#Chapter 21:Tethered to Vulnerability

Aria’s POV Liam's breath was slow and heavy as I guided him up the stairs to our—no, his—old house. His weight sagged against me as he stumbled, the alcohol slowing his steps, and I half-carried him through the door. “Come on, Liam,” I muttered, shifting his arm over my shoulder to keep him upright. The past loomed large here, but I pushed the thoughts away. Tonight wasn’t about reliving memories—it was about getting Liam into bed before he passed out in the hallway. We reached the bedroom, and I eased him down onto the mattress. His eyes fluttered open briefly before closing again, his head lolling against the pillows. I stood there for a moment, watching him, his face relaxed in a way I hadn’t seen in years. He looked peaceful—almost vulnerable. It was so far from the confident, stubborn man I’d dealt with earlier at the gala. Shaking my head, I turned to leave, but as my hand reached for the door, his voice—faint but clear—stopped me in my tracks. “Aria.” I froze,