Goodbye to Yesterday's Love

Just as I prepared to go to my father's grave, my cousin, Demi Johnson, intercepted me at the stairs.

She asked me to help her prepare for her 20th birthday. So, I tried to push past her, but Demi blocked my way.

In a flash, she lost her footing and fell from the secondfloor landing, tumbling down to the first floor with a gasp.

It was in that instant, my two closest friends since childhood, Morgan Andrews and Nate Hawkins arrived at the house.

The shock on their faces told me they had drawn the worst conclusion, so I tried to explain, but they would not listen.

Morgan and Nate used to be my guardian angels, but here they were, standing across me with cold expressions, with Demi nestled between them, casting herself as the victim.

My heart could not help but sink when realizing if they decided to trust Demi, a newcomer they had known only a year, than me who had been with them for fifteen years.

I made a decision and called my mother "Mom, I accept your proposal. I am willing to marry Luke!"

Demi wore an impatient expression and crossed her arms firmly.

“My birthday is in two days, Ariel. We can visit your father’s grave later, but my party preparations can’t wait. I want it to be perfect, and I want it planned early,” she insisted, her tone leaving little room for discussion.

Taken aback, I shook my head. “But today is….”

But she cut me off sharply, “I don’t care what today is, Ariel! I want the party to be perfect, and I want it planned early.”

Demi stood there, arms crossed and eyes narrowed. Despite being two years younger, she never showed me any respect. Instead, she acted like the queen of the household, lording over me in my own home.

The cruelty of her words struck me like a slap too. A year ago, my father had sacrificed everything to protect her, but then, on the very day that marked his passing, she was demanding I help her throw a lavish party.

In that moment, grief and anger surged within me, filling me with memories of my father. He had been my rock, my protector, the one who had loved me unconditionally. How could she not care that this day marked his loss?

"Demi, are you losing your mind?” I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady even as anger surged within me. “Don’t you remember how tragically my father lost his life, for you?”

“Oh, grow up, Ariel!” Demi cut me off, rolling her eyes as if I were being unreasonable. “Why can’t you just let it go? He’s gone, and you’re still here. You’re the one making this into such a big deal.”

“Demi, you’re unbelievable!” I shouted, my voice raw with emotion. “Do you honestly think you can make me forget today? Or pretend my father’s sacrifice did not happen?”

She folded her arms defiantly, as if daring me to continue.

I could not stand another second of her dismissiveness. “I’m done listening to this,” I muttered, pushing past her toward the stairs.

Demi grabbed my arm, trying to stop me from leaving. “Where do you think you’re going?” she demanded, digging her nails into my wrist.

The argument escalated, voices rising, words becoming angrier and more frantic as emotions flared.

In the heat of the moment, I pulled my arm free, and in a split second, Demi lost her balance. Her eyes widened in surprise as she tumbled backward, falling from the secondfloor landing down to the first floor with a horrified gasp.

My heart froze. For a moment, I could not breathe when I saw her lying there, sprawled out at the bottom of the stairs.

But just as I was about to rush down, the front door opened, and my childhood friends, Morgan and Nate, walked in. Their faces turned to shock as they took in the scene, and immediately I could see the worst assumption flash in their eyes.

“Morgan, Nate, this isn’t what it looks like!” I called, rushing down the stairs. “She fell, but I swear I did not push her!” My voice shook with desperation as I tried to explain, but they barely spared me a glance.

Morgan’s gaze was steely, disappointment etched into his expression as he walked past me to Demi. “Demi, are you okay?” he asked softly, pulling her into a hug to comfort her.

Nate, who was training to be a doctor, had already dialed for an ambulance and knelt down to check for injuries.

He shot me a cold, disapproving look. “Ariel, I thought I knew you,” he said quietly. “I never thought you would hurt her.”

His words stung, each syllable cutting deeper than I thought possible. They had been my friends for over fifteen years, friends who had stood up for me when others had mocked me for my mother’s absence, friends who had once been my greatest supporters.

It felt as though they were turning their backs on me, dismissing all the years of loyalty and laughter as if it meant nothing. All because of Demi, who they had known for barely a year.

At that moment, I understood that everything had changed. My father was gone, and my closest friends, the people my father had trusted to look after me after my mother left, were gone too. Demi had somehow cast her spell over them, erasing our history and replacing it with lies.

Soon, the paramedics arrived and took Demi away, with Morgan and Nate following closely behind, their concern for her blocking out anything I might have said.

I was left standing there, alone in the echo of their silence, the realization sinking in that place no longer held anything for me. I had no one left who truly cared.

I took one last look at the house I had once called home, then left, finally making my way to my father’s grave.

As I stood by his resting place, my phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. I glanced at the screen and saw my mother’s name.

My mother, Cecile Burton, was a famous businesswoman in Warlington. Although she had been divorced for fifteen years from my father, she decided not to remarry and chose to focus on her career.

She also never forgot to send me pocket money every month. Someone who was kind and cared for me, but I never knew her in person, because we just did video calls since then.

