Chapter 19: 16

Two of Hearts [ON HOLD]Words: 30268

CHAPTER 16

THE REVELATION

No one's POV

In the heart of an opulent room, adorned with an air of understated luxury, lay the female detective Skyler.

The room was vast and elegantly designed, a testament to sophistication and wealth, yet its dim lighting created an intimate cocoon.

The soft glow of her laptop cast a gentle light on her face, which was otherwise enveloped in the soft shadows that filled the room.

She was engrossed in her work, her eyes scanning the screen with a focused intensity.

The room's ambiance was enhanced by a soothing background melody that drifted through the space, mingling with the muted sounds from the bathroom.

There, her girlfriend Elowen was taking a shower, adding a touch of normalcy to the otherwise intense atmosphere of Skyler's investigation.

Skyler's mind was preoccupied with the case she was immersed in.

Her thoughts were tangled in the complexities of the investigation, her concentration unwavering as she reviewed the photographs of the victims.

The weight of the case was apparent in her furrowed brow and the occasional sigh that escaped her lips.

She had recently received a message from an anonymous source, dismissing the efforts of the detectives working on the case.

Such hostility was not new to her; since the onset of the psychopath killings, she had been subjected to a stream of hateful messages, a testament to the public's frustration and skepticism.

As she pondered her next move, questioning whether to reach out to the media or not, Elowen's presence in the bathroom faded into the background of her thoughts.

The sudden cessation of the shower's sound signaled Elowen's exit, drawing Skyler's attention.

Moments later, Elowen emerged, wrapped in a bathrobe and with a towel hastily thrown over her damp hair.

The sight of Elowen, so casually disrobed and with a playful glint in her eye, was enough to momentarily divert Skyler's attention from her work.

"Babe," Elowen's voice was a soft, seductive murmur that broke through Skyler's concentration.

Skyler's gaze shifted from her laptop to Elowen, and in that moment, the world seemed to pause.

The stark contrast between her intense focus and Elowen's relaxed demeanor was palpable.

Elowen approached her with a grace that commanded attention, gently prying the laptop from Skyler's lap.

"I've given you enough time for that work... Now, I need your attention," Elowen said with a playful firmness, guiding Skyler to sit on the bed.

Her voice was laced with a seductive undertone, making it clear that she desired Skyler's full presence.

Skyler, though initially startled, looked deeply into Elowen's eyes, captivated by the shift in mood.

Elowen, with a tender touch, began to comb through Skyler's hair with her fingers, her movements tender and intimate.

With a fluid motion, Elowen knelt before Skyler, parting her legs and making her intentions clear.

Their eyes met, and the unspoken connection between them was electric.

Elowen bit her lower lip as she looked up at Skyler, her eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and affection.

Elowen's hands began to explore Skyler's thighs, still covered by her pajamas.

"You look really exhausted... Why don't we ease you up, hmm?" she suggested with a sultry tone, her smile both comforting and alluring.

Skyler, moved by Elowen's touch, cupped her girlfriend's face gently.

She lifted Elowen slightly, guiding her to sit on her lap.

The intimacy of the moment was profound, as Elowen wrapped her arms around Skyler's neck, and Skyler held Elowen's waist with a sense of protective affection.

The connection they shared was palpable, and both felt their hearts racing with an intensity that was rare for them.

Such moments of closeness were infrequent, making them all the more special.

It was a cherished rarity, one that only deepened their bond.

"Is this why you invited me for a sleepover?" Skyler teased, her tone light and playful.

Elowen's laughter was a melodic response, her nod affirming the playful accusation.

"Naughty Cameron," Skyler murmured with a grin before claiming Elowen's lips in a passionate kiss.

Elowen's laughter continued, mingling with the kiss and adding to the warmth of their shared moment.

In an unsuspecting moment, a scene unfolds three walls away from them.

In Azara's room, where she is alone, she's uncertain whether to be happy or angry about what she holds.

It signifies something positive yet brings about a negative event for her.

The first thing that comes to her mind is her image as an artist before considering what her situation would be on that future day.

"Fuck it," she whispers to herself and ignores what she is holding. She hides under the blanket and tries to forget about it.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck!" she mutters irritably.

---

"Yes ma'am, Ms. Jean Ackerman's DNA matches the DNA of Ms. Mendez's body." Seyren's jaw dropped at what she heard and saw.

