Wake Up Leave The Liar novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3

But he didn’t think much of it-just assumed I was tired from work.

As usual, he opened the Jeep door for me, ready to drive us home.

But during the whole ride, his eyes kept drifting toward Lila.

In the backseat, she whispered funny hospital stories, her laughter light and clear.

Noah wasn’t much of a talker, but somehow he still answered at all the right moments, his voice softer than he probably realized.

We were almost at the military housing when a scrawny white cat darted across the road.

Noah hit the brakes hard-but still clipped it.

Oh no!” Lila gasped, already out of the car.

She knelt beside the kitten, trembling hands scooping it up. Its tiny leg was bleeding, its cries weak and sharp.

Her eyes filled with tears. “Captain Bennett, it’s so pitiful… Can we keep it? But I just started my internship. I barely make enough to eat. And since I’m staying with Dr. Carter, I don’t know if she’d be okay with a cat…”

Noah turned to me immediately, his tone firm, as if the answer was obvious.

No way. Ella loves animals too. She won’t mind.”

Then he looked back at Lila, his voice softening.

“Don’t worry about the money. I’ll cover the food and vet bills.”

Lila’s tears vanished like magic. She broke into a bright smile.

Really? Captain Bennett, you’re the best!”

She cradled the cat gently, thinking aloud. “She’s white… how about Nola?”

Noah’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Yeah. Nice name.”

Nola

Noah’s No. Lila’s 1a.”

Even the damn cat had both their names woven into it.

I just stood there, watching. The irony sliced through me like glass-sharp, clean, cold.

My chest burned, every breath tight.

Lila suddenly seemed to remember I existed. She hugged the cat closer, flustered.

“Dr. Carter, please don’t be mad! I didn’t mean anything by the name. It’s just -Captain Bennett’s helping pay for her, so he’s kind of half her owner, right? So I just thought-

I cut her off with a thin, brittle smile. My voice was flat.

“Why would I be mad? It’s not like he has anything to do with me anymore.”

I didn’t raise my voice, but the words landed sharp and clear.

Noah, busy soaking up the easy warmth between them, barely heard me.

“Ella?” he asked, distracted. “What did you just say?”

I looked at him. The emptiness in his eyes hit me harder than anything else.

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