After taking a deep breath, I answered, “Hello, Mom?”

“Oh, Ariel! I was worried you would not pick up. Today’s your father’s anniversary, and I thought you might be... well, mourning. So, are you okay today, dear?” Her voice was gentle, and her words brought an ache to my chest.

For the first time that day, someone had asked how I was doing and had shown concern.

“Yes, Mom,” I replied, my voice thick with the tears I had tried so hard to hold back. “Everything is fine here. How about you?”

There was a pause on her end before she sighed. “Oh, dear, I wish I could be there with you today. But unfortunately, I need to be hospitalized for a while these days.”

I gripped the phone tighter, my tears slipping free. “What? Why... What's wrong? Are you okay?”

“It’s nothing too serious, dear, just a reality of getting older,” she said, trying to sound reassuring.

Then, she continued before I could answer, “But, Ariel, I would love it if you could come to visit soon. We could celebrate your graduation together and maybe, one day, I would get to see you walk down the aisle before I pass.”

Her words were calm, but they struck a raw nerve in me.

The past year had been the loneliest of my life, emptier even than when my parents divorced.

Every day, I had been dealing with Demi’s dramas and the indifference of my supposed friends.

So, hearing that my mother wanted me by her side made me feel seen. It made me feel needed.

“Sure, Mom. I will come as soon as I can,” I said, a small smile forming as I wiped away my tears. “But as for marriage….”

My mother laughed softly. “No worry about that, dear. I have arranged you with my friend’s son, if you like you can try dating him before marriage. Well, I think you need to enjoy your youth! You deserve it.”

I chuckled at her words, the sound lifting some of the weight from my heart. At that moment, it felt like a good idea, and seemed like a chance to start anew.

Warlington, her city, was far from the haunting memories of Stanmore. Why not go and enjoy my youth there, to try and find happiness on my own terms?

“Okay, Mom,” I replied, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease. “I will tell you once I have everything sorted.”

We exchanged a few words, and after wishing her well, I ended the call with a small smile.

The decision had become clear: I would leave Stanmore and the broken circle of people who had abandoned me when I needed them most.

It was time to find a new path, one where I could finally find peace and leave the ghosts of betrayal behind.

I stayed at my father’s grave for a moment, thinking about leaving the town that had been my hometown for twentytwo years.

However, suddenly a cool breeze hit me as if it was my father greeting me.

I could not help whispering, “I’m sorry, Dad. I don’t think I can stay here anymore. Everything I loved about this place... it’s gone.”

My tears flowed easily as I said that. But when I closed my eyes, I seemed to hear my father’s whisper, he seemed to say, “That’s fine, dear. You deserve your own happiness.”

As soon as I opened my eyes again, I looked around to find my father. But all I found was an empty grave.

So, I took a deep breath and forced a smile to say to my father, “Sure, Dad.”

I had actually started thinking about leaving shortly after graduating from university. Still, my father’s jewelry business, a family legacy passed down from my grandfather, had kept me rooted there.

I could not simply walk away from something so deeply tied to my family. So, I studied business, hoping to carry on my father’s name and preserve his work.

But my plans shattered in my third year of college when my father passed away. With him gone, it felt as if everything meaningful had vanished from the world.

I was used to people leaving; I had learned early on to adapt. My mother had returned to her home country after divorcing my father when I was only seven, leaving a void I had thought would never be filled.

But my father, ever my rock, had filled that emptiness with gentle promises and endless support.

“It’s not just me, honey,” he would tell me. “You have your grandparents, and you will always have Morgan and Nate by your side. You will never be alone, Ariel.”

Starting from that day, Morgan and Nate had been with me. They were the sons of close family friends, which ended up becoming my constant companions.

We had grown together, filling each other's lives with laughter and shared dreams.

Nate had promised he would become a doctor. His eyes even shone with determination as he said, “One day, I will be the one to perform surgery on you myself, Ariel. I will make sure you’re strong, healthy, and no longer have a congenital heart condition.”

Morgan, with his steady confidence, had vowed to follow in his family’s footsteps as a lawyer.

“I will be the lawyer so I can look after the business with you,” he would say, giving me hope for the future.

As a result, for fifteen years, these two friends had filled my life with joy, companionship, and support. Even my mother, though far away, never forgot my birthdays and sent gifts that made me feel connected to her, no matter the distance.

My father, too, had been my unwavering support through it all, cheering me on as I grew into a strong, spirited woman despite my health challenges. So, I could not simply leave the house and studio he had poured his life into.

After my visit to his grave, I headed to my father’s studio, hoping to find someone trustworthy to manage it in my absence.

I was lost in thought when my phone buzzed. It was a message from Demi.

[Demi: Hey, if you feel guilty, bring some clean clothes to the hospital, quick.]

I frowned, feeling a flash of irritation. Guilt? She expected me to feel guilty?

I tapped out a short, detached reply. [Ariel: I am busy.]

