Chapter Three: Truth in the Open
Alina stood in front of her mirror, staring at herself.
Her hand brushed the soft fabric of her blouse as she took a deep breath. She wasn't wearing a disguise anymore. No hoodie, no hidden identity. For the first time in weeks, she was ready to let someone in—really in.
Today, she was going to tell Liam the truth.
Not just little pieces.
Everything.
It was a sunny Saturday. The art center was closed for the day, and Liam had invited her to a quiet picnic by the lake. Alina packed sandwiches and fresh fruit. Her heart thudded with every step toward the place they agreed to meet.
He was already there, sitting on a checkered blanket under a tree, sketchpad in his lap. He looked up as she approached, his smile warm and calm.
"You brought food?" he asked.
She nodded. "Hope you're okay with peanut butter and banana."
"That's my favorite," he said with a wink.
They sat under the shade, watching ducks glide over the water. A few kids laughed in the distance. Everything felt simple. Peaceful.
But not for long.
"There's something I need to tell you," Alina said, her voice soft but steady.
Liam set his sketchpad aside. "Okay."
She looked down at her hands. "I haven't been honest. Not really."
He didn't speak, just waited.
"I'm not just some girl who moved to town. I'm… the CEO of RivTech. Alina Rivers is my full name."
Liam blinked.
"I needed a break," she continued. "From the attention. From people who only cared about my money or power. So I left everything behind and came here. I didn't expect to meet you. Or… care this much."
Liam stared at her for a long moment. Then he looked out at the lake.
"Wow," he said.
She nodded. "Yeah."
He stayed quiet for a bit, then turned back to her.
"You thought I'd only like you if you were… small?"
"No," she said quickly. "I thought maybe, if someone liked me when they thought I had nothing, it might be real."
"And was I real?" he asked gently.
"Yes," she whispered. "You've been the realest thing I've had in years."
He smiled a little. "I don't care about your title, Alina. I care about how you look at the world. How you talk to kids. How you bring me peanut butter sandwiches."
A small laugh broke from her lips.
He reached out and took her hand.
"You didn't lie to hurt anyone," he said. "You were protecting yourself. I get that."
Tears welled in her eyes. Not sad tears. Not really. More like the kind that show up when your heart finally exhales.
"You're not mad?"
"No. But I do expect you to let me paint you one day. CEO crown and all."
She laughed again, wiping her eyes. "Deal."
They ate in easy silence for a while. Then Liam asked, "So… what happened with that guy? The one you mentioned—Jay?"
Alina's smile faded a little.
"He thought I was poor. Treated me like dirt. Then chased after a girl he thought was rich. Turns out, she was faking too. He only came back when he found out the truth about me."
"And you shut the door?"
"Hard," she said. "And I locked it."
"Good," Liam said. "Because he didn't deserve you."
Alina looked at him. "And what do you think I deserve?"
He met her eyes, serious now.
"Someone who knows your worth even when the world forgets. Someone who would've picked you even if you were the one with nothing."
Her heart swelled.
Later that evening, as the sky turned gold and orange, Alina rested her head on Liam's shoulder. She felt light. Free. Seen.
And safe.
But the world outside their little bubble wasn't quiet.
The next morning, Alina's assistant, Claire, called.
"Alina, we have a problem."
"What kind?" Alina asked, sitting up in bed.
"There's a video."
Alina's stomach dropped. "What kind of video?"
"Jay. He's been posting online. Talking about your past relationship. Making it sound like you used him. That he's the victim."
Alina's mouth went dry. "Of course he did."
"It's getting attention," Claire said. "People are asking questions. Some are defending you. Others aren't."
Alina stood and began pacing. "I'll handle it."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," she said. "I won't let him control the story."
That afternoon, she called a press conference.
For the first time in months, she stood in front of cameras again, but this time, she wasn't hiding.
"I stepped away from the spotlight to find peace," she told the crowd. "I met people who showed me who I really am, and what I want. One of those people tried to use my story for his own gain. But I won't allow lies to shape my truth."
She didn't mention Jay by name. She didn't need to.
"I'm proud of who I am. I'm proud of what I've built. And I won't apologize for looking for love in a simple way."
She walked off the stage to quiet murmurs and camera flashes.
Later that night, Liam met her at the park.
"I saw the video," he said.
"Of the press conference?"
"Yeah. You were incredible."
Alina leaned against him, her breath warm in the cool air.
"I'm scared," she admitted. "People are going to judge. They always do."
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
"Let them. The people who matter? They'll see the truth."
She looked up at him.
"Will you stay?" she asked.
He nodded. "As long as you'll let me."
And just like that, the girl who had hidden her heart for so long finally let someone hold it without fear.
The truth was out.
And love—real love—was finally in.