< 2 2002 A creeping ache , one I only fully registered later . I wouldn't have been this upset normally ; it would have just been a friend's betrayal , no big deal . But that line , the one that kept us just " friends ," Liam was the first to cross it . The day I decided to transfer schools with Liam , he took me to a bar to celebrate our " freedom " with a drink . The dim , intimate lighting enveloped us . I looked at the person I had secretly liked for years , feeling a little dazed . So , when he leaned in to kiss me , I didn't resist . Years of suppressed feelings surged wildly to the surface . Unable to control my emotions , I couldn't help but ask for confirmation , " Liam , what are we now ? " Liam affectionately kissed my forehead again . " Silly girl , what other relationship could it be ? " Cheers erupted in the private room , the atmosphere electric , mirroring the burgeoning passion within me . I never imagined that just two days later , I'd hear Liam himself shatter my one - sided affection . I smiled , but tears streamed down my face uncontrollably . So that ambiguous rhetorical question , that was also just Liam trying to trick me and get me to leave quickly for Chloe , right ? The wind chimes in my bedroom tinkled , slowly drying my tears . AA D 10 < My broken heart slowly pieced itself back together . 26 % Liam was wrong . He was the illegitimate son of the Thorne family , and I was the sole heiress of the Blackwood family . We truly shouldn't be so intertwined . Because we were a mismatch . The transfer application in my hand was soaked with my tears , the ink bleeding , making it messy and unreadable . But it didn't matter . This one was ruined ; I'd just get a clean one . The Blackwood family never lacked options . I reprinted a new form . But when it came to the " transfer to school " section , I called my mother . " Mom , that international high school you mentioned wanting me to attend , which one was it ? " " Yes , I'll go alone . " The wind chimes in my room made a clear , melodious sound , as if celebrating for me . I gently closed my eyes . This time , it wasn't Liam Thorne's face that appeared before me . A man who bore a faint resemblance to Liam , but was far more handsome and striking , smiled at me , with the same certainty and earnestness as two years ago . " Aria Blackwood , sooner or later , you'll give up on Liam Thorne and choose me . " Back then , I thought he was joking . Now , I silently repeated to myself : * Liam Thorne , I really don't want you anymore . * After filling out the new application form , I let out a long breath , my heart already quietly calm . The knock on my bedroom door suddenly startled me . I froze . I lived alone in this house . The only person who knew the password was ... I opened the door and , sure enough , saw Liam Thorne's face . His voice was as gentle as ever . " Aria , you haven't come to say goodbye to our friends for a long time . I was worried about you ." I tried to keep my voice calm . " I'm not feeling so well , so I'm not going . " Just as I was about to dismiss him , my peripheral vision caught an unexpected figure . Chloe Davis's petite figure huddled next to Liam , and she flinched the moment our eyes met . Liam , attentive to her every move , immediately pulled her loosely into his embrace . " Aria , you scared Chloe . " It was always like this . Chloe always put on this fragile demeanor , as if she was afraid I'd bully her , making me out to be some evil villain . But I hadn't done anything . My expression turned cold . " I told you , I don't like people coming to my house . " Liam frowned slightly , annoyed . " Chloe isn't an outsider ." " Besides , she only came because she was worried about you . " Before I could argue , Chloe's eyes suddenly welled up . " Aria , I'm so sorry. I know you've always had a problem with me because I don't come from as much , but I promise I'm careful . " Tears streaming down her face , she added , " I won't dirty your beautiful home ... " Hearing this , Liam immediately frowned , looking at me with displeasure . " Aria , Chloe just has a difficult family background , but she's not as bad as you're making her out to be . Your attitude towarda har truly disa - , < 10:17 Wed , 1 Oct W PO Before I could argue , Chloe's eyes suddenly welled up . " Aria , I'm so sorry . I know you've always had a problem with me because I don't come from as much , but I promise I'm careful ." Tears streaming down her face , she added , " I won't dirty your beautiful home ... " 20 % Hearing this , Liam immediately frowned , looking at me with displeasure . " Aria , Chloe just has a difficult family background , but she's not as bad as you're making her out to be . Your attitude towards her truly disappoints me . " Chloe carefully tugged at Liam's sleeve , appearing forgiving and understanding . " Liam , it's okay , please don't argue with Aria ... " She sniffled , forcing a wronged yet stubborn smile . " After all , Aria said you two are childhood sweethearts . How could I ever compare to a relationship like that ... ? " " What are you talking about ? You're unique . " Liam tenderly cupped Chloe's face , coaxing her in soft tones . Then he turned to me , his face as cold as ice . He spoke gravely , " Chloe's upset , so I'm taking her home now . " " You should take some time to reflect . And don't forget to finalize those transfer papers . " I did reflect - on my terrible judgment of character. Then I promptly changed the password to my front door . The pent - up frustration in my heart finally found a moment of release .