At the same time, I saw a notification that Demi had just posted on social media. It was a photo of her with Nate and Morgan with a caption, [So happy to have you guys. I don’t know what would have happened to me if there were no @Your_Morgan and @Nate_Than.]

Demi also tagged Nate and Morgan’s accounts, so from her post, she got a lot of sympathy in the comments column. They even asked what happened to Demi, while some felt jealous because Demi was surrounded by two handsome men.

That post made me sick and I immediately locked my phone to focus on my original purpose of coming to the studio.

However, I was unable to find any contacts at the studio, so I decided to head home and check my father’s study.

As I walked up the front path, I noticed two familiar figures stepping out of a car. They were Morgan and Nate.

I froze, watching as they used their spare key to enter my house. That key had been meant for emergencies, to protect me if something went wrong when I was home alone. But then, it was being used for Demi.

As soon as Nate saw me, he stormed over, his face clouded with anger.

“Ariel, do you even care about anyone other than yourself?” he snapped, his words slicing through me. “Demi is in the hospital because of you, and here you are, busy with your own business!”

Morgan followed; his expression was equally cold. He looked at me as if he barely recognized me.

“If anything serious happens to Demi,” he warned, “you will be facing a lawsuit. Think about that, Ariel.”

Without waiting for my response, he turned on his heel and strode into the house with Nate close behind, leaving me speechless on the doorstep.

The resentment simmered within me, bubbling over as I tried to process their words.

They did not care about my side of the story, nor did they remember what day it was. All their loyalty, all their concern, it was no longer for me.

I felt my heart harden as I realized how far we had drifted.

My gaze landed on a set of jewelry I used every day. It was the gift they had given me on my eighteenth birthday.

It was a beautiful set, something they had scoured the city for a oneofakind design and unique to me. So, I had treasured it, wearing it often just to see the pride in their eyes.

But if they no longer valued me, why should I keep it?

That was why, as I came to my room, I took the small jewelry box resting on my dresser, placed the jewelry back in the box, took a deep breath, and headed out to return it.

Just as I reached the door, Morgan and Nate were coming out of Demi’s room, having packed a bag of clothes for her.

“Here,” I said coolly, holding out the box to Nate.

He stared at it, confusion flickering in his eyes. “Isn’t this the set we gave you for your eighteenth birthday?” His voice was softer, tinged with surprise.

“Yes,” I replied, meeting his gaze with a calmness I didn’t feel. “I thought it was time to give it back.”

Morgan’s brow furrowed as he took a step closer, glancing between me and the box. “Why would you give it back to us? We spent weeks trying to find this for you, Ariel,” he said, a hint of hurt in his voice.

I shrugged, keeping my tone steady. “The style doesn’t suit me anymore. But I know it costs you both a lot, and I appreciate the effort. I thought you might want to sell it or maybe put it in a museum. It’s up to you.”

Nate looked taken aback. “Ariel, you used to love this set.”

“Did I?” I replied, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. “It seems I was wrong. Maybe I thought you both cared about me, too, but I guess I was mistaken there as well.”

Morgan and Nate’s jaw clenched, but they said nothing. There was a flicker of something in his expression, maybe hurt, but I did not care.

I let go of the box, placing it in Nate’s hands, and turned back to my room without another word.

The countdown of leaving appeared in my mind, and I couldn't help but pull out a bitter smile. Leaving was the right decision.

I wonder how they would react when they knew the truth.

Before I could step into my room, Morgan reached out and caught my arm, his grip firm.

“Hey, since Demi’s birthday is coming up soon, why don’t you give her this jewelry set as a gift? I’m sure she would appreciate it.” His tone held a subtle pressure, and he met my gaze with a pointed look.

“Yeah,” Nate chimed in, nodding in agreement. His voice, oddly supportive of Morgan’s suggestion, held a strange warmth. “She’s been through a lot, Ariel. This would really mean a lot to her. Why don’t you come with us to the hospital and make amends?”

A surge of bitterness rose in me, and my hands clenched tightly around the jewelry box. Without turning to face them, I kept my voice cold. “I already said it’s up to you two. Now, let go of me. I have things to take care of.”

Morgan’s grip slackened reluctantly, and I could feel their eyes on me, disappointment etched in their silence. But I did not care. I had more important things to do, to pack up my life, handle my father’s affairs, and figure out my next steps.

As I moved inside, I caught their murmurs drifting through the halfopen door, likely about how they could present the jewelry to Demi to make it seem romantic. A dry chuckle escaped me as I grabbed my suitcase, amused by the irony of the situation.

I set to packing, methodically folding clothes and filling the suitcase. The sight must have caught their attention because they peered in, eyes widening as they took in my halffilled bag.

Realization dawned on their faces, but before either could speak, Nate’s phone rang, cutting through the silence.

“Yeah, Demi, we’re coming. Just sit tight,” Nate said softly into the phone.

With barely a second glance at me, he and Morgan rushed out, their urgent footsteps echoing down the hall as they hurried to her side. I listened until the last sound faded, leaving only an empty silence.

