#Chapter 13: Splitting Facades

Aria's POV My heart pounded in my chest, the sound almost deafening as I tried to regain my composure. Liam was too close, his presence overwhelming in the small fitting room. I couldn't let him see how rattled I was, not now, not ever. I needed him gone. "Leave, Liam," I demanded, my voice low and laced with frustration. I kept my gaze steady, refusing to show any sign of weakness. But Liam didn't move. His eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made it hard to breathe. "You still haven’t answered my question," he said, his tone infuriatingly calm. I clenched my fists at my sides, the frustration boiling over. "I don’t know what you’re talking about! I just want you as far away from my life as possible!" Before Liam could respond, a knock on the fitting room door made me jump. “Aria?” Logan’s voice called from the other side, filled with concern. “Coming!” I replied a little too quickly, my voice sounding higher than usual. I waited until Logan’s footsteps f