One answer

Emma stared at him. The question hung in the air. *Does he do that for you?*

She didn't answer right away. She just let the words sink in and started mentally auditing her relationship. She thought about Tom. She thought about his endless complaints about his boss, his weekend shifts, and his focus on getting ahead in his job. She was the one working a job she hated to pay their bills. She was the one making all the sacrifices. He just took it all for granted and expected her to be happy about it.

Then she looked at Liam. He ran his own successful business. He was stable, grounded, and actually remembered what she wanted to do with her life. He was sitting right here, talking to her like her dreams actually mattered.

The realisation hit her hard. It was a complete mental shift. The guilt she had felt lying to Tom on the phone just vanished. It was replaced by a cold, clear sense of entitlement. She told herself she wasn't doing anything wrong. She was just getting some much needed time to vent.

"He tries," Emma said. Her voice was flat, completely sure of itself now. "But he gets wrapped up in what the plans should be."

Liam nodded slowly. He didn't push it. He just took a sip of his beer, looking perfectly relaxed. "That's a shame," he said calmly. "You shouldn't have to settle for a someone who doesn't appreciate what he has, you should tell him what you want to do."

His calm agreement locked it in, she should think of her own happiness more. She was a whole person and Liam recognising that in her felt... unexpected. When had he got so mature and wise?