Once I had finished with my clothes, I turned my attention to a large box on top of the closet. It was filled with birthday gifts my mother had sent every year, from my earliest days to my twentysecond birthday.

As I pulled it down, a wave of nostalgia hit me, followed by a sinking realization: in this world, my mother was the only one left who truly loved me, making the decision to leave Stanmore solidified with each passing minute.

As I placed the last of my belongings into the suitcase, my phone buzzed with a new notification.

I checked it out in case it was important, but only got Demi's latest post. It seemed like she was really excited to post that day.

She even uploaded two photos: one of Nate and Morgan standing by her side with a bag of clothes, and the other showing off the jewelry set they had brought for her.

The caption read, [What a lovely set of jewelry! My birthday is still two days away, but @Nathan_Than and @Your_Morgan have already given me this precious gift. Thank you, guys!!]

Anger simmered beneath my calm facade. I typed a comment, barely suppressing my frustration, [Well, you deserve it, Demi.]

Then, with a wry smile, I tossed my phone onto the bed and went to my father’s study.

The study, still untouched, was a haven of order and detail. My father had been meticulous, and he kept records of every connection and contact in a leatherbound book.

Leafing through, I quickly found the name I sought: Jerome Morrow, a college friend and trusted partner of my father’s.

I dialed the number, and he picked up on the second ring. After a brief conversation, we arranged to meet at my father’s studio the following day to discuss the arrangements.

The next day, I arrived at the studio to find a man waiting, his face instantly recognizable from an old photograph my father had cherished. “Mr. Morrow?” I greeted him, extending a hand.

He smiled warmly and took my hand. “Yes, that’s me. And you must be Ariel. The last time I saw you, you were just a little girl, so you might not remember.”

I returned his smile, feeling a sense of comfort in his familiarity. “Thank you for meeting me, Mr. Morrow,” I said as we walked into the studio, the space filled with memories of my father.

We talked for a while, and I explained my plans to leave, asking if he could oversee the business in my absence. His expression turned serious, but he nodded, understanding the weight of my request.

“Of course, Ariel,” he replied, a gentle respect in his voice. “I would be honored to look after your father’s studio. He was one of the finest jewelry designers I have ever known.”

A soft light came into his eyes as he continued, “In fact, he once designed a piece called the Diamond Jade. It was truly special.”

My curiosity piqued. “Diamond Jade? I don’t think I have ever seen it.”

Jerome’s gaze softened. “Your father designed it back in college. He intended it for his wife, hoping it would eventually pass to his children and grandchildren. But when your parents divorced, he entrusted it to me, unable to bear the sadness it brought him.

“You know, Ariel, they truly loved each other, but sometimes, love and ambition clash. They chose their careers over staying together.”

His words struck a bittersweet chord within me. I nodded, feeling a strange sense of connection to the legacy my father had left behind. “Thank you for sharing that, Mr. Morrow.”

“And I think it’s time this piece found its way back to you,” he said, offering it to me. “I can send it through a courier if you would prefer.”

“Yes, please. Thank you,” I said, my gratitude genuine.

After finalizing the details with Mr. Morrow, I returned home, feeling lighter but determined to finish what I had started.

Yet as I stepped through the front door, I froze, my relief vanishing in an instant.

Demi was seated comfortably on the couch, a smug smile on her face as she opened a jewelry box with a look of pure satisfaction.

My heart dropped as I recognized the Diamond Jade, the piece Jerome had promised to send me.

The sight of her fingers on that precious heirloom ignited a fury I had not felt in years.

“Don’t you dare touch what isn’t yours!” I snapped, storming over to her, my voice filled with cold anger.

“Oh, calm down, Ariel! It’s not like I’m going to break it or anything,” Demi scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’m just curious about what’s inside.”

“Give it back, Demi,” I said, reaching for the jewelry box she clutched.

But seeing me react only seemed to amuse her, and a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. She danced out of reach, her fingers still firmly wrapped around the box.

“Oh, I wonder how important this cheap jewelry is to you,” she taunted as she cracked open the box, revealing the delicate necklace inside.

Her eyes lit up as she took in the intricate design. Then, she took the necklace and threw the box carelessly.

“Let me just try it on,” she said, ignoring my outstretched hand. “Don’t worry, I will give it back once I’m done.”

“Demi, don’t!” I lunged forward, but she spun around, holding the necklace just out of reach.

She was practically laughing as she dodged my attempts, clearly enjoying herself.

Finally, I managed to grab hold of the necklace, but Demi clung to it stubbornly, refusing to let go.

“Get your dirty hands off of it, Demi!” I snapped, desperation rising in my voice.

“Why are you so stingy, Ariel?” she sneered. “I told you I would give it back. You’re overreacting.”

We wrestled for control, neither of us willing to back down. In the heat of the struggle, the necklace slipped from our grasp and clattered to the floor, snapping at the delicate clasp.

I froze, staring in horror as the piece lay in fragments on the floor.

