Destroy My Life In You
Chapter 96: Liam’s Selfless Love

Chapter 96: Liam’s Selfless Love

Liam’s sharp eyes followed Luke’s retreating figure, his instinct flaring with unease.

Still smiling, Liam turned to Zeke and Seth, ruffling their hair. "You two continue playing, alright? I’ll be back in a moment."

The children nodded enthusiastically, too caught up in their game to notice much else. Liam’s gaze lingered on them for a second longer before he turned and walked back toward Astrid, who stood in the same spot, looking distant.

"Astrid," he called gently.

She jolted slightly, as if pulled out of a trance, and blinked up at him. "Liam?"

He studied her face and knew she wasn’t totally fine. "Is everything alright?"

Astrid hesitated for only a fraction of a second before offering a small, reassuring smile. "Yes."

Liam arched a brow, unconvinced. "Are you sure?"

She nodded again, this time more firmly, but he could tell she was holding something back. After a beat of silence, he took a careful guess. "Is it Luke?"

For a moment, Astrid was utterly still, then, finally, she spoke. "Don’t worry about it. He’ll be fine after some time."

But she didn’t elaborate. Liam searched her eyes, but whatever conversation had taken place between her and Luke, she wasn’t ready to share it. He exhaled quietly and nodded. "If you say so."

A small silence stretched between them before he decided not to press further. Instead, he offered her a genuine smile. "I’m glad to see you all doing well." He said, trying to change the topic.

Astrid followed his gaze toward Zeke and Seth, who were now running around laughing, completely carefree. Her expression softened. "Me too. I’m contended with how everything is now."

Liam smiled wider. "Then... I’ll take my leave now."

Astrid didn’t argue. Liam turned to the two boys, calling them over. "Zeke, Seth!"

The moment he beckoned, they came dashing toward him, giggling and nearly tripping over each other.

"Are you leaving already?" Seth pouted.

"Rich brother Liam, can’t you stay a little longer?" Zeke added, tugging at his sleeve.

Liam chuckled, ruffling both their heads. "I have things to do, but I’ll visit again soon."

The boys whined in protest, clinging to him, unwilling to let go. Astrid finally stepped in, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Alright, you two, that’s enough. Let Liam go. He’ll visit again another day."

Reluctantly, they released him, marching back to Astrid’s side with exaggerated sighs. Astrid reached out, smoothing their hair. "Why don’t you go check on Luke? He seemed a little upset earlier. I’ll join you soon. Okay?"

Zeke and Seth exchanged glances before nodding eagerly and running off toward the house, their giggles echoing through the air.

As their laughter faded, Astrid turned to Liam, her expression softer now. They began walking slowly, side by side, neither in a hurry.

They both spoke at the same time.

"Astrid—"

"Liam—"

They paused, exchanging small smiles.

"You first," Liam said.

Astrid hesitated briefly before nodding. "There’s something I need to tell you."

Liam tilted his head slightly, curious. "Go ahead."

She inhaled deeply, struggling for the right words. What Luke had said earlier weighed heavily on her mind. She didn’t know exactly what Liam felt, he had never openly confessed, never hinted at anything, but Luke’s words hadn’t been baseless with how insisting he had been even when they were in that other village. And if there was even a fraction of truth to them, she had to make things clear with Liam before things escalated.

"I’m not what you think I am Liam. I..." she started.

Liam frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

"I mean..." She exhaled and forced herself to meet his gaze. "I’m not human." She swallowed, forcing herself to continue. "I’m a werewolf."

Liam said nothing for a while, and his expression remained unreadable enough that doubt crept into her chest.

"I’m sorry," she added quickly. "I should have told you sooner. We’ve known each other for months now, and I never said anything. I just... I didn’t know how." She dropped her gaze. "I’ll understand if you don’t want to associate with me anymore."

For a long moment, Liam remained silent.

Then—

"I like you." Liam’s voice was steady, even as he paused before continuing, "I like you, Astrid. Since the first day I saw you."

Astrid felt as though the air had been sucked from her lungs, and Liam did not stop from there.

"I was drawn to you," he said, "your will, your determination, the way you love and protect your brothers. It had nothing to do with whether you were human or not. To me, you’re still that kindhearted Astrid I met. Nothing can change that."

Astrid’s chest tightened painfully. Luke had been right all along. How could she have been so blind? And now... Now, would she lose an important friend because of her own naivety? Her lips parted, but when she tried to speak, she stumbled over her words, unable to form a coherent sentence.

Liam took a small step forward. "Don’t panic." His voice was gentle. "I know it’s sudden. I won’t force anything. I’ll wait until—"

"No."

Liam stopped.

Astrid shook her head, swallowing back the burn in her throat. "Don’t. Waiting for me will only hurt you, Liam. And I don’t want to be the reason for your pain."

The air between them grew heavy. Liam’s expression shifted, something in his eyes dimming slightly. He could guess what she meant when she said waiting for her would only hurt him. His voice, when he spoke again, was barely a whisper.

"You... have a mate." It wasn’t a question.

Astrid lowered her gaze. "Yes." A breath of silence took over, then, softly, she added, "I’m sorry. I’m really sorry, Liam. I... Please..."

Liam laughed, light and quiet, but full of emotion. "Don’t apologize. There’s nothing to apologize for Astrid, alright?"

She shook her head, guilt pressing into her chest. "No, Liam, you should—yell at me, scold me. I won’t complain."

"Astrid." She clenched her fists, restraining tears from falling.

But Liam only exhaled and said, "It’s not your fault. I chose to love you without expecting anything. No matter how much it hurts," Liam continued, "I won’t stop you from being with the one you love."

Astrid’s tears finally fell. Quietly, she wept, unable to hold them back.

Liam tried all he could calm her but she cried harder, but not too loudly. He sighed after some minutes of failure, rubbing the back of his neck, then resorted to the last mean. "Is my wish still valid?"

Astrid nodded, wiping at her eyes.

Liam smiled. Good. Then, you have to stop crying. It hurts more than being rejected. So, I want you to never... ever shed a tear because of me. I can handle myself." He said, smiling at her widely.

"Why?" she whispered. "Why are you still being so kind to me?"

Liam chuckled lightly, trying to lift the heavy air. "Because as long as you’re happy, I have no complaints."

Overwhelmed, Astrid whispered, "I don’t deserve to be your friend... Thank you, Liam."

"There’s no need for that. But we are friends, right?" he asked, and she nodded in agreement. Then, after a small pause, he finally said, "I’ll get going now."

Astrid nodded, though still in pain. She knew Liam was only pretending to be okay to not make her feel uncomfortable.

"Goodbye, Liam."

Liam smiled at her then turned and began walking away. And the moment his back faced her, the tears he had been holding in finally fell, silent, unrestrained and endless. Hus lips traveled threatening to let out a yelp but he couldn’t. He didn’t want her to blame herself for his pain. That was how much he loved her.

Yet, amidst the sorrow, a small, genuine smile spread on his lips. "As long as you’re happy, then it doesn’t matter if I’m not part of it," he murmured.