Page 90 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO
I wish I could make you feel even a fraction of what I feel so you’d understand what it’s like to live in this endless ache. But I wouldn’t wish this on anyone - not even you.
I don’t know if I’ll ever get over this. Over you. But I need you to know that despite the pain, despite the anger, there’s a part of me that still hopes you’re out there, happy. Because if I know one thing, it’s that loving you is something I will never regret.
Yours in heartbreak,
Liam.
“Why did you keep these?” She asks, her voice thick.
“Because I couldn’t let go,” I admit, my throat tightening. “And because I hoped - hoped that someday, I’d get the chance to give them to you.”
She stares at me, her walls cracking just enough for me to see the pain she is still carrying.
“Hazel,” I say, stepping closer, “did you know I finally discovered where you were two years ago?”
Her head tilts slightly. “What?”
“I was on a flight, and the passenger next to me was reading a magazine,” I explain, a small smile tugging at my lips, “your picture was on the cover. I was so proud of you, Hazel. Seeing you living your dream - it made me so happy.”
She blinks, a fresh wave of tears threatening to fall. For the first time in weeks, she does not pull away when I reach out.
“I know I can’t change the past,” I say, my voice steady, “but I am here now, and I’m trying. Can we start over?”
“I’m scared of letting you in again, Liam…”
“I know,” I whisper. “And you have every right to be. But I swear to you, I will spend the rest of my life making up for everything - for every mistake, every hurt, every moment I let you down. Just…, let me try. Please.”
Her lips press together, trembling slightly as a tear slips down her cheek. I reach up, my fingers brushing it away, letting themlinger on her skin for just a moment longer. “Can we start over?” I ask again, my voice softer this time, almost a plea.
She looks at me, her eyes searching mine, but I do not look away. I want her to see it all - the love, the regret, the promise.
After what feels like forever, she nods slowly.
Relief crashes over me, a feeling so overwhelming that it almost takes my breath away. I smile, just barely, and say, “Thank you.” My thumb grazes her cheek again, wiping away another tear as it falls.
“Spitfire,” I whisper, her nickname slipping out like second nature, “can I kiss you?”
Her breath catches, and for a moment, she just stares at me. Then, with a soft, almost imperceptible nod, she gives me her answer.
I do not hesitate. I lean in slowly, giving her the chance to change her mind. But when our lips meet, it is like the world becomes still.
The kiss is tenderly cautious - two souls evaluating the waters after years of pain and longing. But as her hands find their way to my chest, clutching the fabric of my shirt, the kiss deepens, and the careful restraint between us begins to crumble.
When we finally pull back, her forehead rests against mine, and her shaky breath floats across my skin. I keep my eyes closed for a moment, savoring it all.
“Thank you,” I murmur, barely audible, but I know she hears me.
Her voice is equally quiet when she replies. “Don’t make me regret it.”
“I won’t,” I promise, my thumb brushing her cheek again. “Not this time. Not ever.”
Chapter twenty-eight
Hazel
It has been a month since Liam asked me if we could start over, and honestly, I am still wrapping my head around how much has changed in such a short time. Baby steps, but all the while quite lovely. What I did not expect was how natural it would feel - like slipping into my favorite pair of shoes after thinking I had lost them forever. Comfortable. Familiar. Right.
It is an understatement to say people were shocked when they found out we were back together. When I told Grace, Luke, and Maya during our weekly hangout at Luke’s house the day after Liam asked me, the reactions were priceless. Grace practically screamed. Maya yelled so loudly that Luke’s dog barked for five straight minutes, and Luke just smirked like he saw it coming.
