Chapter 30 A Question of Distance
Teresa and her mother had kept a bedside vigil for Patrick throughout the day. As dusk settled, Liam arrived to check on his uncle before offering Teresa a ride home.
The drive was quiet until Liam broke the silence, weighing his words carefully. "Teresa, have you really thought this through—going abroad for studies?"
The idea of her being away for a year really made him worry; he was worried that the distance might change her, might change them.
"You know, some things aren't essential to learn. After we get married, I'll provide for us," he said, trying to mask his concern.
"But I need to do this," Teresa insisted, she was almost begging him.
She was aware that her family's wealth could cover all her life expenses for more than a hundred lifetimes, but she wanted a path of her own making.
Pulling up to the Bennett estate, Liam turned to her, his voice laced with seriousness. "Do you have to go?"
Her response was firm, her eyes locking with his. "I'd regret it forever if I didn't."
Liam's laugh was tinged with surrender before he leaned in for a kiss, which Teresa reciprocated fully.
After a moment, he pulled back. "It's late. Go rest. I'll see you tomorrow for another visit with your dad, okay?"
"Take care of yourself too." she responded, reaching for the door handle.
Liam's hand caught hers suddenly. "Teresa?"
She turned back, startled, she blushed. "Yes?"
"Can I... stay tonight?" he asked, his whispered.
Teresa's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks turned even redder.
But as Liam's kiss claimed hers with renewed urgency, her pulse raced. They were lost in the moment until a sudden warmth reminded her where they were, and she gently pushed him away.
"I'm sorry, Liam, I..." Teresa's voice trailed off, her thoughts tumbling back to a night she wished to forget.
"No, I'm the one who should be sorry," Liam soothed, his touch light on her face, his apology a soft brush against her lips. "I rushed things."
Conflicted, Teresa bit her lip, unsure of what to say next.
"Let's call it a night. I'll be here in the morning," he reassured her.
With a nod, she exited the car and walked towards her home.
"Sleep well," Liam called after her, and she offered a small wave in reply, waiting until his car disappeared before getting inside the house.
"Teresa!" a voice called. It was a voice she recognized, one that brought a chill despite its familiarity. Slowly, she turned around...
