POV: Ava Mitchell(FL)
June 8, 2023. The date still lingers in my heart like an echo that refuses to fade. The sun had begun to set behind the hills that framed the town, casting a soft golden light on everything it touched. The garden was decorated with soft fairy lights, peach-colored drapes, and the faint scent of lilies in the summer air.
It was Riley's sister's wedding. I wasn't supposed to attend—it was one of those last-minute decisions, and I hadn't even planned an outfit. But that purple and maroon dress in the back of my closet called out to me. It flowed like a breeze and hugged just right. For once, I felt... presentable.
I didn't know that by the end of the night, a simple glance would be carved into my memory forever.
Riley, my best friend, waved me over to where a group of cousins had gathered—some younger, some around my age. Laughter floated in the air like background music. I joined in, smiling politely, silently praying I wouldn't have to talk too much. That's when I saw him.
Liam Carter.
He stood tall, relaxed, with a soft smirk playing on his lips. He wore a plain blue button-down shirt with beige jeans. His sleeves were casually rolled up, showing off his forearms—like he didn't even try to look good but still managed to look heartbreakingly handsome. His dark hair was slightly messy, like the wind had been playing with it all day. I could've sworn the moment paused when he walked in.
I didn't know him—only that he was Riley's cousin. But in that instant, something shifted. I didn't believe in love at first sight, but I believed in something. A flutter. A pulse. A spark.
We were sitting on floor cushions in a loose circle—me, Riley, a few of her cousins, and some younger teens chatting about random things. I was laughing at something Riley's brother had said when the adults came and began to take seats around us. The circle broke, and people started shifting.
That's when Liam moved and sat beside me. Just like that.
So close I could hear his breath between his quiet chuckles.
We didn't say a word to each other at first. But he turned his head—and our eyes met.
His eyes weren't just brown. They were warm. Familiar. Calming. The kind of eyes you could get lost in without even realizing you were falling. I looked away quickly, pretending to focus on the conversation, but my heart had already left my chest and gone to him.
That's the moment I started falling for him.
And the worst part? I didn't even know his name yet.
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