At that moment, the front door opened, and Morgan and Nate stepped inside, arms full of bags of food they had bought for Demi. Their eyes widened as they took in the scene.

Demi, sensing an opportunity, instantly burst into tears, clutching her hand where the broken jewelry had cut her.

Morgan and Nate dropped their bags, their faces pale with concern as they rushed over to her.

“Demi, are you alright?” Nate asked, his voice filled with worry.

He shot me a glare as he examined her hand. “Ariel, you should be grateful that Demi's okay after yesterday’s accident, but here you are making her cry again. What’s wrong with you?”

It was the first time Nate had ever raised his voice at me, and his words struck deep. He was not looking at me as the friend he had known for fifteen years, but as some villain in Demi’s carefully spun web.

Morgan did not even acknowledge me as he knelt beside Demi, softly asking her what had happened and completely uninterested in hearing my side.

“I just wanted to try on the necklace,” Demi whimpered, her voice shaky as she clung to Nate. “But Ariel got all possessive and grabbed it from me. I just wanted to see it up close.”

“Ariel,” Morgan said, his tone heavy with disappointment, “She is your younger cousin. You should have just let her try it on. As the older cousin, it would not have hurt you to be generous.”

I took a deep breath, willing myself not to cry, even as the hurt and frustration welled up inside me.

I knelt down to collect the broken pieces of my father’s last design, feeling the sharp edges cut into my palm. But I forced myself to stay calm, determined to play the game Demi had set.

Forcing tears to my eyes, I looked up at them with a trembling voice. “This isn’t just any jewelry, Morgan. This was my father’s final piece, the one he designed before he passed away. He left it for me, for my dowry, for my wedding day.”

My voice broke as I stared at the broken necklace, knowing I had never seen it intact again. “How could I be calm while Demi was trying to make it hers?”

Morgan and Nate stared at me, but instead of understanding, their expressions hardened.

“Ariel,” Morgan said quietly, shaking his head, “Demi just wanted to see it, not steal it. You are blowing this way out of proportion.”

Nate, meanwhile, was busy cleaning Demi’s cuts, his voice filled with anger as he looked at me. “Look at her hand, Ariel. If you would just let her try it on, she would not have gotten hurt. She just got out of the hospital, crying out loud.”

I glanced down at my own hand, where blood from the broken jewelry smeared across my skin. But neither Morgan nor Nate seemed to notice.

Their attention was solely on Demi, who looked at me with smug satisfaction, her face hidden from their view.

After making sure Demi was comfortable, Nate picked her up and carried her over to the sofa, cradling her as he took out the first aid kit.

Morgan crouched down in front of me, his voice low and firm. “When you’re done cleaning up this mess, you owe Demi an apology. At the hospital, she told us that she was the one who had provoked you on the stairs yesterday. She even blamed herself for pushing your buttons, but never once did she demand an apology from you.”

He looked at me with a mixture of pity and frustration. “She is two years younger than you, Ariel. You need to act more maturely.”

A bitter smile tugged at my lips as I replied, “Oh, so that’s the story you two believe. Fine. Just go on believing it.”

Ignoring the blood trickling from my hand, I gathered the broken pieces of the necklace, each shard feeling like a weight against my palm.

My chest ached, but it was not the cuts that hurt, it was the pain of being completely dismissed by the people I once trusted most.

While Nate gently bandaged Demi’s hand, the two of them took turns feeding her the food they had brought, treating her like a delicate doll.

Meanwhile, I quietly cleaned my own wound under the kitchen faucet, feeling more alone than ever.

Once the bleeding had stopped, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I glanced at the screen and saw my mother’s name.

Her familiar voice brought a calm I had not felt all day.

“Hey, dear. Are you finished with everything there?” Her voice was warm, laced with that steady reassurance I had come to miss so deeply. “If you’re ready, I can arrange a plane ticket for you on a private flight.”

I felt a small smile tug at my lips. “Thanks, Mom. I can book the flight myself. I have plenty of savings. Maybe not as much as yours, but enough.”

She chuckled. “I’m sure your dad and your grandparents left you more than enough to get by. Oh, and don’t forget to say goodbye to them before you leave.”

“I was planning to,” I said, glancing toward the hallway, where Demi’s laughter echoed as she chatted with Morgan and Nate. “I will make my rounds, then take care of my ticket.”

“Okay, tell me if you have booked your flight, since I will ask your future husband to pick you up,” she teased with a broad smile.

I couldn’t help but stutter when she replied teasingly, “Oh my God, it is not like the marriage will….”

But just as I said that, I sensed someone behind me.

Turning around, I found Nate and Morgan rushing towards me from the door with shocked faces, and they both said in unison: "What? You're going abroad to get married?"

Both of them stared at me, and I felt the weight of their curiosity pressing in. Even Demi’s attention turned sharply toward me, a flash of irritation crossing her face at the thought of the attention shifting my way.

