Ella's POV
I noticed the way Liam's Adam's apple bobbed the moment his father said his name. A quick gulp, a sharp inhale, then he reached for his orange juice like it was a shield.
Before he could speak, I squeezed his hand and answered for us, maybe too quickly.
"Liam and I are taking things slow," I said with a light laugh that didn't feel natural. "We don't want to rush anything when our relationship is still… new. And with both of us busy with the expansions of our businesses, we barely even see each other lately."
The words came out smooth, practiced. But they tasted wrong the second they left my mouth.
I turned to him with a smile, hoping for reassurance.
Instead, I caught the flicker.
A flash of something across his face, annoyance, disappointment, or… guilt?
I couldn't tell.
Whatever it was, he masked it fast, forcing a smile so neat it made my stomach twist.
