leo and liam

The sound of waves greeted Ariana as she stepped out of the car, the cool breeze brushing against her skin. The stars above seemed to stretch endlessly, offering her a brief moment of peace. But even here, her thoughts wouldn't settle.

"Who can I talk to? Who would even care?" she wondered, her mind drifting to one person—Liam.

Without thinking twice, she pulled out her phone and dialed his number. When he answered, his voice was warm and concerned. "Ariana? Is everything okay?"

She hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Liam, I need someone to talk to. Can you come?"

It didn't take long for Liam to arrive. When he saw her, sitting on the sand in her elegant dress, her makeup slightly smudged from tears, he froze for a moment. He had never seen her like this before—so vulnerable, yet so effortlessly stunning.

"You look… amazing," he said, trying to lighten the mood, but his voice carried genuine admiration.

Ariana glanced up at him, managing a small, sad smile. "Thanks."

He sat down beside her, his tone turning serious. "What happened? Was it your husband?"

She shook her head, unable to form the words. "I can't talk about it right now," she said, her voice trembling.

Liam didn't push her. Instead, he sat quietly, offering her a comforting presence. "Take your time," he said softly. "I'm here."

The waves continued their rhythmic crash against the shore as Ariana sat in silence next to Liam, the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice steady but low.

"I've made a decision tonight, Liam," she said, staring at the horizon. "I'm going to finalize the divorce papers. I can't keep living like this."

Liam turned to her, his expression soft yet serious. "Ariana, I think that's the right choice," he said. Before she could misinterpret his words, he quickly added, "And I don't mean that in a bad way. I just… I really believe this is what's best for you. You deserve to be free from all of this."

Ariana looked at him, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "You're not just saying that to support me, are you?"

He shook his head. "No, I mean it. I've seen how much this marriage has been hurting you. You've tried to make it work, but some things just aren't meant to be. It takes strength to walk away, and I'm proud of you for choosing yourself."

Her lips curved into a faint smile, gratitude shining through her sadness. "Thank you, Liam. For being here, for listening… it means a lot."

Liam placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch light and reassuring. "You don't have to thank me. I'm just glad you called me. I'll always be here for you, Ariana."

...….

Leonardo paced the length of the hallway, his footsteps echoing through the quiet villa. His hand tightened around the cigarette he was smoking, the embers glowing fiercely as he inhaled sharply. Anger simmered in his chest, fueled by the memories of the night's events.

He replayed the moment he realized Ariana was missing from the party. He had asked Lily where she was, and her response—that Ariana wasn't feeling well—had only heightened his frustration. Without hesitation, he left the party, abandoning conversations and formalities, and rushed back home to check on her, but the lady wasn't at home and the maids didn't see her and he is here waiting for her for almost 2 hours!.

His thoughts were interrupted by the low hum of a car engine pulling up to the driveway. Frowning, he walked to the balcony and looked down. There she was—Ariana—stepping out of a car. But she wasn't alone.

Leonardo's jaw tightened as his gaze locked onto the man stepping out of the car beside her. The stranger looked to be around his age, and their casual laughter and playful banter immediately set him on edge.

From his vantage point, Leonardo observed Ariana in a way he hadn't before. She was smiling—really smiling—and she seemed… free. She was speaking animatedly, her gestures relaxed, and for the first time in a long time, she looked like she was completely at ease. But that only made his anger burn hotter.

"Who the hell is this?" he muttered under his breath, crushing the cigarette in an ashtray.

Then it happened. The man reached out and took Ariana's hand.

That was it.

Leonardo didn't think twice. He stormed downstairs, his long strides carrying him toward the front door. His blood boiled with a mix of fury and disbelief as he threw the door open, startling both Ariana and the man.

They both turned to face him, their smiles fading instantly.