Trying to deflect their suspicion, I answered with a casual smile, “Well, it’s nothing major. There’s a jewelry show abroad, and they sent me an invitation. He just wanted to know if I could make it, so I have got to take care of the travel details right away.”

I glanced pointedly at Nate and Morgan, skipping Demi. But their expressions told me they were not entirely satisfied with that explanation, so I offered more.

“Oh, for the wedding, it just so happens that my friend overseas is also getting married, so after the jewelry show, I'm going straight to her wedding. Would you two like to come along?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light, though I knew they would likely refuse.

As expected, both of them shook their heads, exchanging a glance. “No, we will pass,” Nate said quickly, not even considering it.

Morgan nodded, his tone apologetic but firm. “Thanks, Ariel, but I think we should not go if Demi could not go.”

Of course, Demi did not hide her smirk, clearly pleased that they had chosen her over me.

My chest tightened, but I kept a calm face. “Alright then,” I said, forcing a small, disappointed sigh. “Just thought I would ask.”

Relieved that their interest was satisfied, they quickly lost focus on me and returned to whatever they found fun, their backs turned as they resumed their laughter and conversation with Demi.

Forcing down the sting of hurt, I headed back to my room, the oncefamiliar warmth of their presence replaced with an isolating chill.

As I stepped into my room, I closed the door and leaned against it, feeling the silent weight of everything I had lost pressing in on me.

They did not even care enough to ask why I wanted to leave or if I was alright. With a resigned sigh, I continued packing, mentally preparing for my final days there in Stanmore.

The next morning, I made my way to the kitchen, hoping for a quiet breakfast.

But as I entered, I froze and my eyes widening at the mess of dishes and flour scattered everywhere.

Demi, Nate, and Morgan were crowded around the kitchen counter, laughing and joking as they worked together, clearly in the middle of baking.

Hearing me open the refrigerator, Nate turned with a playful grin. “Well, well, Sleeping Beauty is finally awake!”

Morgan chuckled, joining in. “Never thought I would see the day when Ariel sleeps in! Back in college, you were the one always up early, getting us out of bed.”

I managed a tight smile, saying nothing. Their laughter continued as if I were just a passing guest in my own home, not the person who once shared those moments with them.

Demi, ever the opportunist, seized the moment to take a jab. “Ariel always wakes up late now. I think the two of you were just too noisy and woke her up.” She laughed, her tone mocking.

Nate and Morgan both chuckled and gave a halfhearted apology. “Oh, sorry about that,” Nate said, not sounding sorry at all.

“But since you’re up,” Nate continued, holding up a plate, “come on and try this cake we made! Since Demi’s birthday party was canceled, we decided to celebrate it with a cake, but Demi’s got a real knack for baking; it’s amazing.”

Morgan nodded enthusiastically. “You will love it. Honestly, if I had known she was this good, we should have asked Demi for baking tips back when we were making those failed cookies.”

A pang of sadness hit me. Baking had been one of our favorite things to do together. We did not care if we failed or succeeded; it was just about spending time together.

At that moment, it was as if those memories had faded, as if those moments were just trivial parts of the past, replaced by Demi.

Demi cut a slice of cake and held it out to me with a sweet smile. “Here you go, Ariel,” she said, her tone dripping with insincerity. “Hope you like it.”

I looked at the cake, suspicious of Demi’s sudden kindness. “No, thanks. I’m on a glutenfree diet,” I replied smoothly, trying to avoid it without causing a scene.

But Nate rolled his eyes. “Come on, Ariel. Stop being so stingy and give Demi’s cake a chance. She worked hard on it!”

Morgan added with a grin, “Yeah, a little piece won’t kill you, Ariel.”

Reluctantly, I picked up a fork and took a small bite, mostly to get them to stop pressuring me.

The moment the cake touched my tongue, a familiar, sicklysweet taste hit me, and my stomach dropped.

As the taste of mango fulfilled my throat, it tightened, and my skin began to itch almost immediately.

I dropped the fork, feeling panic rise as I tossed the plate aside, unable to hold back my reaction.

But as the plate clattered to the floor, Nate’s and Morgan’s eyes widened, and Demi let out an exaggerated gasp, dropping to her knees to clean up her supposedly ruined cake.

“What is your problem, Ariel?” Nate snapped, a hint of anger in his tone. “Demi worked so hard on this, and you just threw it away?”

Demi’s voice trembled, her eyes filling with tears as she glanced up at me. “Is my cake really that bad?” She sniffed, her face twisted in an expression of hurt that anyone would believe.

Morgan glared at me; his tone filled with disappointment. “Could you not just pretend to like it, Ariel? You did not have to humiliate her like that.”

But I could not focus on their scolding, since the allergic reaction was already kicking in.

My throat was tightening, and my vision started to blur. My hands even shook as I reached into my pocket for my phone, struggling to dial emergency services.

My ears were also buzzing, muffling their voices as they continued to clean up the mess, oblivious to my distress.

