Chapter 4

The bass thumped through the floorboards.

I stepped out of the bathroom.

Liam was already playing hero.

Some guy was pushing a shot on Sophie.

Liam snatched the red Solo cup.

Knocked it back in one smooth motion.

The crowd cheered.

Sophie blushed.

Biting her lip like a lovesick puppy.

"I could've handled that."

Liam slumped onto the couch.

His knee brushing her bare thigh.

"You're a total lightweight. Can't have you getting trashed on my watch."

He actually tracked her drinking habits.

The sexual tension was suffocating.

A few guys smirked.

Then they noticed me standing in the hall.

The room went dead silent.

Liam shifted.

Pulled his knee away.

Sophie played it off with a smile.

Scooted over and patted the empty cushion between them.

"Ava! Come sit."

She leaned forward.

Something caught the light.

A silver chain around her throat.

I stopped breathing.

The infinity pendant.

I saw it in Liam's Amazon cart right before Prom.

The listing literally said, For Your True Love.

It was cheap jewelry.

But I spent weeks praying it was for me.

Prom came and went.

He kissed me.

I forgot all about it.

Now it was resting right on her collarbone.

Bile rose in my throat.

Heartbreak mixed with raw humiliation.

I fought to keep my face blank.

But my voice betrayed me.

"Have fun. I'm out."