---- Chapter 174, However, since Liam clearly didn't want to talk about it, Wendy didn't want to force him either. The car ride to the hospital was silent. Neither of them spoke aword. It wasn't until they pulled into the parking lot that Liam finally said, "When you move to Veloria, you can stay with me. Wendy froze. "Why are you bringing this up now? Besides, I've already applied for a dorm." "Living with strangers can be inconvenient .

But if you don't want to, just pretend I didn't say anything." Without waiting for her response, he got out of the car. He didn't wait for her like he usually did. Wendy hurried after him and finally understood where his mood had been coming from all morning -he thought she was trying to distance herself. Things were different abroad. Her marriage wasn't a secret, but her divorce was. She didn't want people whispering about her relationship with Liam.

And since she couldn't control what people said, the only thing she could do was manage how she carried herself. She caught up to him and asked directly, "Liam, did you ---- misunderstand something?" Liam glanced at her. "I don't think I misunderstood anything. He sped up, forcing Wendy to jog a little just to keep up. "Then what are you mad about?" she asked, panting a little as they stopped at the elevator. "Just tell me." Liam remained silent.

Frustrated , she added, "Liam, is this really how you want to handle this? It hurts our friendship." They had made a promise to each other along time ago-if one of them was upset, they had to speak up. Otherwise , the other would never know, and that would only lead to more hurt. His expression finally shifted. He gave her a sideways glance. "So, are you not worried about people misunderstanding things between us anymore?" She looked around. "No one's here." She shouldn't have said that.

Liam's expression turned cold again when the words left her mouth. Wendy cleared her throat. "We're good friends. That's all. I'm keeping my distance because I don't want you hurt. I hope you can understand that." ---- Just then, the elevator doors opened, but Liam hesitated. Wendy stepped in first and held the door for him. "We finally reconnected after all these years. Let's not ruin it over something like thi Liam looked at her.

Her usual calm demeanor was replaced with something a little more tentative , almost like she was trying to coax him. And that softened him. He'd never seen her like this before. He lowered his gaze. "If we're just good friends, then there's no need to avoid being seen together. There's nothing going on... right?" It sounded like a statement, but it felt more like something he was telling himself to suppress the feelings that had quietly been growing inside him.

Wendy didn't notice the shift in his tone. She nodded earnestly. "You're right. I'm sorry. I shouldn't care so much about what others think." Liam gave a faint hum and didn't say anything more. Still, Wendy could tell his mood had improved. The minor tension between them didn't drive a wedge; if anything, it made her more fearless when it came to other people's opinions. Most of the hospital staff were kind, and no one had ever said anything bad about her behind her back anyway. ---- As she watched Liam walk ahead, Wendy felt much better.