Chapter 7 – Confession Night
The apartment was quiet that evening, the only light coming from the soft glow of the lamp in the corner. Ella sat on the couch, arms crossed, replaying the misunderstanding from earlier.
The knock on her door made her jump.
"It's me," Liam's voice said softly. "Can we talk?"
Ella hesitated but finally nodded. He stepped in, holding two mugs of hot chocolate. He sat across from her, keeping his distance but looking at her with that intensity that made her heart race.
"I owe you an apology," he began. "For today… and for all the times I didn't explain myself."
Ella stayed quiet, listening.
He took a deep breath. "Ella… I know we've been arguing, teasing, and tripping over each other since day one. But… somewhere along the way, I realized something. I… I like you. More than I thought I ever could."
Ella's eyes widened. "You… what?"
"I like you," he repeated, his voice firm but vulnerable. "And not just because we live together or because you make me laugh. I like you, all of you. Even when you annoy me… especially then."
Her heart thumped so loudly she thought he might hear it. She wanted to say something, anything, but words felt trapped in her throat.
Liam leaned a little closer. "I know I've been distant. I know I've been guarded. But I want to try. With you. I want to see where this… us… can go."
Ella's lips trembled. She finally found her voice. "I… I like you too, Liam. I just didn't want to admit it."
A relieved smile spread across his face. Slowly, he reached out, taking her hand in his. The warmth of his touch sent a thrill through her body.
And for the first time, the tension, the misunderstandings, and the awkwardness melted away. In its place was a quiet, golden feeling—hope, excitement, and the soft beginnings of love.
That night, as the rain began to tap gently against the window, Ella realized something wonderful: this week of forced cohabitation had turned into something neither of them expected—but both desperately needed.