Chapter 27

I am looking from Liam to Tom, who stood tall and nobody backs down from their staring contest. They didn't even notice I'm already in the room until Sophie called me.

" Mommy! You look so pretty!" She exclaimed. It was then that Tom and Liam both looked at me. Liam's eyes grew wide, and he gasped.

" Wow! Bella, you look gorgeous." Tom was the first one to recover while Liam is still tongue-tied. Then his facial expression changed. There are pain and jealousy? He glared at Tom again and looked back at me.

" Baby, aren't you a little under-dressed? Where is your coat? At least cover yourself, babe. I wouldn't want you to catch a cold." He said with a disapproving look.

" I'll go get it, hon," Mom volunteered and left the room.

" What are you doing here, Liam?" I asked Liam. He gave Sophie to Collette and approached me. He is staring at me differently, and it gives me butterflies.

" I told you I'd come back to check on Sophie, right? And since you're going out, I'll keep her company until you come home. Make sure you have her back before 11, Mr. Peters." He told Tom but his eyes never leaving my face.

He tucked my hair on my ear and smiled sadly. He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes as if trying to control whatever it is he's feeling.

" You don't have to wait for me, Liam. Mom is here. She'll look after Sophie. Her fever is gone, so I don't think you have to worry anymore. You can't leave Taylor alone. I'd feel bad for her if you do that." I told him, smiling.

" Taylor went back home, babe, and she's never coming back. We broke up this afternoon, and she went back to New York." He informed me, and I wanted to shout, but I caught myself and put on a poker face. Even though deep inside, I'm jumping up and down for joy.

I glanced at Collette, who had a secretive smile on her face. So that is her secret, she knows that this news will make me happy. I gave her a glare telling her she's in trouble for not telling me in advance. I wouldn't be caught off guard right now.

" Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, Liam. Are you okay?" I asked him although I wanted to shout and dance.

" Are you, really? Because I'm not. It's bound to happen. We never really click. It just took a long time for me to realize that." He said, smiling down at me. I didn't realize we are excluding everybody in there until Tom made his presence known.

" Ahm, Bella, we really have to go. We have a reservation at the Hampton's for 7 pm, and I don't want us to get caught in the traffic." He said, and I smiled at him apologetically.

" Oh, yeah, I'm so sorry, Tom. Okay, we should go now. Mom, thank you for fetching my coat, and Liam, thank you for being here. I wouldn't worry too much knowing you're here with Sophie and mom. Collette, I'll talk to you later and thank you." I glared at my best friend, who gave me a wink, and laughed.

" Anytime, babe. Mr. Peters, please have her back before eleven? I'm sure two hours is enough for dinner unless you're dining in another state, and hands-off, please." Liam gave Tom a warning look. Tom raised his brows and chuckled.

" As far as I know, Dr. Jones, you're not her father and definitely not her boyfriend. I believe she has a mind of her own and can decide whether she wants to come home early or not." Tom replied to Liam with a malicious smile.

He is taunting Liam, and Liam's reaction was obviously not good. His lips curled with disgust, and muscles along his jaw tensed. Before something happens, I cut the tense situation and dragged Tom to the door.

" Alright, let's go! Liam, I will be back three hours max, alright? I wouldn't want to leave Sophie that long either. Thanks for the concern. Mom, we're leaving." I looked at Liam helplessly, asking him to back down.

" Alright, dear, have fun. Mr. Peters, I'm entrusting my daughter to you, have her back safely." Mom replied and looked at Tom pointedly.

" I will, mam. I will have your precious daughter home safely." Tom answered her with a smile. I put on my coat before going out of the door. Liam and Collette followed us outside. Liam is still looking at Tom differently. If looks could kill, Tom would probably be six feet under by now.

" Remember, Mr. Peters, before eleven and hands to yourself. Bella, call me if you need me, okay? I'll be waiting, babe. I wouldn't say have fun, but be careful." After saying that, he kissed me on the forehead and squeezed my hand.

There's something in his eyes I cannot explain. I smiled at him and went with Tom to his car. Collette and Liam are standing close to each other. Collette gave his brother a side hug as if trying to pacify him. What's up with that. He looks like he's about to cry.

I was still looking at them in the side mirror until they're out of sight. I sighed and looked ahead, clutching my hands together, wishing I never left.

" So, what's the deal between you and Dr. Jones, Bella?" I heard Tom asked, and I turned to look at him in confusion.

" There's nothing between us, Mr. Peters. What made you say that?" I asked him, puzzled at his question.

" Well, he's obviously jealous and very protective of you. Is there something I should know? Is he Sophie's father?" He poked, and I froze.

" What?! No! We were just very close. He acts like an older brother ever since we were young. We practically grew up together, and he's been like that since." I explained to him, feeling apprehensive.

" Oh, okay. Well, it doesn't look like he was acting as a brother a while ago. It's more like a jealous boyfriend." He chuckled, and I laughed awkwardly.

" Anyway, you do look gorgeous tonight, Bella, and thank you for accepting my invitation." He glanced at me and smiled. I smiled back and thanking him, wanting this night to be over.

I regretted I accepted his invitation. Don't get me wrong. Tom is a nice guy, but knowing that Liam is waiting for me back home, there's nothing I want more than to go back. God, I hope I survive this night.