Chapter 14: Your Punishment

As Julian's body crumpled, Liam's eyes locked onto Sofia's, his expression softening a bit.

"Are you okay?" Liam asked, his voice low and chilling

Sofia nodded, still shaken. "Y-yes, thank you," she stuttered.

Maureen burst into the room, her face pale. "Sofia! Oh my god!"

Sofia rushed into Maureen's arms, tears streaming down her face.

"I've got you," Maureen whispered, holding Sofia tight.

Liam's gaze never left Sofia's face. "We need to get out of here," he said, his voice firm.

Maureen nodded, helping Sofia gather her composure.

As they exited the hotel room, Sofia's mind reeled. Why had Liam intervened?

"How did you find me?" Sofia asked Liam, her trembling mouth barely forming the words.

Liam's gaze flicked to hers, his eyes narrowing slightly before returning to the path ahead. He increased his strides, ignoring her question.

Sofia bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. She glanced at Maureen, sorrow etched on her features.

"I regret my past self," Sofia whispered, her voice cracking. "I really hurt his feelings. He's been ignoring and cold towards me."

Maureen wrapped a reassuring arm around Sofia's shoulders. "It's okay, Sofia. I tried to talk to you back then, but you didn't listen."

Sofia's tears fell harder, her regret suffocating. "I was blind, Maureen. I chose the wrong person. I hurt him."

Liam's pace remained steady, his expression unreadable.

Maureen's voice softened. "You were young, Sofia. You didn't know better."

As they walked, Sofia's thoughts swirled. Why had Liam rescued her? Did he still care?

"Liam, please," Sofia said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Talk to me."

Liam's jaw clenched, his eyes fixed ahead.

Sofia's heart sank. Had she lost him forever?

Suddenly, Liam stopped at a sleek black car, opening the door.

"Get in," he said, his voice low, rough.

Sofia hesitated, unsure what to expect.

Maureen's gentle nudge encouraged her to enter.

As Sofia settled into the car, Liam's gaze swept over her, his expression inscrutable.

The door shut, enveloping Sofia in silence.

Maureen settled beside Sofia, concern etched on her face. "Hey, you okay?"

Sofia nodded, sniffling. "Thanks to Liam."

Maureen's gaze drifted to Liam, her expression thoughtful. "He's still got feelings for you, Sofia."

Sofia's eyes widened. "No, Maureen. He's just helping me out of obligation."

Maureen's brows rose. "Obligation? That man just decked Julian. There's more to it."

Sofia's thoughts swirled. Could Maureen be right?

The car pulled up to Maureen's apartment building. the driver opened the door, allowing Maureen to exit.

"Thanks, Liam," Maureen said, her eyes locking onto Sofia's. "Take care of her."

Liam nodded curtly.

As Maureen disappeared into her building, Liam shut the door and settled beside Sofia in the backseat.

Sofia gazed at Liam's expressionless face, his eyes fixed on his phone.

The silence between them grew thicker than fog.

Sofia's nerves danced. What was Liam thinking?

She cleared her throat. "Liam?"

No response.

"Liam, thank you...for saving me."

His gaze remained fixed on his phone.

Sofia's hands twisted in her lap. "Why did you help me?"

Liam's fingers scrolled through his phone, his face impassive.

Sofia's frustration simmered. "Liam, talk to me!"

The car accelerated, speeding away from Maureen's apartment.

Sofia's eyes darted to the passing cityscape, feeling trapped.

He ignored her, his fingers flying across the screen.

Sofia bite her lips, her hand moving towards him, hesitating.

Then, with a gentle touch, she drew his shirt, her fingers brushing against his chest.

Liam remained cold, unresponsive.

His gaze never wavered from his phone.

Sofia's eyes searched his face, hoping for a flicker of emotion.

But Liam's expression remained impassive.

Undeterred, Sofia's hand lingered on his shirt, her touch light.

"Liam?" she whispered.

No response.

Sofia's heart sank, her hand retreating.

The silence between them grew thicker, heavier.

The car's soft hum filled the void.

Sofia gazed out the window, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.

Why did Liam's indifference hurt so much?

Was it guilt, regret, or something more?

