Page 25

Liam couldn't sleep that night. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Amara's face, the sadness lingering in her eyes as she'd asked him to take a step back. Her words echoed in his mind, and he felt a deep ache—a feeling he hadn't allowed himself to experience in years.

He had spent his life prioritizing logic, following the path he'd built brick by brick, always careful not to let emotions interfere with his success. But now, it was clear that the one thing he valued above all—his carefully crafted image—was standing in the way of what he truly wanted.

The next morning, he went into his office, determined to face his business partners once and for all.

He knew this meeting could have consequences, that it might put everything he'd worked for on the line. But as he took a seat at the head of the conference table, a newfound resolve steadied his heart.

His partners looked at him expectantly, clearly anticipating he'd decided to end things with Amara. They spoke carefully, hoping to ease him into their perspective. "Liam, we're glad you took some time to think about this. We're sure you realize how much is at stake."

Liam looked around the table, meeting each gaze with unwavering clarity. "I understand what's at stake," he said, his voice calm yet firm. "But what I've come to realize is that there are things in life that matter just as much—if not more—than this business."

A murmur of surprise spread around the room, and one partner leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "Liam, are you saying that you're choosing... this relationship? Over the company's reputation?"

Liam took a deep breath, feeling a wave of certainty wash over him. "Yes. Amara is more than a 'distraction' or a 'risk' to my image. She's someone who has changed my life, who has reminded me of who I am beyond all of this. I'm choosing her."

A silence fell over the room as his words sunk in. His partners exchanged worried glances, clearly grappling with the implications. "Liam, we're not doubting your judgment, but—this could have a serious impact. Our investors value stability, and if they feel you're becoming unpredictable..."

"I've spent my entire career building something that can withstand challenges," Liam replied. "If this company is truly strong, it will weather this, too."

A few of his partners leaned back, some visibly displeased, others resigned. One of the senior partners sighed. "We can't stop you from making this decision, Liam, but I hope you understand that it will have consequences."

Liam nodded, a bittersweet sense of liberation settling over him. "I understand. But this is the choice I have to make. I'll take responsibility for whatever fallout occurs."

With the meeting concluded, Liam left the office, feeling a strange sense of peace. It was as if a weight he hadn't even realized he was carrying had lifted. For the first time in a long while, he felt aligned with his own values, with what he genuinely wanted in life.

He didn't hesitate—he went straight to the rink, hoping to catch Amara before her evening practice session. When he arrived, he found her alone, gliding across the ice in graceful arcs, her movements smooth and serene. She didn't see him at first, too focused on her training, lost in the rhythm of her routine.

Watching her, he felt a surge of admiration and gratitude. She had taught him so much about resilience, about following one's heart, even when the odds were against it. And as he watched her on the ice, he knew he couldn't let her go.

Finally, she caught sight of him standing at the edge of the rink, her expression shifting from surprise to guarded caution. She skated over slowly, a mixture of hope and hesitation in her eyes.

"Liam? What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice soft, unsure.

He looked at her, his heart pounding, and without a moment's pause, he took her hands in his. "Amara, I'm here because I'm done hiding how I feel. I'm done pretending that this—" he gestured between them, "—doesn't matter. I told my partners today that I'm choosing you, no matter what the media says, no matter what anyone else thinks."

Her eyes widened, a flicker of disbelief crossing her face. "Liam... are you serious? I thought you'd... I thought you'd decided..."

He shook his head, his grip on her hands tightening.

"I thought I could choose my career, my reputation, and be content. But none of that matters without you. I've spent my life making decisions for the sake of appearances, of staying in control. But I don't want to lose you because of my pride. You're the one who taught me that some things are worth the risk."

She looked down, her lips curving into a soft, overwhelmed smile. "I... I don't know what to say. I didn't think you'd ever—"

"Then don't say anything," he interrupted gently. "Just let me be with you. Let us figure this out, no matter how complicated it gets."

Amara's eyes shone with a mixture of relief and happiness, and she squeezed his hands, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Liam, you have no idea how much this means to me. I was ready to let you go because I didn't want to stand in your way. But knowing you're willing to take this chance..."

"I'm all in, Amara," he whispered, stepping closer, his gaze unwavering. "No holding back this time."

They stood there, caught in the quiet intimacy of the moment, the noise of the world around them fading into silence. And then, as if drawn by an invisible force, he leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a kiss that was soft, full of promise, and long overdue.

When they finally pulled away, she looked up at him, her cheeks flushed, her eyes bright. "So, what now?" she asked, a playful smile teasing her lips.

He chuckled, wrapping his arms around her. "Now, we face whatever comes together. The rumors, the media, even my partners, if it comes to that. I don't care what anyone else thinks, Amara. I just want to be with you."

She rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes as she let herself savor the moment. It had been a long journey, filled with doubt, fear, and misunderstandings. But now, here they were, choosing each other against all odds.

As they held each other, they both knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy. The scrutiny, the judgment—it would all come eventually. But they also knew that together, they could face whatever the world threw at them. Because they'd finally found something that mattered more than public opinion, more than reputations, and more than fear.

They had each other, and for the first time, that was enough.