Chapter 6

The music still reverberated in Aria’s chest as she slipped out of the Civic Hall. Her footsteps were quick, her breaths shallow, as if running from the emotions Liam’s performance had stirred. Outside, the cool night air bit at her skin, but she welcomed the distraction.

She leaned against a streetlamp, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. The song played in her mind on a relentless loop—soft, raw, and unyieldingly intimate. The way Liam had looked at her while he sang was etched into her memory. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a plea, a promise.

“Aria!”

She turned to see Maggie jogging toward her, concern etched across her face. “There you are! I was starting to think you’d disappeared into thin air.”

“I needed some air,” Aria said, her voice trembling.

“Air or an escape route?” Maggie asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Maybe both.”

Maggie sighed, pulling her jacket tighter around her. “Alright, spill. How are you feeling after… that?” She gestured vaguely toward the venue.

Aria bit her lip, struggling to put her thoughts into words. “It was beautiful. Honest. But it’s not just about the song, Maggie. It’s everything else—the past, the media, the fear of getting hurt again.”

“Aria, you can’t hide forever,” Maggie said gently. “I know you’re scared, and I don’t blame you. But maybe this time, things could be different.”

“Or maybe they’ll be exactly the same,” Aria countered.

Maggie studied her for a moment before pulling her into a hug. “Whatever happens, you’ve got me, okay? And if Liam screws this up, I’ll personally egg his tour bus.”

Aria laughed despite herself, the tension in her chest easing slightly. “Thanks, Maggie. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You’d probably be a hermit with a million cats,” Maggie quipped.

“Don’t tempt me,” Aria replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Liam’s Efforts to Protect Aria from the Media

Liam sat in the back of his SUV, his phone pressed to his ear. His manager, Chris, was talking a mile a minute, rattling off strategies for managing the media frenzy surrounding him and Aria.

“Liam, we’ve got to spin this in a way that works for you,” Chris said. “A rekindled romance is great PR, but we need to control the narrative. Maybe set up a photoshoot—”

“Absolutely not,” Liam interrupted, his tone firm. “This isn’t about PR, Chris. This is personal, and I’m not letting anyone use Aria as a headline.”

Chris sighed. “I get it, man, but the tabloids are already running wild. If we don’t address it, they’ll make something up.”

“Then I’ll address it,” Liam said. “But on my terms. No press stunts, no invasions of her privacy.”

“Alright, your call,” Chris relented. “But tread carefully. The media isn’t going to back off just because you asked nicely.”

After ending the call, Liam leaned back against the seat, running a hand through his hair. He knew Chris was right; the media wouldn’t let up, not when they sensed a story. But he was determined to shield Aria from the chaos his life attracted.

Later that night, he posted a statement on his social media:

“To all the fans and media outlets speculating about my personal life: I ask for your respect and privacy. My focus is on my music and the people I care about. Please let the rumors rest.”

As expected, the post stirred more curiosity than it quelled. But Liam didn’t care. He’d made his stance clear, and he would do whatever it took to protect Aria.

Maggie’s Role as Aria’s Confidante

The next morning, Maggie showed up at Aria’s apartment with coffee and pastries in hand.

“I figured you’d need reinforcements,” Maggie said, setting the bag on the kitchen counter.

“You’re a lifesaver,” Aria replied, taking a sip of the coffee and letting the warmth spread through her.

They sat at the small kitchen table, the sunlight streaming through the window. Maggie watched Aria carefully, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

“So,” Maggie began, breaking the silence. “Have you talked to Liam since the concert?”

Aria shook her head. “No. He texted to make sure I got home okay, but I didn’t respond. I don’t know what to say.”

“Maybe start with how you feel?” Maggie suggested.

Aria let out a bitter laugh. “That’s the problem. I don’t know how I feel. Part of me wants to believe he’s changed, that we could have something real again. But the other part is terrified. What if it all falls apart again?”

“Aria, you’ve been hurt before, and I get that. But sometimes, taking the risk is worth it. Maybe this time, things will be different. And if they’re not, at least you’ll know you tried.”

Aria nodded slowly, her mind churning with Maggie’s words.

A New Complication in Liam’s Career

While Aria wrestled with her emotions, Liam faced challenges of his own. Back at his studio, he was in a heated argument with his producer.

“Liam, you’ve got a deadline,” the producer said, his frustration evident. “We need this album done by the end of the month.”

“I know, and I’m working on it,” Liam replied, his tone clipped.

“Working on it? You’ve barely recorded anything in weeks. What’s going on with you?”

Liam hesitated. How could he explain that his focus had shifted, that his heart wasn’t in the flashy, crowd-pleasing tracks the label wanted?

“I’m trying to write something real,” he said finally.

“Real doesn’t sell,” the producer shot back. “We need hits, not ballads about your love life.”

The words stung, but Liam held his ground. “I’m not compromising on this. If I’m going to put my name on an album, it’s going to mean something.”

The producer threw up his hands. “Fine. But don’t come crying to me when the label pulls funding.”

As the door slammed shut behind him, Liam sat down at the piano, his fingers hovering over the keys. He played a soft melody, the notes echoing the turmoil in his heart.

He knew he was walking a fine line, but for the first time in years, he felt like he was fighting for something that truly mattered.

Crossroads

That evening, Liam found himself outside Aria’s apartment. He hesitated before knocking, his heart pounding in his chest.

When she opened the door, her expression shifted from surprise to cautious curiosity.

“Liam,” she said, stepping aside to let him in.

“I needed to see you,” he said, his voice low. “To explain.”

She folded her arms, leaning against the counter. “Explain what?”

“Everything,” he said. “Why I left, why I’m here now, why I can’t stop thinking about you.”

Aria met his gaze, her own emotions swirling just beneath the surface. “Then start talking.”

And for the first time, Liam laid his heart bare.