Harper
The handwriting was unmistakably Grayson’s, scribbled years ago during our high school days.
Five vouchers.
“Harper’s amazing. She’s funny, intelligent, and completely understands me. If only her face matched the beauty of her heart, lol. She’s way too obvious about loving me, always acting like I’m the center of her universe. I do feel something for her, but I don’t have to settle for someone like her. We’re best friends, but when we’re out in public, we look like total opposites. That’s how I know I can do better. Harper and I as a couple? No chance!”
Flipping to another page, I read, “The one and only Tiffany Aldridge is now my girlfriend. I always knew I deserved someone like her. And the best part? I still get to keep Harper around because what would she be without me? She’ll always be there for me, no matter what.”
My hands shook as I turned page after page, absorbing his confessions—how I was just convenient, how he used me without truly caring.
“I didn’t really have an emergency today; I just wanted to see how Harper would react. As usual, she showed up. She just can’t say no to me.”
Tears blurred my vision, finally spilling onto the open page. I struggled to catch my breath, covering my mouth with trembling fingers. How could he have played me so cruelly, right under my nose, all this time?
Over the years, he had written countless notes about me—about how I boosted his ego every time I followed him blindly, unable to refuse. He held power over me because I was hopelessly in love with him.
With every new page I read, the pain deepened. I realized I was only setting myself up for more heartbreak, and I couldn’t bear it any longer. Clutching the book tightly, I closed it and shut my eyes, struggling to steady my ragged breaths.
I should have felt relief that, for all those years, he felt something for me. But how could I, when he had made it so clear that we’d never be right for each other because I wasn’t attractive enough?
When he climbed back up the ladder, I didn’t even glance over my shoulder. He was the one person I had trusted with my heart, and he’d treated it like garbage—all because he thought he deserved better.
My shoulders trembled violently as emotions overwhelmed me, but I forced myself to stiffen, swallowing back my sobs.
“Harp, are you done yet?” he called as he stepped inside. “My wife needs me home as soon as possible. We should go.”
He rambled on about how Tiffany was nagging him over the phone, but the more he spoke, the more irritating he sounded. I just wanted him to shut up.
Mid-sentence, I spun around to face him, making him freeze. His eyes widened as he noticed the tears streaming down my cheeks.
“Whoa, what happened?” he asked, stepping closer. “Is everything—” His voice faltered when his gaze landed on the book in my hand.
Five vouchers.
Recognition dawned on his face, and the fact that I was holding it meant I’d read it.
He parted his lips to speak again, but no words came. I waited, bracing myself for whatever excuse he might offer, but he was silent.
I said nothing, letting the tears fall freely as I stared directly at him. For so long, I had admired every feature of his face—the handsome smile, the charm. But now, all I saw was the selfish boy who made everything about himself by exploiting my feelings.
“I… I can explain,” he finally whispered, exhaling deeply.
I scoffed, wiping my cheeks. “No need. It’s all crystal clear in here. I’m done reading.” I shoved the book hard against his chest, making him stumble back with a grunt.
There was no point in waiting for his explanation. I hadn’t misunderstood anything. His intentions had always been painfully obvious.
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