In the paper she held was the DNA test result she obtained because she didn't believe the plastic surgeon who approached her that day.

"Jean Ackerman was so jealous of Billie Mendez that she killed her and stole her identity. I'm her plastic surgeon, and I have proof," the surgeon's words replayed in her mind.

She couldn't believe this. She couldn't accept these facts.

When her mind finally finished processing, she quickly returned to headquarters. She almost broke the law against speeding.

She couldn't wait to show this to her fellow detectives. This was another revelation no one expected.

Upon reaching headquarters, she went straight to their office. There, she saw the surgeon who had reported to her.

"I'm telling the truth here, I've talked about this with Detective Valencia, right?" The man suddenly approached Seyren, and she realized what was happening.

"He's right, he's telling the truth and I have the proof," Seyren said, just as Skyler emerged from her office carrying files related to Billie Mendez's case.

"I had their DNA tested and it matched. Doc Ortega also has receipts for Billie Mendez's surgeries, or should I call her Jean Ackerman," Seyren said, handing the paper to Detective Skyler.

When Skyler accepted and read it, she was also shocked by this revelation.

"The fuck, they're both right... I get it now," Skyler said as she approached their whiteboard again.

"The eighth commandment of God is 'Thou shalt not steal,' isn't it? But because of this DNA proving that Billie Mendez is actually Jean Ackerman, it shows that she stole Billie Mendez's identity when she died. She killed her own image just to live as Billie Mendez. Identity theft and crossing out the killer's face on the victim and the note on the wall saying the woman was a fake... It's all a sign that the victim is a thief," Skyler said without pause.

What she said didn't escape the ears of her colleagues.

"And the ten fingers he cut off are a sign where the killer gives a warning that they will kill the victim on the day they send the severed finger of Mr. Alvarez. Although there's no confirmation of the actual killer, do you think what's happening is a coincidence? No. The killer's intention is clear and steady, he's targeting sinful people." Each word she spoke was emphasized.

Seyren stared at her while Skyler looked intensely at a photo of a man's silhouette in the center of the board.

It had a question mark on the head, indicating they still didn't know who the killer was and had no suspects yet.

"As if he's not a sinful one himself" she mumbled.

---

Skyler, usually composed and analytical, showed a rare moment of vulnerability as she processed the information.

Her eyes flicked over the DNA results, then back to Seyren, who stood with a determined expression.

Skyler knew that this breakthrough was significant, but it also opened up a multitude of questions.

"We need another eye on Mr Alcantara." Skyler said, her voice steady but with a hint of urgency.

"If he were the root cause of all this, I want to arrist him myself. Seyren, I want you back on stalking him. Cooperate with Anthony who's on that field."

Even with hesitation, Seyren still nodded. Accepting the illegal mission she's going to do.

"I'll start looking into his background, and work with Detective Guerrero this saturday." Seyren agreed, earning a smile from Skyler.

"Don't worry, we're here to back you up if he ever comes to you" Seyren just smiled a bit.

"Fo now, go home, I know you have some errands to run tomorrow" Skyler's teasing tone earn a pout from the Detective she was with right now.

Seyren said her goodbyes and did not argue about going home a little earlier than usual.

As Seyren left to go home, Skyler remained inside their office all alone, facing the whiteboard, staring at the question mark over the silhouette.

She knew they were dealing with a meticulous and calculated individual.

The killer's methods were not only about eliminating victims but sending a message.

Each action was deliberate, each clue carefully placed to convey a story.

The revelation that Jean Ackerman had stolen Billie Mendez's identity after murdering her was a critical piece of the puzzle.

It showed the killer's twisted sense of justice, punishing those they deemed sinners.

Skyler felt a chill run down her spine as she realized they were dealing with someone who believed they were on a moral crusade.

"This killer is not just socially aware in media... She has connection with those people kaya nalalaman niya ang mga sikretong ganito." She murmured under her breath.

"This is actually pretty smart rather than killing random people... You outdone your own race, killer" she added, taking a deep breath.

The room was silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioning.

Skyler took a deep breath repeatedly, steeling herself for the challenges ahead.

She knew this case would test their limits, but she was determined to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice.

The day turned into night, and the detectives continued their investigation with unwavering focus.

They knew that every second counted, and they were determined to unravel the mystery that had ensnared them.

