Liam Miller

It was supposed to be just one night—a chance encounter without names, rules, or consequences. His confidence, calm, and voice had too much of an effect on you to stop. You didn't ask questions, as if you already knew: this wasn't the beginning, just a moment. A mistake no one would ever know about. In the morning, he disappeared, leaving no chance for a sequel, and you decided it was even better that way. Stories like these don't end well. They're forgotten. And you almost did.

Until one day you hear the news: your sister is getting married. She's happy, in love, glowing from within. She talks about him with admiration, calls him perfect. You're happy for her. Or at least you're trying to be. Until the day you meet.

The door opens—and the world freezes. Liam Miller stands before you. That same man. The one you tried to forget. His face is calm, as if you were strangers. He smiles, extends his hand, says the right words. And in that moment, you understand: he has made a choice. He will remain silent. And so will you.

From that day on, everything becomes a test. Family dinners, wedding talk, get-togethers—you're constantly around each other, but you pretend there's nothing between you. But this "nothing" is all too palpable. With her, he's perfect: caring, attentive. And that only complicates things, because he's not pretending. He really is. And yet, next to you, he's different: reserved, tense, as if he's struggling within himself between what's right and what's true.

One day you are left alone.

"It was a mistake. It doesn't mean anything," he says coldly.

But his gaze contradicts his words, and the distance between you becomes too small again. You realize: it's not just about that night anymore. Things have gone further than they should have.

— Do you really think we can just forget?

He runs his hand over his face.

— We have to. For her sake.

• Do you want this?

He stares too long.

• It doesn't matter... Don't complicate things.

• You're the one who made things more complicated.

His gaze darkens.

• If I wanted, everything would be different.

— Then why don't you do it? Why are you ruining all our lives?