Book: The Royal Romance Book 3
Starring: King Liam, Riley Brooks (MC), Mentioned Drake Walker and Madeleine.
Synopsis: Riley eavesdropping conversation between Liam and Madeleine then she decided to confront him.
A’s Note: English is not my first language, I apologize if there is many mistakes. I appreciate every input I can have from you. Thank you for reading❤
After eavesdropping conversation between Madeleine and Liam, Riley decides to confront Liam. Riley’s eyes scanning the room, searching for Liam. ‘There he is.’ She said to herself.
She saw him carefully walk out to the unoccupied balcony, and she grabs two flutes of champagne and manages to follow him. She takes in Liam sight under the moonlight and studying him before she walks toward him.
Liam’s face looks down on his shoes, and he holds tight on the railing. Riley can tell he is now completely frustrated.
“Damn it. Damn it. How can I engage with someone like her?” Liam says as he hold tighter on railing.She saw him carefully walk out to the unoccupied balcony, and she grabs two flutes of champagne and manages to follow him.
Riley walk towards him carefully, for her surprise Liam didn’t notice when she’s coming. Not like the first time she sneaks up behind him on Derby.
“Hey Liam.”
Liam looks up and turns to face her, and he forces a smile on his lips but his eyes tell her, he is not okay. “Hey Riley.“
“What are you doing here?” She asks, awkwardly trying to start the conversation and carefully stood beside him.
“Searching some fresh air.” Liam answer immediately, he doesn’t look at her like he usual do when they’re talking.
“Here. I bring your favorite champagne.“ She hands him the flute as Liam looks at her finger, immediately Riley follows his gaze and noticed Liam look on her engagement ring.
Liam never notices that the vintage ring she wears, simple and beautiful. Just like Drake’s style.
Liam’s know the ring, he had seen that before. The ring is from Drake’s family, and he told Liam that he will never used the ring.
‘Guess who break his words now?’ Liam says to himself. Liam smiles weakly before took the champagne.
“Thanks Riley. Even now you are an engaged woman, you still remember my favorite champagne huh?“ Liam says with sarcasm tone. He closes his eyes and cursed under his breath.
‘Damn it! What the hell I’m saying now.’
Riley turn to see him, her eyes widen hearing Liam’s sarcasm tone.
“I’m sorry Riley; I didn’t mean to sounds like that. Please don’t get me wrong. I just…“ He pauses for a second and continues “I just miss you…” He bites his lips and turns around looking to distance.
Riley unsure what she has to do. Should she stay with him or leave him? She knows what happen with him and why he acts like this and somehow it’s break her heart to see someone she loved like this. She still cares about him, and she feels guilty.
Liam looked down at his flute. That was the first champagne they both share in Liam’s private hot tube at Lythikos. He smiles when the memories came to his head. ‘She remember that night.’
“Riley… I miss us.“ Liam said like a whisper, more like he says to himself. Admitting he still loves her after a couple of weeks he denied the feeling is already gone and he was fine looking Riley with Drake.
No. Not now. His walls broken now. At least for tonight. For tonight he let his feelings control him. He is just human. He is just a man. A man who lost his love for his best friend. Drake.
Riley knows Liam love her so much, God know how much he loves her and Riley know Liam will do anything just to be with her even he has to abdicate the throne.
It’s hurt Riley when he acts so stoic after he knows she love Drake and turn down his propose. That night in Liberty, Riley hope Liam will be more sentimental or judge her or mad to her. Anything to show how exactly his feeling, to show her that she hurt him so badly. To show her, she doesn’t deserve him, so she can feel better.
There’s a pause between them. They both just look to distance. Riley wants to leave him, but she can’t move her legs. She knows if she is avoiding this conversation again, this conversation will happening again in the future and she doesn’t want it.
Riley wants everything between her and Liam clear before she marries Drake.
“Liam… I’m with Drake now.” Riley breaks the moment.
“I know. I just want you to know that I never stop loving you. Never in a second. I know I shouldn’t feel like that, but I never fall in love before. This feeling is… New for me.” Liam sigh and take a big sip of his champagne.
Liam turns to her and search for her eyes and their eyes met.
“Riley, have you ever loved me?”
Their eyes still met but she doesn’t answer him. He shakes his head; he already knows the answer from her eyes. She loved him before. He smiles sadly at her.
“You don’t have to answer that. I’m happy for you and Drake.”
He turns around and walk back to the ballroom but Riley voice stop him in the middle of the doorway.
“I loved you Liam.” Riley says, but she doesn’t turn around. She can’t see him again. Not tonight after she knows how Liam’s feeling.
Liam stood in the doorway for a second, he doesn’t turn around to see her. He can’t bear to see her, especially tonight.
Loved. A past tense showing she doesn’t love him anymore.
“I know you loved me, and I know you love Drake.” He continues to walk back to the ballroom.
Riley stays a few minutes more after Liam leaves, she let out a deep breath as tears down from her eyes.
If only she never came to Cordonia, she‘ll never felt this feeling or ruin Liam and Drake friendship. Her life will be simple, waiting the tables all night.
“I’m with Drake now, and I should be happy.” she says and wipes her tears. She walks back to the ballroom.
Someone behind the pillars walks out from secret spot and try to take in conversation between Liam and Riley.
“Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. This will be interesting.” The figure smiles devilishly.