"Who's your 9th victim, huh? You're so hard to predict, Psycho Killer."

Unbeknownst to Skyler, a man's silhouette lingered not far away, hidden in the dark part of the building, watching her secretly.

The night cloaked him in shadows, his presence undetectable as he observed her every move with a cold, calculated stare.

His eyes glared intensely, and he held a sharp metal object, the kind that could easily be thrown and stabbed into the head of the detective, who was now alone in her office.

The light from her desk lamp cast a soft glow around her, contrasting sharply with the darkness that enveloped the man.

However, he didn't act on his murderous impulse.

Instead, he turned away and entered a room, where he took out his phone.

His fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before he dialed a number.

The room he had chosen was equally dark, a perfect place for someone who wanted to remain hidden.

"Ten Commandments..." Skyler muttered to herself, her mind racing as she stared at the whiteboard filled with clues and notes about the ongoing investigation.

She was piecing together the puzzle, but some parts still eluded her.

Her phone suddenly rang, breaking her concentration.

The caller ID was blank, appearing as a wrong number, but her instincts told her to answer it.

"Hello? Who's this?" she asked, her voice steady despite the uncertainty.

"You're so smart, Detective Avellino..." said a voice on the other end, distorted by a voice changer.

The unnatural sound sent a chill down her spine.

Skyler furrowed her brow at what she heard, her irritation growing as she tried to identify the caller.

"Are you-"

"Yes, I'm the psycho killer you're talking about. And you know what... I want to be called God's emissary." Skyler felt disgusted and grimaced at what she heard, but she held back, trying to maintain her composure.

"Do you think you're not sinning by doing what you're doing? Killing people is also a violation of the Ten Commandments," Skyler said, her voice firm as she tried to outsmart the killer, challenging his twisted sense of morality.

The killer laughed on the other end, a hollow and forced laugh, showing he truly felt no emotion.

The laugh echoed in the room, adding to the eeriness of the situation.

"Don't speak too soon, Detective Avellino. You may know me, but you don't know my story. All I can say is, don't think too much about me. Let's both watch the President's SONA and listen to what he says, even though all he does is gallivant in other countries like a lazy bum." The killer's voice intensified on the other end, dripping with contempt.

Before Skyler could retort, he hung up on her, leaving her with more questions than answers.

"Fuck!!" Skyler yelled at her phone and threw it in frustration.

The device hit the wall with a satisfying crunch, but the momentary relief was replaced by shock as she realized she had just broken her phone.

She hurried over to pick up the now-damaged phone, her mind racing with anger and frustration.

"Tanginang kamalasan 'to" she muttered to herself, blaming the killer even more for the unfortunate events in her life.

She knew she couldn't afford to lose her cool, not now.

The case was reaching a critical point, and every second counted.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but the weight of the conversation lingered in her mind.

Skyler looked around her office, the familiar surroundings now feeling oppressive.

She knew she needed to regroup and focus.

The killer was playing a game, and she needed to stay one step ahead.

She couldn't let him get into her head.

With determination, she picked up the files on her desk and started going through them again, searching for any clue that might have been overlooked.

She was not just determined to find the killer; she was desperate. In her overwhelming desperation, she failed to notice the man who slipped out of the room and, instead of approaching her, stealthily exited the headquarters.

The night outside was cool and quiet, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside her mind.

The man walked away briskly, his steps quickening as he put distance between himself and the headquarters.

Once he was a safe distance away, a few meters from the building, he lowered his mask and hoodie, revealing his face.

"OMG, is that Liam Alcantara?" whispered a woman who passed by Liam.

He smirked, his ego inflating as people recognized him, even in the dead of night.

He was used to the attention, the whispers, and the looks. It was all part of his carefully crafted persona.

However, the smirk vanished as soon as he felt the cold metal of the balisong he was holding.

The blade's edge glinted in the faint streetlight, a sharp reminder of his unfinished business. He hadn't used it on the detective, but he promised himself that he would use it on Skyler.

The thought of it sent a shiver of anticipation down his spine.

He tucked the balisong back into his pocket, his mind already calculating his next move.

The thrill of the hunt excited him, but he knew he had to be patient.

Skyler was a formidable opponent, and he needed to find the perfect moment to strike.

As he continued to walk through the dark streets, he passed a few more late-night wanderers.

Some recognized him, their eyes widening in surprise, but he ignored them.

