Love's Embrace

I watched as Liam raised his hand, holding a delicate silver necklace with a love-shaped pendant.

I can't recall the last time I saw one of those.

It's been a while, probably with my mom, who had it hidden away somewhere.

She scolded me when she caught me with it, without even bothering to explain why she had hidden it, and that was the last time I laid eyes on it.

But this... my eyes followed its dangling movement, and it fills me with a sense of love.

My heart overflowed with joy, sparkling with delight.

Could it be for me?

"It's beautiful, Liam, where did you get it from?"

I reached out to touch it, but he quickly moved it away and stood up straight.

"Isn't it for me?" I asked, furrowing my brow.

He began unhooking the necklace, his focus on it.

"It's for you, my darling."

"Really?" I exclaimed, my face lighting up with a wide smile.

"hmm," he nodded adorably.

"I spent all day making this for you, and I'm glad you like it."

My eyes shone in shock, his words sending my heart racing with astonishment.

"You made this for me?"

"Hmm," he nodded again, then leaned in closer to me.

"And that's because I love you."

My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a flush rising to my cheeks.

I clasped my hands together behind my back, twisting myself nervously as I kept my eyes cast down.

He wrapped his arms around my neck, fastening the necklace in place. Then, he gave me a soft, sensational peck on the cheek that sent shivers down my spine before pulling away.

"You look absolutely stunning in it," he said.

I released my hands and slowly raised my gaze to meet his intense, loving one, feeling my heart race uncontrollably.

"I love you," he whispered, sending my heart racing even faster.

How am I this lucky to have such a beautiful, kind-hearted, and adorable man in my life?

I felt overwhelmed with gratitude and love.

Unable to maintain his intense gaze anymore, I shifted my eyes to the necklace resting on my chest and reached out to touch it.

Liam made this for me?

It's exquisite!

My heart was bursting in happiness, and I couldn't suppress it.

He crafted a beautiful silver necklace for me, one whose beauty I never had the chance to fully appreciate.

He made it personally, pouring all his strength, time, and focus into it.

And I was the first to wear it, straight from his hands.

Overcome with emotion, I flung my arms around Liam's neck, holding him tightly with my eyes closed.

"I love you, Liam," I whispered, unable to contain my feelings any longer.

Liam had done something no one had ever done for me before.

I had never felt so deeply loved in my entire life, and I promise to treasure the necklace forever.

But I wasn't sure if he heard me, or else he would have hugged me back.

His hands remained by his sides, even after I wrapped my arms around him.

I pulled away, a frown creasing my face as I studied his expression.

He looked like a statue, his eyes fixed on something distant.

I knew it was because of my confession of love for him, something he had always wanted to hear.

My frown quickly turned into a smile as I reached for his face.

I cupped his soft cheek in my hands and gently tilted his face downwards to meet my gaze.

"What's wrong?" I asked, searching his eyes.

"Say that again," he whispered, his eyes finally focusing on mine.

My smile grew wider, and I pursed my lips.

"Say that again, Layla," he repeated, his eyes locked on mine.

I released his face and unfolded my lips, my gaze drifting to the gifts on the table.

"Uhm...I said I love you."

He took a step closer, and I could feel his gaze intensifying.

"Again," he whispered.

I took a deep breath, my eyes returning to his.

"I love you, Liam. I love you very much."

My voice was barely audible, but I was thrilled to have finally expressed my feelings.

Our gazes locked, time seeming to stand still as we lost ourselves in each other's eyes.

Then, without warning, he pulled me into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around my waist tightly.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, melting into his warm, comforting hold.

His hands slid to my back, pulling me even closer, holding me tight.

"I love you too," he whispered.

"Very much."

I closed my eyes, feeling like we should never let go of this hug.

I've grown to love him too much, and the thought of leaving him is unbearable.

He is the prince charming I've always dreamt of.

"Hey you guys!" A voice familiar shouted, causing me to shoot my eyes open.

"You can do all that later, let's have some fun!"

But we didn't budge, lost in each other's embrace.

I want to savor every moment with Liam, because living without him feels unthinkable.

The voice continued,

"You guys!!"

"Come on now!!!!"

But others cheered, "No, let them continue!"

"I'm really enjoying their romance!"

"I wish I were in her shoes!"

The room was filled with the clicking sound of cameras and a burst of bright light, and that's when I knew I had to step back.

I'll have him all to myself after the party.

I tried to unwrap my arms from his neck, but Liam held me tighter, refusing to let go.

His embrace was comforting, sending shivers down my spine, but I knew I had to break free.

The crowd suddenly fell silent, and I felt someone tug me away from behind.

They managed to pull me out of Liam's embrace, leaving him looking displeased, his gaze fixed on the person behind me.

Who could have done that?

I turned around to see a familiar face, her bright red lipstick gleaming with a mischievous smile.

"Why did you do that?" Liam asked, annoyed.

"Oh, come on, bro," she replied.

bro?

Could she be Liam's sister?

"you'll have her all to yourself when the party's over. Let me spend some time with my sister-in-law."

I can't recall where we've met before, but her blue eyes make her seem incredibly familiar.

And I wonder, does she consider me her sister-in-law?

Oh my goodness!

"Come on, Layla, let's go have fun," she said.

"No," Liam said from behind, his hands suddenly wrapping around my waist, holding me close to him.

His head rested on my shoulder, and his hands slid to my stomach, wrapping me tightly.

"She'll stay with me," he said, his grip unyielding.

The lady huffed and shook her head.

"Can't I spend time with her?" she asked, exasperated.

"Come on, Liam!"

But he didn't seem willing to let go. It was as if his hands were glued to my waist, holding me in place.

I never knew he could be this possessive and clingy.

I reached out and placed my hands over his.

"Uhm, Liam, it's fine. I'll spend time with her for some time then return to you."

But his grip only tightened.

"No," he said firmly.

"Liam!!" The lady exclaimed.

"Uhm, Liam, you should just let me go. We'll spend plenty of time together when the party's over."

"I don't want to let you go," Liam responded.

Why is he being so stubborn?

I slowly managed to turn around to face him, his hands still clasped around my waist.

"We'll have ample time to spend together after the party. You should let me spend time with your sister."

His brows furrowed into a frown.

"I'll still be around, don't worry too much," I said with a reassuring smile, attempting to remove his hands from my waist.

His grip was tight, but I finally managed to break free.

A smile formed on my lips as I said, "I'll be on my way. See you later!"

I waved at him, then turned to follow the lady, who was now wearing a contented smile.

"Let's go now, Layla," she said, pulling my wrist to walk behind her.

With one last glance at Liam, I walked out of the dining room and into the crowded party, surprised by the sheer number of guests.

There weren't this many people earlier, how did the party grow so much?!