#Chapter 20: Intensity

Aria’s POV Despite his promise, the car ride remained silent. We pulled up to my driveway without having said anything further. Irritation sparked in me. “Liam, you brought me here to talk about our divorce papers. Get on with it.” My tone was firm. He just reached over and popped the door open. “After you.” he said. The car idled quietly at the curb as I stepped out onto the sidewalk. The cool evening air brushed against my skin, but the slight chill wasn’t what made me pause. Just as I shut the car door, I heard Liam’s voice—low, almost too casual. “Can you stop bringing up the divorce papers? I’m allergic to the word ‘divorce.’” I froze, my hand still resting on the car’s frame. Was that... a joke? I turned back, confused. Liam wasn’t looking at me. His eyes were closed, head leaning back against the seat, his face blank as though he hadn’t said anything at all. I opened my mouth to reply, but I was at a loss for words. Shaking my head, I turned and walked toward