After a while.

Nadine sat alone on the sand, staring in silence at the beautiful sea before her; Liam had left her minutes before to get her a bottle of water. She heard some ruffles on the sand and turned to see Liam approaching her with a smile. He sat down next to her and handed her the bottle.

She gladly took it from his grasp, smiling at him as he turned to face her. “Tell me what happened?” he asked, caressing her back and encouraging her to speak. “I’m listening.”

Nadine inhaled deeply and told him what had happened to her. “I don’t think I’m mad at him... I never fell in love... It felt more like a haven to me... I don’t think I cried because of him, but it feels like it opened my heart to another pain... something deep inside... something I didn’t get to grieve.” she smiled.

“Grief is a big word.”

“Believe me, I have no idea what I’m grieving for; it just... feels like it,” she explained. “My father blamed me for what happened, saying it was my fault because I chose Adam, and my mother blamed me for not seeing it coming. Nobody asked how I was feeling... I guess being the only girl in this family didn’t allow me to be spoiled.” She looked at him, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Liam held her hands and smiled at her; he had the face and body that would make any woman weak in the knees. Liam had a well-defined diamond face with an appealing chin dimple, a stubble beard, captivating brown eyes, and thick flat black brows with a slight arch. He had a sharp full lip, a well-defined nose, and beautiful thick black tousled medium-length hair that gave him a youthful appearance. He was tall and had the physique of a professional athlete.

Nadine was more at ease, finally breathing normally. “I don’t know what to say to you; I had no idea you were in such pain,” Liam said.

“Neither do I, I guess I needed to talk before I exploded, and don’t tell Camellia I cried,” she said, pointing at him.

“Why not?”

“I don’t cry in front of people,” she explained, taking another sip of her water. “I’m not sure why I cried in front of you... I guess I’m too comfortable with you,” she smirked.

“Of course, you do; all women do,” he boasted.

“Right.” Nadine gave him a mocking look. “sure,” she said flatly.

“Do you mean I’m not attractive?”

Nadine burst out laughing. “I didn’t say anything about being attractive; I just said I was comfortable,” she said.

“Part of being attractive is being comfortable.”

“No, it isn’t,” she scoffed.

“All girls appreciate it when a man is passionate and listens to them,” he said, pointing to himself.

“That is a different situation.”

“How?” Liam burst out laughing. They were always having these arguments that turned into teasing conversations.

“That happens when a woman looks at a man.”

“What?” he asked, raising both of his eyebrows in genuine surprise. “You don’t think of me as a man. All this rugged manhood is insufficient. You hugged me tightly back there, and you seemed to enjoy it.”

“I was sobbing; I could have hugged a sloth at that point! and I see how appealing you are. I’m not blind, but... it means nothing,” she said dryly.

“A lot of women would like to be in your shoes right now.”

“I know I’m a very lucky woman,” she admitted as she gazed out at the sea.

“Why is it so difficult for you to admit you see me as a man?” Liam inquired.

“I already have! and it’s not like you treat me as the hottest woman on the planet to treat you like that,” she said, returning his gaze.

“You’re hot, and I see you as a woman; I tried really hard not to kiss you back then” — Nadine looked at him, he locked his gaze on her, he took the bottle of water from her grasp and drank the rest of it while looking away — “that’s how good I am, you should be grateful,” he said, winking at her. He appeared confident, but she could tell he was nervous.

“Do you want me to flirt with you or something?” she asked, widening her smile.

“No, simply admit the truth.”

“I did!” she exclaimed, taking a deep breath, and rolling her eyes. She took his hand in hers and looked him in the eyes — “fine! Liam, you’re a hottie, annoying, rugged man.” Liam laughed; he enjoyed teasing her to the point of exhaustion. She laughed back and moved her hands away. Their gazes locked again in a long moment before they smiled and returned their gaze to the sea.

The waiter slammed the dishes onto the table, startling Nadine. He apologized for his abrupt action. Camellia appeared disoriented, her mind racing with her loud thoughts. It was as if she had lost a memory. Nadine nudged her, telling her to eat while the food was still hot and tasty.