Chapter 55
Inside the classroom, Andrea sat at her desk, her notes clutched tightly in her trembling hands. The past few days had been difficult, but she had worked hard on her portion of the presentation.
Across the room, Claire and her clique lounged at their desks, whispering and giggling as they cast glances in Andrea’s direction. She tried to block them out, focusing instead on the professor, who was calling the next group to present.
“Andrea, your group is up next,” the professor said, his tone neutral but expectant.
Andrea took a deep breath and stood, her legs unsteady as she walked to the front of the class. She glanced at her group members, who gave her encouraging nods, but their support did little to calm her nerves.
As Andrea began speaking, the room fell silent—except for Claire.
“Is she serious?” Claire whispered loudly, just enough for the words to carry.
Andrea faltered, her mind going blank as a wave of laughter rippled through the class. Her cheeks flushed as she tried to find her place in her notes.
“Maybe she should’ve rehearsed,” one of Claire’s friends muttered, earning more snickers.
Andrea’s hands shook as she forced herself to continue, stumbling over her words as Claire and her clique exchanged exaggerated eye rolls and fake yawns.
“Ladies, that’s enough,” the professor said sharply, his voice cutting through the whispers.
The room quieted, but the damage was done. Andrea’s confidence was shattered, and she hurried through the rest of her presentation, barely able to meet anyone’s gaze.
That evening, Andrea found herself in the abandoned rose garden, the same place where she had once drawn her Queen of Hearts card. The overgrown bushes and tangled vines offered her a semblance of solitude as she sat on the cold stone bench, tears streaming down her face.
Her notes were crumpled in her lap, and her mind replayed the humiliating scene over and over.
“Why do I even try?” she whispered to herself, her voice breaking.
A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. “Andrea.”
She looked up to see Liam standing at the edge of the garden, his expression unreadable.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, quickly wiping at her tears.
“I was looking for you,” Liam said, walking closer. “You didn’t show up for dinner.”
Andrea scoffed, turning away. “Why do you care? Go back to your perfect little world, Liam.”
He sat beside her, unbothered by her tone. “What happened?”
Andrea laughed bitterly. “Claire happened. She made sure everyone in class laughed at me during my presentation. I couldn’t even get through it without shaking.”
Liam frowned, his jaw tightening. “Claire’s a bitch. You shouldn’t let her get to you.”
“Easy for you to say,” Andrea snapped, her voice rising. “You’re not the one being humiliated every single day. You’re not the one everyone looks at like you’re trash.”
Liam leaned forward, his tone calm but firm. “I’ve dealt with my share of shit too, Andrea. Don’t act like you’re the only one who’s struggling.”
Andrea glared at him, her frustration boiling over. “And yet, you still manage to walk around like nothing touches you. Like I’m just… some piece of meat you’ve decided to protect out of pity.”
Liam’s expression darkened, his usual smirk nowhere to be seen. “Is that what you think?”
Andrea stood, her fists clenched. “Yes, Liam! That’s exactly what I think. Because why else would you bother with someone like me?”
Liam rose to his feet, towering over her as he spoke, his voice low and serious. “You really don’t get it, do you?”
Andrea crossed her arms, refusing to back down. “Then explain it to me, because I’m done trying to figure you out.”
Liam took a step closer, his gaze intense. “I don’t protect you because I have to. I do it because I want to. Because I admire you, Andrea.”
She blinked, caught off guard by his words. “What?”
“You’ve been through hell,” Liam continued, his voice steady. “And you’re still standing. That takes strength, even if you don’t see it. And yeah, maybe I’m not perfect. But you’re not just some ‘piece of meat’ to me.”
Andrea stared at him, her anger softening into confusion. “Then what am I?”
Liam hesitated, his expression softening. “You’re someone worth fighting for. That’s what you are.”
Her breath hitched as his words sank in. For weeks, she had doubted his intentions, questioning whether his protection was just another game. But now, standing here in the moonlit garden, she saw something raw and honest in his eyes.
“Liam…” she started, but her voice trailed off.
He stepped closer, gently brushing a tear from her cheek. “I know you don’t trust me. And maybe you never will. But I meant what I said—I’m here for you. No strings attached.”
Andrea’s chest ached as she looked up at him, torn between disbelief and a strange sense of comfort. For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The quiet rustle of the wind through the roses filled the space between them.
As Liam stepped back, giving her space, Andrea sank back onto the bench, her mind racing. His words had left her shaken, but not in the way she expected. She had spent so long doubting herself, doubting him. But tonight, something felt different.