His mind was solely focused on calculating his own moves.

Skyler is a threat for him. The biggest threat to be exact.

---

"Is that what you're going to wear?" Azara asked, raising an eyebrow and scrutinizing Seyren from top to bottom.

Seyren was dressed in a black long-sleeve polo with a white tank top underneath, paired with trousers.

"It's not much different from a skydiving suit," Seyren retorted, which led Azara to facepalm in exasperation.

"Fine, do what you want," Azara said, her tone carrying a mix of resignation and irritation as she opened the passenger seat door.

"Get in," Azara instructed with a firm edge to her voice.

Seyren, despite disliking the authoritative tone, complied and slid into the seat.

Azara took her place in the driver's seat, her gaze involuntarily drifting back to Seyren.

Her heart raced with a mounting anxiety that felt as though it might explode at any moment.

Admitting it or not, Azara found herself struck by Seyren's appearance.

Seyren's outfit accentuated her natural beauty, making her look even more attractive.

To Azara, Seyren was beautiful whether she was dressed up or not.

This realization was strange to Azara, as she had never felt jealousy toward Seyren's beauty before.

"What made you want to go skydiving?" Seyren broke the silence, her question slicing through the quiet.

"To feel alive," Azara replied with unwavering resolve.

She lit a cigarette, taking a drag and blowing the smoke out the window to keep the smell away from Seyren.

"You sure will feel alive doing that," Seyren said, her tone still skeptical.

The car fell silent again, and this time, Azara decided to initiate a new topic.

"I heard that the detectives have finally uncovered Billie Mendez's true identity," Azara said, glancing at Seyren.

Seyren, who had been gazing out the window at the passing houses, nodded absentmindedly.

"Jean Ackerman is behind the false identity. Billie Mendez actually died in that accident," Azara continued.

"Are there any traces or evidence that could help find the killer?" Azara asked, her voice laced with concern.

"None," Seyren responded curtly, which only served to frustrate Azara further.

Although usually reserved, Azara found herself speaking more freely than usual, driven by an unbearable silence.

"God, forgive me for what I'm about to do," Azara muttered in exasperation, unable to tolerate the quiet any longer.

---

"Ahhh~" Elowen moaned softly, her voice a blend of pleasure and contentment as her girlfriend, Skyler, lavished kisses on her neck.

They were at Elowen's home, enjoying a rare day off together.

The two were in bed, with Skyler positioned on top of Elowen, her hands gently pinned down by Skyler.

"Ohh fuck~" Elowen gasped, her eyes squeezed shut and her back arched sharply as she suddenly felt Skyler's knee pressing intimately against her.

Skyler grinned, her kisses trailing down to Elowen's cleavage, where a lingering purple mark from Skyler's earlier attention was still visible.

Skyler continued to move, crawling up Elowen's body to capture her lips once more in a passionate kiss.

Afterward, Skyler collapsed onto Elowen, her body relaxed but her expression still charged with emotion.

Elowen embraced her, laughing softly at the noticeable shift in Skyler's behavior.

"I'm sorry, I can't do it right now," Skyler said, her voice tinged with fatigue.

She revealed her exhaustion, which Elowen understood and accepted.

"I've been up all night worrying about work," Skyler added, her tone apologetic. Elowen's hug tightened, offering silent support.

"It's okay, I understand. I've been awake all night too. Why don't we just go to sleep?" Elowen suggested gently, and Skyler agreed with a weary nod.

"That will work," Skyler whispered, her voice soft and tired.

---

"Your legs are so long, yet you walk so damn slow," Azara complained as they finally reached their destination.

Seyren simply pouted and followed, like a reluctant puppy, her steps slow and deliberate.

They met with a skydiving instructor, who explained in detail the procedures they needed to follow before jumping, while in the air, and as they neared the ground.

The two listened attentively, fully aware that their safety was paramount.

After the briefing, they donned their skydiving suits and prepared to board the aircraft, readying themselves for the thrilling experience ahead.

"Shit parang ayaw ko na. Pwede po bang mag back out?" Seyren asked genuinely as the aircraft began its ascent, gradually lifting off the ground.

She felt an unsettling churn in her stomach at the breathtaking yet daunting view below.

The rising sensation of the aircraft, combined with the vast expanse of sky, brought a rush of anxiety that she couldn't ignore.

