Chapter 3 WHAT A FRIEND!

LIORA'S POV:

Struggling against a pounding headache, I forced my eyes open to the harsh morning light. "I must've really overdone it," I groaned, wincing as the events of yesterday rushed back to me. Ronan had swooped in just in time to save me from Leonard's clutches, guiding me to the safety of his own home.

A gentle knock echoed through the room, snapping me out of my daze. Hastily, I smoothed down my hair and settled into a more poised position on the bed, attempting to compose myself like a proper lady that I am.

"The young drunkard has finally awakened," he remarked as he entered the room.

"I'm not a lush," I almost protested, but then I remembered to keep it classy around Ronan. So, I straightened up and said, "Sure, every now and then, when life throws lemons at us, a bar visit can turn those lemons into... well, you know!"

My response caught him off guard, which was exactly what I intended," I thought with a sly smile.

"Top of the morning to you, Ronan!" I greeted with a mischievous twinkle in my eye, knowing it would catch him off guard yet again.

"Morning, Liora," he said, standing in front of the bed, his gaze fixed on me.

"Here's some Advil and water for you beside the bed. It should help with the headache," he said, offering the remedy with a comforting smile.

"After you've taken that, head to the bathroom for a warm shower. I picked out a dress for you this morning; not sure if it's your size though. Then come join me for breakfast," he said, turning to leave.

"Ronan?" I called out, trying to catch his attention.

"Thank you for your help yesterday," I said, feeling a bit embarrassed but sincere.

"You're welcome," he said as he turned to leave. I feel so foolish and embarrassed right now, I swear.

"Ronan," I called out once more, just as he was reaching for the door handle, ready to open it.

"Sorry, I'm disturbing you" I said sheepishly.

"It's nothing. What's the problem" he asked.

"Uhmm, about yesterday" I paused, trying to find an effort on how to say it.

"Can you please not tell Nikolai about what happened yesterday?, that you met me drunk in a bar?" I asked, as I avoided his face out of sheer embarrassment.

"No, I won't" he assuringly, maintaining eye contact.

"Freshen up and come to breakfast," he instructed, echoing Nikolai's manner and making me feel like a child.

"Also, there's a new toothbrush set that I've set aside for you," he mentioned before stepping out.

I yawned, then glanced to the side and noticed the medication he had set aside for me.

Immediately, I took the medication and headed to the bathroom. I hoped a warm shower would alleviate the headache as he's said.

I hurriedly bathed and then headed out, eager to spend time with Ronan.

Standing before the mirror, I scrutinized my reflection, taking in the brown sundress he had chosen for me with a mix of admiration and curiosity.

"How did he even know my size?" I whispered to myself, feeling pleased.

I gently opened the door and made my way, with effort, towards the dining area.

"But you didn't want to come. I had to force you, Ronan, and that's why I ended up not coming as well," I heard a female voice say, laced with anger.

"I told you that I was going to be busy," Ronan retorted, his tone tinged with frustration.

Out of curiosity, I walked towards the source of the voice and found him seated at the dining area with another lady.

"She looks pretty and dressed nicely, with her cleavage subtly revealed. She appears older than me," I thought to myself, silently observing from the doorway.

"But why the hell are you comparing yourself to your brother's best friend's girlfriend, Liora?" I reprimanded myself silently as I stood there, lost in thought.

RONAN'S POV;

In the midst of my argument with Lauren, I noticed Liora across the room.

"Liora, are you done?" I asked, noticing her calm demeanor as she slowly revealed herself from the tense atmosphere of the room.

"I-I was done and, umm," She stuttered nervously, trying to find my words.

I couldn't help but notice how the dress I got her looked perfect on her, the color accentuating her beauty flawlessly. As she stood there, the fabric draped elegantly, complementing every curve and enhancing her presence in the room.

"Lauren, allow me to introduce you to Liora, Nikolai''s younger sister," I said warmly, extending a welcoming gesture.

"Liora, this is my girlfriend Lauren," I said, making the courtesy of introducing my somewhat annoying girlfriend to her.

"Hey, nice meeting you," Liora greeted, but I couldn't ignore the slightly cold attitude Lauren directed towards her before responding.

"Liora, come over and join us at the table; I've been waiting for you," I said warmly, realizing only afterward that the words had slipped out unconsciously.

"Huh?" she said, sounding perplexed by my statement.

"To help you regain your strength and alleviate the headache," I rephrased.

"I... I really have to get back home," she said softly, her tone reflecting a mix of reluctance and urgency as she moved towards the door.

"Liora, wait. Let me take you home," I said, rising from my seat with determination.

"No, don't worry. I'll order an Uber," she declined politely, her voice tinged with a hint of gratefulness despite her refusal of my offer.

I didn't want to insist and appear pushy. "Wait," I said, pulling out my phone to search for an available Uber ride nearby.

"I've already ordered an Uber ride, and it should be here in just five minutes," I said, glancing at her to ensure she heard me clearly.

"Thanks," she replied, casting a cute glance in my direction.

"Ronan, get a hold of yourself. This is Nikolai's younger sister and he will not like it," I reprimanded myself silently.

"I'll be right back," I said, standing up and heading to retrieve her purse.

When I returned, I handed it to her. "Here," I said, offering her the purse with a smile.

"Thanks," she said, taking the purse from me gratefully.

"Let's go, the Uber driver is here," I said, leading the way as we headed out.

LIORA'S POV:

I wiped the tears from my face with the back of my hand as I settled into the taxi Ronan had arranged for me.

"Why am I still crying?" I murmured to myself, trying to push away the emotions that lingered. It wasn't Leonard that caused these tears, but perhaps... Ronan. A sense of melancholy settled over me as I recalled the moment he proudly introduced his beautiful girlfriend.

Come on, Liora, he's not meant for you and can never be yours. He sees you strictly as a baby sister, nothing more.

"I'll be getting out here," I told the driver, signaling for him to stop the car.

"Thanks," I said to him as I stepped out and headed inside, towards Patricia's apartment.

I was about to enter when I heard a familiar voice nearby.

"The way you always looked at me, I knew you liked me," Leonard's voice said softly, catching me off guard as I stood by the door.

"Yes, I've always loved you and always wished you would separate from Liora," she said, her words hitting me with a wave of sadness.

"What is wrong with people and hurting me?" I muttered to myself as I walked inside, feeling a mix of frustration and betrayal. They both looked shocked, but my mind wasn't even on Leonard—it was on Patricia, my supposed best friend.

"I'm highly disappointed in you, Patricia. All this while, I thought you were my friend," I said, looking directly at her with a sense of betrayal.

"Liora, I can explain," she said, approaching me cautiously.

"Shush, no need for explanations because I've heard everything," I interrupted her gently.

"Thanks for letting me stay at your place, but I think right now, my time is up and I should go pack my things," I said.

"And you," I continued, turning to Leonard, "I'm giving you one more day to sign the divorce papers," I said firmly.

"I ain't going to sign anything, period!" he declared defiantly.

"Well, we'll see in court then," I said resolutely, turning to head inside to pack my things.

"Hello Nikolai," I greeted with a sniffle, my emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

"Everything feels like it's too much right now, and you're the only one I can turn to," I confessed.

"I-I need somewhere to patch up," I stammered, my voice thick with emotion as I fiercely wiped away my tears, feeling the weight of the events bearing down on me.

"Where are you?" he asked impatiently, his tone tinged with concern as he awaited my response.

"I'm at Hasten Park," I replied, clutching my small traveling bag tightly.

"Wait there. I'll come to get you," he said, his voice filled with urgency.