Ella's POV
Tears were already spilling down my cheeks, slow, embarrassing, traitorous, by the time the man guiding me finally stopped and positioned me right in front of Liam. I was so overwhelmed, I don't know how to react.
I stole a quick glance toward the house.
Everyone was already behind me.
All of them, in front of the tree, of Liam and me.
Smiling like they knew something I didn't. Which was… great. Exactly what my anxiety needed.
When I looked back at Liam, my breath caught.
He looked terrified. Like pale, sweaty, I-might-pass-out-any-second terrified.
Honestly, if someone brought out a stretcher right then, I wouldn't have been surprised.
He stepped closer, gently took my right hand, and cupped my left cheek. His thumb brushed away a tear that immediately got replaced by another one.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "For making you worry. For making you doubt me. That part is my fault, too."
His voice trembled. I felt mine would snap in half if I tried to use it.