As the aircraft climbed higher, distancing itself from the Earth's crust, a series of vivid memories flashed before Seyren's eyes.

Her past-her successes and failures, her loves and losses-played out like a reel in her mind, leaving her feeling disoriented and overwhelmed.

Her knees trembling, Seyren chose to sit on the floor of the aircraft next to Azara, who had turned her attention completely towards her.

Azara's gaze was intensely focused on Seyren, her eyes moving from Seyren's expressive eyes, long eyelashes, pinkish lips, and pointy nose, to her long neck with a visible Adam's apple, sharp jawline, and her overall figure.

Azara was deeply captivated by Seyren's natural beauty, so much so that she momentarily lost sight of her original purpose for inviting Seyren on this skydiving adventure.

The allure of Seyren's presence was almost overwhelming.

"Seyren," Azara called gently, her voice soft yet firm, managing to break through Seyren's dazed state.

She reached out and touched Seyren's arm, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"I wanted to say sorry... I'm sorry for everything," Azara said, her voice laced with genuine remorse.

Seyren was startled by the unexpected apology.

Her mind struggled to process the words, but once she grasped their meaning, Seyren managed a sincere smile.

It was a rare and meaningful gesture that spoke volumes about her feelings.

"You don't have to. I forgave you before you even let me into your house," Seyren replied with a light tone, trying to ease the tension.

Azara shook her head, feeling that a simple apology was insufficient to mend what had transpired between them.

"You shouldn't be so quick to forgive," Azara said, her voice holding a note of concern.

"You don't need to apologize at all," Seyren said, her words carrying a sense of finality.

Azara looked at her intently, the weight of their shared past pressing down on both of them.

At that moment, their hearts seemed to synchronize, beating as one with the intensity of their unspoken connection.

Their eyes locked, and for a brief moment, the world outside the aircraft faded away.

"Ready to jump na po mga ma'am," the skydiving instructor announced, but Seyren appeared not to hear, lost in her thoughts and the growing excitement of the moment.

An idea struck Azara, and a determined smile spread across her face.

She stood up and helped Seyren to her feet, taking her hand with a firm yet reassuring grip.

They moved towards the aircraft door, and Azara guided Seyren forward, her presence both commanding and comforting.

"Do you trust me, Seyren?" Azara asked, her voice carrying a blend of earnestness and resolve as she adjusted her goggles.

Seyren, following suit, nodded, her expression a mix of apprehension and trust.

Azara made sure Seyren was facing her, and as their eyes met once more, she placed her hand on Seyren's chest.

She could feel the rapid beating of Seyren's heart, but she chose to focus on the task at hand.

With no hesitation, Azara pushed Seyren out of the aircraft, a move that widened Seyren's eyes in shock and elicited a startled cry from the instructor.

"Ma'am, she doesn't have a parachute!" the instructor shouted in alarm. Azara, undeterred, smiled and turned away from the open door.

"I know," she said calmly, stepping back from the edge.

She retrieved her own parachute and strapped it on, preparing for the jump.

"I trust you too, Seyren," Azara whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the roar of the wind.

She ran towards the door and leaped into the sky.

As she fell, Azara saw Seyren descending below, her eyes still closed in a state of calm.

Due to Azara's heavier weight plus the parachute in her back, she fell faster, reaching out her hand to grab Seyren.

Once she secured the metal clasp of her harness to Seyren's, Azara enveloped her in a protective embrace.

Despite the rapid heartbeat pounding in her chest, Seyren remained composed, her calmness a stark contrast to the adrenaline-charged environment.

When the time came, Azara pulled the parachute's release cord, and the sudden deceleration brought their descent to a more controlled speed.

The descent became smoother, and the ground approached gradually.

For Azara, it felt as though she had been reborn after a long period of emotional numbness, the experience reawakening a sense of vitality she hadn't felt in years.

As they landed softly on the ground, Seyren burst into laughter, lying down and reveling in the thrill of the moment.

Azara was initially surprised by Seyren's enthusiastic reaction but felt a wave of relief and joy at seeing her so happy.

Azara gently moved away from Seyren and lay down beside her, feeling a mix of satisfaction and contentment.

"That was exhilarating! I want to do it again!" Seyren exclaimed with childlike excitement, her face beaming with delight.

"You enjoyed it?" Azara asked, her curiosity piqued.

Seyren turned to face her, her smile warm and genuine.

