obk_Writter

Evelyn Hart, a talented but emotionally scarred architect, has spent years building a new life under a borrowed identity. After the tragic death of her best friend, Sophia, Evelyn assumed Sophia’s name to escape her own troubled past. Now, she’s hired to restore a crumbling 19th-century mansion, where she meets Liam Carter, a charming historian with a mysterious air.  

As they work together, their connection deepens, and Evelyn begins to let her guard down. But Liam has secrets of his own. Unbeknownst to Evelyn, he’s not a historian but a journalist investigating Sophia’s disappearance—a case that has haunted him for years.  

Just as Evelyn considers confessing her true identity, a shocking discovery in the mansion’s walls turns everything upside down. A hidden letter suggests Sophia’s death was no accident, and Evelyn may have been involved. To make matters worse, Liam reveals he’s known the truth about Evelyn all along. He fell in love with *her*, not the persona she was pretending to be, but their relationship is now tangled in a web of lies, betrayal, and danger.  

Can love survive when it’s built on a foundation of lies? And what happens when the truth threatens to destroy everything they’ve built?

THE LIES WE KEEP FOR LOVE

Have you ever felt drawn to someone, knowing full well that staying close might lead to trouble? That's where Evelyn and Liam found themselves—tangled in a web of secrets, yet unable to resist the pull toward each other.

It started as a simple dinner invitation. After another long day at Blackthorn Manor, Liam suggested they grab something to eat downtown. Evelyn hesitated—she usually avoided socializing—but something about his smile made her say yes.

They chose a cozy little café tucked away on a side street, its windows fogged with steam from simmering soups and fresh-baked bread. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the chill outside.

As they sat across from each other, their conversation flowed effortlessly. They talked about everything and nothing—the weather, favorite books, childhood memories. For once, Evelyn didn't feel the need to censor herself or guard her words. With Liam, she felt safe enough to let her walls down—just a little.

Midway through dessert, Liam leaned forward, his blue eyes searching hers. "You know," he said softly, "you're really good at hiding things."

Evelyn froze, her fork halfway to her mouth. "What do you mean?"

He smiled gently, not accusingly. "Just… you seem like someone who keeps a lot inside. Like there's more to you than meets the eye."

Her heart skipped a beat. Was he hinting at something? Or was this just his way of being observant?

"I guess everyone has secrets," she replied carefully, avoiding his gaze.

"True," he said, leaning back in his chair. "But some secrets are worth sharing."

She wanted to tell him everything—the lies, the guilt, the fear. But the words stuck in her throat, heavy with the weight of years past.

Their moment was interrupted by Liam's phone buzzing on the table. He glanced at the screen, then frowned. "Sorry, I need to take this."

Stepping outside, he answered the call, his voice low but urgent. Evelyn couldn't make out much, only snippets of conversation:

"Are you sure about this?"

"It doesn't add up…"

"I'll handle it."

When he returned, his expression was unreadable. "Everything okay?" she asked, trying to keep her tone casual.

"Yeah, work stuff," he replied, forcing a smile. "Don't worry about it."

But she did worry. Something in his demeanor told her he was keeping something from her—and it had to do with her.

Despite the tension, their evening ended on a sweet note. As they walked back to the mansion under the starlit sky, Liam reached for her hand. She let him hold it, savoring the warmth of his touch.

"You know," he said, glancing at her, "you don't have to carry everything alone. Whatever it is, we can face it together."

His words stirred something deep within her—a flicker of hope, maybe even trust. But old habits die hard, and Evelyn wasn't ready to share her truth just yet.

Still, she allowed herself to enjoy the moment, letting the attraction between them grow stronger with every step.

What secret did Liam learn during that phone call? Is he investigating Evelyn without telling her? And how will their relationship survive if either of them uncovers the other's hidden truths?

You wouldn't ignore these questions, would you? Neither can Evelyn. As the lines between love and deception blur, she begins to wonder if trusting Liam might be the key to unlocking her own freedom—or her undoing.

Chapter 9: A Dangerous Attraction – Evelyn and Liam Grow Closer Despite Their Secrets