Chapter 18 Tangled Lies
LIAM’S POV
The doctor stood before me, his face unreadable as he reached into his pocket. He hesitated, then handed me a small evidence bag. Inside was a tiny, empty vial that made my blood run cold.
“This was in her pocket,” he explained, his voice dropping to a professional whisper. “It’s a specialized anticoagulant-prevents blood from clotting. The cuts on her wrists were actually quite shallow. Without this, they would have stopped bleeding on their own within minutes.”
I stared at the tiny vial in the evidence bag, my brain struggling to make sense of what the doctor was telling me.
“What are you saying?” I finally managed, my voice barely above a whisper.
The doctor sighed, pushing his glasses up his nose. “The cuts were superficial, Mr. White. With this anticoagulant, she ensured they’d bleed dramatically without causing any real damage. It’s… concerning.”
My world tilted sideways. Was he suggesting Sophia had staged this? That she’d manipulated me into rushing to her side?
“There must be some mistake,” I said, shaking my head. “You don’t know her. She’s fragile, she’s been through so much…”
“I’m simply sharing medical facts, Mr. White. Her vital signs are stable, and she’ll make a full recovery. Physically, at least.” He gave me a meaningful look before walking away.
I slumped into a chair outside Sophia’s room, the evidence bag dangling between my fingers. Could it be true? Had I been played? My mind flashed to Aria’s face when she saw me at the restaurant, the hurt and betrayal in her eyes.
A soft whimper from Sophia’s room pulled me from my thoughts. I shoved the vial into my pocket and entered.
Sophia lay in the hospital bed, looking impossibly small and pale against the white sheets.
The bandages on her wrists were stark against her skin.
I stood still, staring at her.
She looked so fragile.
My chest tightened-whatever she’d done, whatever I’d started to believe…
She must’ve had her reasons.
I would wait. And when she woke up, I’d ask her myself.
I pulled the chair closer and sat down.
Dawn light filtered through the narrow hospital window, soft and colorless.I hadn’t slept much. My back ached from the chair, but I didn’t move.
Then I saw it-
Her fingers twitched under the blanket.
A moment later, her eyelids fluttered open.
She blinked slowly, disoriented, then turned her head just enough to see me.
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“Liam?” Her voice cracked. “You’re still here.”
“Of course I’m still here.” I sat beside her bed, my emotions warring inside me.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered, tears filling her eyes. “I was just… I couldn’t bear being the reason for your family’s anger. And seeing you with Aria tonight… you still love her, don’t you?”
I hesitated, unable to lie. “Sophia, the doctor found something in your pocket. A vial of anticoagulant.” I pulled it out, holding it up. “Did you… plan this?”
Her eyes widened with genuine shock. “What? No! Liam, that’s my medication for my blood disorder! Remember I told you about it? The doctor prescribed it months ago when I was having clotting issues during my treatment.”
I blinked, suddenly remembering a conversation we’d had. She had mentioned something about blood problems related to her depression medication.
“The doctor thinks you used it to make the cuts bleed more,” I said, still uncertain.
Sophia’s face crumpled. “How could he say that? I always carry it with me in case of emergency!” Tears streamed down her face. “I can’t believe even the doctors think I’m lying. Just like everyone else.”
She turned away from me, shoulders shaking with sobs. “Just go, Liam. Go back to Aria. Everyone’s right-I’ve ruined everything.” 1
Her pain seemed so real, her despair so genuine. The doctor must have misunderstood. Maybe he didn’t have her full medical history.
“Sophia, I’m not going anywhere,” I said, taking her hand. “I believe you.”
She turned back to me, hope lighting her teary eyes. “You do?”
“Yes. But Sophia, I’m going to find Aria,” I said quietly. “I’m going to fix what I broke.”
She looked at me, eyes still glassy. “Do you want me to come with you?”
I shook my head. “No. You need to rest.”
Outside the hospital, dawn was breaking over the city. I checked my watch-7:15 AM. Too early to go to Aria’s, but I couldn’t wait anymore. I had to see her, had to explain.
Little did I know, across town, a new storm was already brewing.
ARIA’S POV
I woke up at seven-thirty, feeling surprisingly rested after last night’s disaster. The sun streamed through my curtains, momentarily making me forget everything that had happened.
I reached for my phone, noticing several notifications. Lillian had sent a string of supportive messages, Dad had texted to check if I was okay, and there was a message from an unknown number sent at 2 AM: “You’ll never win against me, Aria.”
I deleted it without responding. Probably Sophia, using yet another burner number. I wasn’t going to let her get to me anymore.
I got out of bed, determined not to let yesterday ruin today. When I glanced at my phone again, I saw Lillian had texted:
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“Meet me at Bloomingdale’s at 10. Operation Find- Perfect-Gift-For-Aiden’s-Grandma is ON. No arguments!”
I smiled despite myself. Lillian clearly didn’t understand the concept of a fake marriage. Still, I did need to buy a gift.
At the department store, Lillian was already waiting, two coffee cups in hand.”Coffee first, then shopping!” she declared with a grin.
I smiled, genuinely grateful for her cheerful presence.
As we strolled through the upscale shopping district, she looped her arm through mine with practiced ease.
“You’re in a suspiciously good mood for someone who told off her ex last night,” Lillian said, glancing over at me with a knowing look.
“Did something happen with Mr. Dark-and-Dangerous Carter that I should know about?”
“Nothing happened,” I laughed, feeling my cheeks warm.”Aiden was just… supportive. In his own intimidating way.”
“Uh-huh,” Lillian smirked, clearly not believing me. “Well, whatever ‘nothing’ happened, keep doing it. You look more alive than you have in months.”
We stepped into a chic boutique that specialized in vintage collectibles.
“Now, let’s find something that’ll make his grandma fall in love with you instantly,” Lillian said, peering into a display case.
“I was thinking something meaningful,” I offered. “What about a diamond necklace? Classic, timeless… Or… is that too normal?”
But almost immediately, I sensed something was off.
Two saleswomen stood behind the counter, whispering behind perfectly manicured hands, their eyes flicking toward us with thinly veiled judgment. When we approached, the older of the two subtly stepped back.
Then I saw it–a beautiful vintage brooch nestled among the velvet-lined display.
“Excuse me,” I said to one of the saleswomen nearby. “Could I take a look at that piece?”
She glanced at me… then deliberately turned away.
Lillian’s brows shot up. “Hey. We’re customers. Is there an issue with service in this place?”
The woman muttered, just loud enough to be heard, “We don’t serve bullies here.”
I blinked. “Excuse me?”
Another customer nearby scoffed. “Everyone’s seen the video. That poor girl, Sophia-already battling depression -and you still chose to humiliate her like that.”
My mouth fell open. “What are you talking about?”
“The video’s all over the internet, and you’re still pretending?” someone suggested coldly. “Your true colors are showing.”I can’t understand a word of this.
“Call your manager over here! Now!” Lillian was ready to fight the entire store, but I grabbed her arm, suddenly feeling sick. I pulled out my phone and opened I*******m.
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I froze.
It was all hate. Post after post, comment after comment-about me.
What the hell is going on?
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