“Hello?” I rasped into the phone, trying to stay calm as the operator answered. “I need an ambulance. It is an allergic reaction…” My voice was faint, but I managed to give them my address before my hand dropped to my side, barely able to stay on my feet.

Finally, my labored breathing caught their attention. Nate turned, his brow furrowing as he took in my pale face and the way I clutched at my throat.

“Ariel? Are you...?” His eyes widened with sudden horror. “Are you having an allergic reaction?”

Morgan’s earlier frustration melted into shock. “You... are you allergic to mango?”

I managed a weak nod, sinking against the counter as my airway tightened, making every breath a struggle.

Demi, sensing the shift, widened her eyes in feigned shock, though I caught a flicker of satisfaction before she masked it with wideeyed innocence.

“Oh, Ariel, I had no idea you were allergic.” she gasped, looking perfectly distressed. “You never told me anything about it.”

She shook her head as if deeply regretful. “I thought you would love it, so I added mango. I’m so, so sorry.”

Here she was again, pretending she did not know. Since that was not actually even the first time she had done that.

I remembered the day she had handed me a glass of dragon fruit juice, only to learn later she had mixed it with mango. She had deliberately used dragon fruit to disguise the color, making me think it was safe.

Demi knew everything about me, about my weaknesses, about my allergies, and about how deadly mango could be to someone like me. And here she was, lying again, right in front of Nate and Morgan.

But I did not have the energy to fight, to argue, or to expose her. My body was already shutting down, and if one of them had held a knife at that moment, I would have surrendered, too tired to resist.

“What should we do?” Demi cried, bringing her hands to her face and starting to sob. She even slapped herself lightly, as if blaming herself. “It’s all my fault! I always make Ariel suffer.”

Morgan immediately pulled her into his arms, holding her as if she were the one in pain. “It’s okay, Demi. Don’t do this to yourself,” he murmured, gently stroking her hair to calm her down.

Nate joined in, his voice soft and reassuring. “The ambulance is on its way, Demi. Ariel will be fine. You did not know about it, so you don’t need to blame yourself.”

Morgan nodded, hugging her tighter. “Exactly, Demi. You did nothing wrong. Calm down, okay?”

Demi sobbed into his chest, clinging to him like a frightened child, and I could only watch, feeling as though I were being erased from my own life.

My vision blurred as memories surfaced, memories of when Morgan and Nate had been my defenders, my friends.

When we were children, kids at school would tease me, calling me “the unwanted girl” because my mother had left. So, I would be left in tears, only to have Morgan and Nate step in to protect me.

“Ariel is a princess,” Morgan would say defiantly, hugging me as I cried. “A gem we will protect no matter what, so stop teasing her, you bullies!”

Nate would stand beside me too, ready to take on anyone who dared insult me.

They were my bodyguards, my childhood heroes, and the friends who saw me through every hardship. But then, as my breath grew fainter, they were the ones turning their backs on me, charmed by Demi, a devil with an angel’s face.

My body felt heavier and the world around me fading as darkness crept in.

I barely registered the sound of the ambulance arriving or the feeling of being lifted onto a stretcher.

But my last glimpse before passing out was Nate and Morgan standing beside Demi, holding her hands to comfort her as she sniffled, looking away from me as though I were nothing more than an afterthought.

“Have you really changed that much, Nate? Morgan?” I wondered silently, despair filling my heart as I finally succumbed to the darkness.

When I woke, the sterile white ceiling of a hospital room greeted me.

I had spent countless days in rooms like that for treatments, so that the smell of antiseptic, the soft hum of medical equipment, and the feel of the IV in my arm were my constant companions.

That time, though, a wave of relief washed over me. I was alive, safe, and breathing.

But as I came fully awake, the memories of what had happened flooded back, and tears filled my eyes.

I could have died. Demi’s cake could have been the end of me.

If I had not woken up, I would not have been able to leave, to go to Warlington and finally find peace with my mother.

As I cried, the door opened, and my doctor rushed in, alarmed by my tears.

“Ariel, are you in pain? What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice gentle as he approached, knowing me well after years of caring for me.

I shook my head, trying to stifle my sobs. “No, nothing hurts, Doc. I just... I thought I might not make it this time.” My voice wavered, but as I explained, he listened patiently, like an old friend.

Once I had calmed, I told him about my decision to leave for Warlington to be with my mother, the last family I could rely on.

The doctor nodded thoughtfully, a small smile crossing his face.

“Ariel, you nearly gave me a heart attack. I was ready to call your mother myself,” he said with a chuckle, relief softening his eyes.

I managed a weak laugh, wiping away my tears. “Sorry, Doc. I just realized how much I will miss chatting and joking with you once I leave.”

His gaze softened, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. “You don’t need to apologize, Ariel. And I think this will be good for you. You need your mother now, more than ever.”

He paused, as if gathering his thoughts. “I will tell a colleague in Warlington to look after you. You will be in good hands, I promise.”

“Thank you, Doc,” I whispered, grateful beyond words. We chatted a little longer before he left, and I drifted into a restful sleep.

