Echoes of a Lost Love

Olive looked at me, her voice dripping with fake humility. "I'm sorry for upsetting you. If it bothers you that much, I'll quit. Just don't fight because of me."

Tears glistened on her cheeks, a performance worthy of an Oscar.

Everyone bought it, their glares branding me the villain. Silent, they glanced at Shawn, who felt embarrassed and let go of my hand.

He went to her side and comforted her gently.

He took me to dinner as promised, but I couldn't taste a thing. He babbled about Olive. "She is like a sister to me. Her parents asked me to give her a job. I didn't tell you because I was afraid that you'd overthink it. If I liked her, we'd have been together ages ago. I know you just care about me, and you know how much you mean to me."

His sincerity almost convinced me.

Then he pulled out a pair of rings, sliding one onto his finger and the other onto mine. "These are all I can afford now, but when I make it big, I'll get you the biggest diamond in the world."

I leaned into his warmth, the ring glinting on my finger. My doubts faded like morning mist.

But he broke that promise.

Soon, he stopped hiding his bond with Olive. Rumors swirled that he had dumped me for her.

Before I could trace the gossip, Olive cornered me, her usual shy smile replaced by a smug sneer. "You know what's pathetic? Chasing a guy like you did. Shawn loves me. Be smart and back off."

I clenched my fists, ignoring her taunts, but she pushed her luck, mistaking my silence for weakness. "If you won't face reality, I'll make you."

...

I told Shawn, expecting him to have my back.

Instead, he sighed over the phone, exasperated. "Nothing's going on with Olive. Why do you keep making stuff up? I've known her forever. She's not like that."

I raised my voice. "I made things up? What kind of person do you think I am?"

He went quiet, then said, "If you don't like her, I'll let her go after her internship."