The Girlfriend Club's Gambit

## Liam's POV

I woke up feeling more complete than I had in months. My arms were wrapped around Hazel, her warm body pressed against mine. Last night had been incredible—passionate, raw, and honest. My chest tightened with emotion as I watched her sleep. This was where she belonged. With me.

But when I reached over to pull her closer, my arms found only empty sheets.

"Hazel?" I sat up quickly, scanning my bedroom.

She was gone.

My heart pounded as I leapt out of bed, calling her name. The bathroom was empty. So was the kitchen. My entire penthouse echoed with her absence.

That's when I saw it—a folded note on the kitchen counter next to a half-empty cup of coffee. I grabbed it, my hands shaking slightly.

*Liam,*

*Last night was everything I've been missing. I do love you—I never stopped. But we can't erase what happened or who we are now. I need time and space. Please respect that.*

*—H*