Chapter 4 THE SPARK!

LIORA'S POV:

I realized my brother didn’t have the snacks I wanted, so I decided to shop at Crystal Heights Mall, one of the largest in Armstadem. After picking up a few necessities, I headed to the cashier to pay.

"Sorry, ma'am, but the card has been declined," the lady said after trying it on.

"Please, try another machine. There must be a mix-up. I should have enough funds," I insisted, confident there was a mistake.

"Okay, ma'am," she replied, though I could see her skepticism as she grew weary of trying.

"Hey, Liora," a familiar voice called from behind. I turned around immediately.

"Ronan?" I said, recognizing him.

As always, he looked dashing in a black shirt, black trousers, and a coat for the cold weather. His presence was a mix of comfort and surprise.

"Ma'am, the card is still declined," the cashier's voice interrupted my thoughts, bringing me back to the reality of my situation.

"Hey," Ronan cut in as I opened my mouth to speak.

"Here, add her bill to her mine" he said, placing his things on the counter with an air of casual generosity.

"Ronan, don’t worry. I’m..." I started, though I had no idea how I would pay. It was embarrassing, and I felt my face heating up.

"Liora, it’s fine. Consider it a gift. It’s been a while since I bought you anything," he insisted, his tone gentle but firm.

"Okay, thanks. I owe you," I said, watching him settle the bill. I felt a mix of gratitude and awkwardness as he took care of everything.

"So, where to?" he asked as we stepped outside into the crisp air.

"Uhmm... home," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

"You mean, Riverville?" he asked, his eyebrows raised in curiosity.

"I-I don't live there anymore," I said uneasily, hinting at my separation from Maxwell. The words felt heavy, and I struggled to keep my composure cause it's a painful experience to remember.

RONAN'S POV

I wanted to ask about her and her husband but didn’t want to intrude. From recent events, it seemed they were having issues, and I didn't want to pry.

"I live with Nikolai," she said in one breath, her eyes avoiding mine.

"Oh, you..." I paused, trying to choose my words carefully. The news caught me off guard, and I didn't want to say anything that might upset her.

"Yes, but I hope to get my own place soon," she added quickly, as if needing to clarify her situation.

"Come on, I know Nikolai wouldn't mind at all" I said, knowing how my friend cares about his siblings so much.

"Okay, let me drive you home," I offered, hoping to ease some of her burden.

"Okay, thanks," she replied as I led her to my car, the silence between us filled with unspoken questions.

"Let me help you with these," I said, putting her bags in the car. I could sense her weariness, the weight of her troubles evident in her eyes.

"Are you okay?" I asked, noticing she seemed distant and sad, unlike the cheerful Liora I knew. Her usual spark was missing, replaced by a deep sorrow.

"Yes, just dealing with some stuff," she said, looking ahead, her voice hollow.

"Want to share?" I asked tentatively, unsure if she wanted to open up.

"I...I..." Before I knew it, she covered her face with her hands and started crying. The sight broke my heart in a way I couldn't explain.

"Hey, stop crying," I said, stopping the car as we arrived at Nikolai's junction and I hugged her instinctively.

"What’s wrong? You can talk to me, Liora." My arms around her, as if I could shield her from the pain she's passing through.

"I’ve been such a fool," she said, trying to calm down.

"I didn’t know Maxwell was cheating on me all this time." Her confession was laced with anguish.

"You’re not foolish. You’re still the smart little Liora everyone knows," I reassured her.

"I’m sorry to burden you with my problems," she said, preparing to leave the car. Her vulnerability was stark, and I wanted to offer more comfort.

"Should I walk you in?" I offered, sensing her reluctance. My concern for her well-being was genuine, and I feel she might continue crying her heart out once she gets inside.

"I’ll be fine," she declined, getting out as I also got out of the car heading to the boot to get her things.

"Here," I said, handing her groceries. I couldn't ignore the spark I felt when her hand brushed mine.

Is that an erection I feel down there?..

"Bye, and thank you," she said quickly, rushing into the house.

"Fuck Ronan, how can you have a swollen dick for a lady that you consider to be a younger sister to you?" I reprimand myself as I hurried back to the car.