(Emily's POV)
Liam Hayes had been my senior and childhood friend. Ethan had seen him many times and, I'm sure, had heard me mention him countless times as well.
I told Ethan that Liam had grown up without parents, living with his grandparents. When Liam was in middle school, both of his grandparents passed away, leaving him all alone in the world.
It was around that time that my mother, recognizing Liam's musical talent, took him under her wing, making him her disciple.
But back then, Liam was distant and melancholic. He kept to himself and pushed everyone away, refusing to engage with anyone.
It took me three long years to break through his walls, to finally earn his trust. Over time, he began to see me not just as his junior, but as a friend and someone he could rely on.
And yet, from the very first moment Ethan laid eyes on Liam, he developed an intense dislike for him.
"You can meet with your ex, but Emily can't even have dinner with a childhood friend?" Liam's voice was calm, but each word he spoke was like a subtle jab, layered with sarcasm.
Ethan's handsome face set in a deep frown.
"Emily, come home."
I didn't look at him, my voice cold as I replied, "No. I'm not done with my dinner yet."
His voice dropped, colder than before. "Emily, I'll say this one last time—come home with me."
I could feel the change in the air. I knew this was his anger, barely contained. If I didn't give in now… it would be more than just a cold war between us. He would make sure I understood that his power still held sway over me.
I couldn't help but think back to that night—the storm, the pounding rain, the way I had been forced to kneel before him, drenched and shivering, begging him to return Caleb to me. My tears had fallen like raindrops, helpless and desperate, as I begged him to release my son.
"Do you understand now?" he had asked, looking down at me from his towering height, as if I were nothing more than an inconvenience.
And then, he had made me apologize for something I hadn't done. He always found a way to control me, to make me bend to his will.
The thought of it made something inside me snap, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. I looked at him, my words quiet but sharp.
"No."
His eyes turned cold, his lips pressing into a tight line.
"Emily, you better think carefully about the consequences."
I straightened, looking him in the eye. "If you have any tricks left, feel free to use them."
His grip on me had always been Caleb. But now… now that Caleb was no longer my weakness, I had nothing to fear.
I turned to Liam. "Let's go somewhere else. The air in here feels wrong."
Liam paused for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."
I didn't give Ethan or Sophia another look. I grabbed my bag and turned toward the door, my steps purposeful, not looking back.
Behind me, I heard Caleb's small voice, stubborn and unwavering.
"Mom, aren't you going to apologize to Aunt Sophia?"
My steps faltered for just a moment, but I didn't stop. I kept walking, the door closing softly behind me.
Ethan stood there, watching me leave, his expression dark and unreadable. Caleb, standing beside him, watched me as well, confusion clouding his face.
Sophia, however, was watching me too, her expression a cold mask of calculation. Then, just as I reached the door, I heard her gasp.
She stumbled back, her body swaying dangerously, and before I could react, Ethan was there, his strong arms catching her effortlessly.
"Sophia, are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern, as if she were the one in danger.
Sophia's pale face looked up at him, her eyes wide, tears already gathering. She played her part flawlessly. "Ethan, I'm fine... It's not Emily's fault. Please, don't be angry with her."
Ethan's attention shifted back to me, the cold fury in his eyes sharpening as he held Sophia close, as if shielding her from my gaze.