"I love it," Seyren replied with heartfelt sincerity. Azara's gaze lingered on Seyren's smile, finding comfort in her happiness.

The sight of Seyren smiling brought a deep sense of joy to Azara's heart.

"You're not scared of me?"

"Scared? You are heavenly"

However, the happiness was fleeting as Azara's mind drifted back to her new concern, which loomed large and unresolved.

"Seyren..." Azara called softly, her tone tender and serious.

"Hhmm?"

"I'm going to tell you something that no one else knows."

"What is it?" Seyren asked, her curiosity evident.

"I'm pregnant."

---

"Doc, possible po ba talagang magkaroon ng psychopath na anak ang isang Psychopath."

Neome sat on the sofa, her posture tense and her eyes fixed intently on the psychologist seated across from her.

She could feel a knot tightening in her stomach as the psychologist began explaining the concept of psychopathy.

The doctor's calm, methodical explanations only seemed to intensify Neome's anxiety.

Every definition and description felt like another blow to her already frayed nerves.

Her mind was racing, her thoughts a turbulent storm as she grappled with the idea of her brother potentially having children who might inherit his traits.

The very thought of future generations possibly reflecting his disturbing characteristics was almost too much to bear.

Neome's fear of this potential reality was palpable, making her almost physically ill.

"But hey, it's not just psychopaths who lack empathy," the psychologist interjected, trying to provide some clarity.

"Sociopaths also exhibit a lack of empathy, but they are generally more reckless and do experience a range of emotions, unlike psychopaths."

The psychologist's attempt to differentiate between the two conditions did little to ease Neome's anxiety.

Instead, it only added to her confusion and distress.

Neome's brow furrowed deeply, her mind struggling to comprehend the additional layer of complexity introduced.

"What is a sociopath?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly with a mix of fear and curiosity.

The term was new to her, and she needed to understand how it differed from psychopathy and what implications it might have for her brother's future, if any.

"A sociopath is someone with antisocial personality disorder who shows a consistent disregard for others' rights and feelings. They are often impulsive, reckless, and lack remorse. Unlike psychopaths, sociopaths can experience a range of emotions but still struggle with forming genuine emotional connections."

"Namamana ba 'yon?"

"Nope, sociopaths were made but psychopaths were born." Neome nodded quietly, the weight of the psychologist's explanations settling heavily on her shoulders.

After a lengthy session filled with probing questions and anxious contemplation, she had decided to head home.

The prospect of returning to her brother's presence, however, was daunting.

When she arrived, she found Liam already at the house, even though she had explicitly asked him not to be there.

The sight of him triggered a wave of unease. Neome's fear was palpable, reflected in the way her eyes widened as she took in her brother's relaxed demeanor.

Liam greeted her with an easy, wide smile, as though nothing was amiss.

"Oh, you're here! How about we watch a movie together?" he suggested, his voice cheerful and inviting.

Neome, feeling overwhelmed and unsettled, could only manage a small shake of her head.

Without engaging further, she turned and walked briskly toward her room, the familiar dread of her brother's presence following her as she shut the door behind her.

The idea of spending time with him in such a relaxed setting felt incongruous with the turmoil she was experiencing.

She took her time to calm herself, trying to manage her racing thoughts and the anxiety that had been building up throughout the day.

It was a long and difficult process, but eventually, exhaustion overwhelmed her.

She drifted into a deep sleep, worn out by the emotional turmoil and the relentless pace of her day.

When she woke, it was already afternoon. The room felt quiet and still, a stark contrast to the chaos of her earlier thoughts.

As she stepped out of her room, she found the house empty, and her brother was nowhere to be seen.

However, the table in the living area was set with a meal, and beside it lay a note.

Neome approached the table and picked up the note, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected gesture.

She unfolded it and read the message written in her brother's familiar handwriting:

"I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable. I won't bother you anymore. Here's a peace offering."

The note was a simple yet sincere apology, accompanied by the food he had prepared as a gesture of goodwill.

It was clear that Liam was attempting to make amends and acknowledge her feelings, hoping to offer some semblance of peace between them.

Despite the strained relationship and the tension that had been building, the note provided a brief moment of calm and understanding, allowing Neome to reflect on their complicated dynamics with a little less tension.

Yet it's all just temporary as she knows she's dealing with the Red Bulls' first child.

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