air of comfort and tranquility.

They were greeted at the door by a kind, middle-aged woman—Liam's mother. She had a warm smile and welcomed them with genuine enthusiasm.

As soon as they stepped inside, Liam appeared, rushing toward them with a relieved grin. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't make it!" he exclaimed.

Darin, quick to ease the moment, chuckled and said, "Ariana was running late because she wanted to make sure she looked perfect."

Ariana gave a small, embarrassed smile, brushing her hair back as her eyes scanned the cozy interior of the house. It was nothing like the grandeur she was used to, but there was something about it that felt real—something she hadn't felt in a long time.

Ariana hesitated for a moment, looking around at the house that seemed so far removed from her world. She finally said, with a small, uncertain smile, "It's… far from my home."

Liam tilted his head slightly, as if assessing her words, then responded with a grin. "You're here now, and that's what matters." He gestured warmly. "Come, sit down. I'll get everything ready."

Without waiting for a response, Liam excused himself, leaving Ariana and Darin standing near two empty chairs.

Darin turned to Ariana, a teasing smile on her face. "You're overthinking again, aren't you? I can tell."

Ariana shot her a quick glance, her expression softening into reluctant amusement. "I'm not overthinking. I just…" She trailed off, unsure of how to articulate the mixed emotions swirling inside her.

Darin crossed her arms, a knowing look in her eyes. "Stop trying to read too much into things. Relax. Let yourself enjoy this for once."

Ariana looked at Darin with narrowed eyes, her voice calm but firm. "I know what you're doing, Darin."

Darin feigned innocence, raising her hands defensively. "What? I'm not doing anything."

Ariana shook her head, an amused but knowing smile tugging at her lips. "You're trying to set me up with Liam. And you know that's not going to work. I'm in the middle of a divorce, Darin. I can't bring someone else into my life right now. It's complicated enough as it is."

Darin leaned closer, her tone gentle but insistent. "Ariana, you have to give someone a chance at some point. Liam likes you; it's obvious to anyone. Besides," she added with a playful shrug, "your husband is out celebrating his birthday with his fiancée. Why are you still holding yourself back for someone who's moved on?"

Ariana gave a small, half-hearted laugh, both to deflect and to acknowledge the truth in Darin's words. "Let's not talk about this now. It's a lovely evening, and we should enjoy the party."

But Darin wasn't letting her off that easily. She nudged Ariana playfully and whispered, "You know Liam hasn't taken his eyes off you all night, right?"

Curious, Ariana glanced across the room, her heart skipping a beat when she found Liam looking right at her. His gaze was steady, warm, and unwavering, as though he had something important to say but was waiting for the right moment.

For the rest of the evening, Ariana couldn't shake the feeling that Darin might be right. Maybe Liam did like her, more than she realized. As the night went on, she found herself wondering: What if Darin's right? What if I gave someone else a chance? Not everyone has to be like my husband.

After the party ended, Liam offered to drive Darin and Ariana home. He made sure to drop Darin off first, clearly planning to spend more time with Ariana. As they neared her neighborhood, Ariana deliberately avoided giving Liam her exact address, instead asking him to drop her off at a nearby spot.

When they reached her stop, Ariana smiled and thanked him for the evening. "Thanks for tonight, Liam. The party was lovely."

Liam returned the smile, looking slightly bashful. "No, thank you. You didn't have to go out of your way with those gifts. They must have been expensive."

Ariana waved it off casually. "They weren't that expensive, really. I'm just glad you liked them."

As she opened the car door to step out, Liam reached for her hand, stopping her. Ariana was startled by the gesture but didn't pull away. His touch was firm yet hesitant, as though he was gathering his courage.

"I want to tell you something," he began, his voice steady but laced with nervous energy.

Ariana hesitated. "Go ahead," she said softly, though her heart raced.

Liam took a deep breath. "I've been wanting to say this for a while, but I wasn't sure if it was the right time. But tonight, seeing you… knowing you're in the middle of a divorce… I feel like I have to take this chance."

Ariana's eyes widened slightly, unsure how to respond.

"I like you, Ariana," Liam confessed. "A lot. And I know this might sound sudden, but when your divorce is finalized, I'd really like to… well, get to know you better. To have a chance with you."

Ariana felt a mix of emotions—surprise, flattery, and a tinge of discomfort. She looked down briefly before replying. "Liam, I… we don't even know each other that well."

"I know," he admitted, his tone earnest. "But that's why I'm not asking for anything big right now. I just want to talk—get to know each other in this time. You deserve someone who makes you happy, someone who appreciates you. And I'd really like the chance to be that person."

Ariana thought of her husband—how he had moved on, celebrating birthdays with his fiancée while she put her life on hold. Maybe Liam was right. Why should she stop her life for someone who didn't care?

After a moment of silence, she nodded. "Alright, Liam. We can start by talking… seeing where this goes."

Liam's face lit up with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Ariana. I promise I'll make you glad you gave me this chance."

With a small smile, Ariana stepped out of the car. "Goodnight, Liam," she said, closing the door gently behind her.

As Liam drove away, she stood there for a moment, the night air cool against her skin. For the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to feel the faintest glimmer of hope for something new.

While Ariana stood outside, lost in thought about her conversation with Liam, she didn't know that her husband is waiting for her…