Sofia's stubbornness ignited, and she pinched him several times, trying to get a reaction.

Liam's face turned black with anger, his eyes flashing.

"What's wrong with you?" he growled, his voice low.

Sofia's pinches turned into gentle touches, her eyes sparkling.

"I want your attention," she said, her voice husky.

Liam's gaze narrowed. "You're pushing your luck."

Sofia's smile faltered, but she refused to back down.

"I deserve your attention," she whispered.

Liam's jaw clenched. "After what you did?"

Sofia's heart stung, but she pressed on.

"I know I hurt you. But I'm trying to make amends."

Liam's eyes iced over. "Amends? You think a few pinches, asking for forgiveness and sweet words will fix everything?"

Sofia's face burned, but she stood her ground.

"No, but it's a start."

Liam's anger simmered, his face inches from hers.

"You want my attention? Fine. You'll get it."

Suddenly, he grasped her wrist, pulling her closer.

Sofia's pulse quickened.

What did Liam plan to do?

Here's the continuation:

Liam's grip on Sofia's wrist tightened, his eyes blazing.

"You want my attention?" he repeated, his voice low.

Sofia nodded, her heart racing.

Liam's gaze swept over her face, his expression unreadable.

"Then listen carefully," he said. "I'll give you my attention, but don't think it's out of pity or forgiveness."

Sofia's eyes locked onto his.

"It's because I need to know why," Liam continued. "Why you chose Julian. Why you hurt me."

Sofia's breath caught.

"No more games, Sofia," Liam warned. "No more running. You'll tell me everything."

Sofia nodded, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Okay, I'll tell," Sofia whispered, her eyes locked onto Liam's.

She wrapped her arms around him, expecting comfort.

But Liam's face turned deadly.

His eyes flashed with anger, his jaw clenched.

"Don't!" he growled, his voice low.

The driver's hands shook, sweat dripping from his brow.

"This cold demon is already in a bad mood son yesterday," he silently pleaded. "Don't provoke him further, Miss Lisa."

Liam pushed Sofia away with disgust, his icy exterior radiating killing intent.

Sofia stumbled back, her face hitting the car door.

"Get out!" Liam roared, his anger boiling over.

The car screeched to a halt in the middle of the road.

Sofia stormed out, leaving everything behind in anger.

"Hey, my purse!" she exclaimed, trying to collect her belongings.

Liam snatched her purse, his voice cold.

"You'll walk home. It's your punishment for touching me without permission."

The car sped away, leaving Sofia stranded.

Sofia's eyes blazed with tears and anger.

How could he?

She began walking, her heels clicking on the pavement.

The city lights blurred as tears streamed down her face.

Why had she tried to hug him?

Why did he push her away and get so angry because of she tried to hug him?

Sofia's thoughts swirled, her heart heavy.

As she walked, the darkness seemed to close in.

Was she truly alone?

Liam's words echoed in her mind:

"You'll walk home...punishment for touching me without permission."

Sofia shivered.

What had she done to deserve this?

---

As she walked along the road,

She remembered the past, a memory long buried, now resurfacing like an open wound.

It was a sunny afternoon, and Sofia's parents had agreed to let her attend a movie premiere, but only if Liam accompanied her. Julian, her then-boyfriend, was out of town.

Liam, eager to spend time with Sofia, had insisted on joining her.

Sofia, however, was furious. She didn't want Liam tagging along, ruining her perfect evening.

As they drove to the theater, Liam's excitement was palpable. He chatted enthusiastically about the movie, his eyes shining with anticipation.

Sofia's anger simmered, her displeasure growing with each passing mile.

Suddenly, Liam spotted something on her hair, his hand reaching out to remove it.

Sofia's reaction was instant.

She slapped his hand away, her palm connecting with his face.

The sound echoed through the car, a stark crack that left Liam stunned.

"Get out!" Sofia screamed, her voice shrill.

Liam's eyes widened, his face reddening.

The car sped on, but Sofia didn't care.

She unlocked the door and pushed Liam out, the momentum sending him tumbling onto the asphalt.

Tires screeched as the driver slammed on the brakes.

Sofia's heart raced, her chest heaving.