From Betrayal to New Love

Adrianna Simmons had spent three years longing for Zander Greene, believing she had finally won his heart. She thought her devotion had touched him. But one fateful night, she overheard a conversation between Zander and his friend Ryder White that shattered her illusions.

"Iyla wants us to attend the same grad school," Zander said with an indifferent chuckle. "So I pretended to be with Adrianna. Not only does she help me with my studies, but she's also a convenient backup."

His words hit Adrianna like a cold wave, leaving her numb and frozen in the doorway with a six-pack of beer in her hand. She barely managed to hold onto it as her world crumbled around her.

Iyla Austin, Zander’s childhood friend, was a constant annoyance—or so he had claimed. Whenever her name came up, he would roll his eyes and talk about how no one could find her tomboyish ways attractive. "I prefer gentle, quiet girls," he'd say, and Adrianna, believing him, had tried to fit that mold.

Standing there now, she realized all her efforts had been for nothing, a cruel joke at her expense. Zander had only agreed to be with her to use her as a tutor and a convenient companion. The man she had admired was nothing more than a facade.

"Wow, you really know how to work the system," Ryder's voice broke through her thoughts, dripping with admiration. "Juggling both worlds. Aren't you worried Iyla will get upset if she finds out?"

"Iyla's cool with it," Zander replied, his tone leisurely and unconcerned. "She’s not stuck in old-fashioned ideas. Besides, there's no rule saying a guy has to stick to one woman, and it's not like I love Adrianna."

"But she's been so good to you—getting up early to buy you breakfast, waiting in line for coffee. Do you really feel nothing for her?" Ryder asked.

Desperate to hear Zander's answer, Adrianna edged closer to the door, straining her ears.

"Of course not," Zander responded casually. "I've only known her a few years. Iyla and I grew up together, and nobody can come between us."

The casual tone of his voice was like a knife twisting in her chest. All her dedication, three years of it, had meant nothing to him.

The realization suffocated her. The man she had loved wasn't the shining light she thought he was; he was merely a shadow, cold and unfeeling.