Even as I recovered in the hospital, I began preparing for my departure.

I secretly arranged for Jerome to handle the sale of my home, instructing him to sell it quickly, even at a lower price.

But Jerome, always one step ahead, managed to find a buyer willing to pay more. What was more, he was a former colleague of my father’s who respected our family’s legacy.

So, I thanked him deeply, grateful for his support.

Shortly before I was discharged, a message from Morgan and Nate appeared in our group chat. Demi had clearly informed them of the house sale, and they were not pleased.

[Morgan: Ariel, don’t you think selling the house over a minor allergy incident is a bit extreme?]

[Nate: If you're feeling down, come with us on a trip. We can take a break together. It will help you feel better.]

I read their message slowly, marveling at how easily they brushed aside everything that had happened. No apology, no inquiry about my health; only concern about the house sale and how my departure might impact Demi.

Moments later, Demi posted another update on social media, a perfectly staged photo of her crying, paired with a caption that made my stomach turn.

She wrote, [What should I do now? My cousin seemed so mad at me until she sold the house I stayed in. Where should I go now?]

I stared at her words, seething. I knew it was her way of ensuring that Morgan and Nate would rally around her, misled into believing I had sold the house solely out of spite. And judging by their messages, it worked.

They seemed genuinely worried, completely misunderstanding my reasons for leaving Stanmore. Although, in truth, I did want to be as far away from Demi as possible.

Taking a steadying breath, I typed a response to our group chat, my fingers moving calmly despite the numbness in my heart.

[Ariel: I'm buying a camper van to make it easier for me to travel the world. Demi can stay with you both until she finishes college. After all, it seems like she's always in danger when she's with me, right? This is for the best.]

A pause followed, and I could almost feel the reluctance in their eventual replies, which held a grudging acceptance.

That was the confirmation I had been waiting for. My wellbeing no longer mattered to them; their sole concern was Demi.

I looked at the screen, feeling strangely detached, as if I were already gone from their lives.

“Goodbye, Nate. Goodbye, Morgan,” I whispered, closing the chat window and slipping my phone into my bag.

Once I finished checking everything for my departure, I called a taxi and gave the driver my grandparents’ address.

As the car pulled away from my house, the memories of Stanmore began filling my mind, each place we passed triggering scenes from my life here.

We drove past the small playground where Nate, Morgan, and I had spent endless hours as children, the site of our games and laughter.

Next, we passed the cozy gameboard café, a favorite spot from our college days. We stayed there until closing, refusing to leave until one of us won.

Then we passed the hospital, where I had spent so many days in treatment for my CHD.

I remembered Nate and Morgan visiting me regularly, their presence a steady comfort as they would play games, talk about their day, and distract me from the sterile loneliness of hospital life.

We also passed each of my schools, then the university where me, Nate, and Morgan had encouraged one another, reminding each other of class schedules and making time to study together in the student lounge.

My memories of Stanmore were painted with their presence, as if we were inseparable. But the truth told me that it was just a memory.

Then, at the end of our journey, the road turned toward the place where my father had saved Demi, the road where he had suffered the brain hemorrhage that would claim his life.

I closed my eyes, breathing deeply, and decided to let go of those painful memories. When I opened my eyes again, we were beyond the city limits.

An hour later, we arrived at my grandparents’ house. I had informed them of my visit, so they were waiting outside, seated comfortably in their rocking chairs, cups of coffee in hand as they enjoyed their usual morning ritual.

The butler, Alfonzo, promptly stepped forward to open my taxi door.

“Miss Johnson, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” Alfonzo greeted me with a respectful smile.

I stepped out of the car, smiling warmly. “Thank you, Alfonzo.”

I walked up the porch steps and immediately went to my grandparents, hugging my grandfather first. He had been my mentor, teaching me about business, guiding me in jewelry design, and regularly sending me support, even in the most difficult times.

Then I hugged my grandmother, who had been my constant companion after my mother left for Warlington, teaching me to cook and bake, even if I had never quite mastered it.

“Grandpa, Grandma, I missed you both so much. How have you been?”

Grandpa grinned, patting my hand. “As you can see, we’re still healthy as ever and feeling younger each day,” he said with a wink.

Grandma laughed, giving him a playful nudge. “Oh, your grandpa and his jokes.”

Then she looked at me warmly. “Ariel, we have prepared all your favorite dishes. Come inside, let’s enjoy lunch together.”

“Of course. I can’t wait,” I said, feeling a warmth in my heart as I followed them inside.

We chatted at the dining table, savoring the meal, laughter and stories filling the air.

Finally, I took a deep breath and shared the reason for my visit, telling them about my mother’s hospitalization and my decision to leave for Warlington.

My grandparents listened intently, sadness touching their expressions, but they nodded in understanding.

Grandma reached over, holding my hand tightly. “Ariel, we understand, but it’s hard to see you go so suddenly. We will miss you terribly.”

I squeezed her hand, my voice gentle. “I promise I will come back to visit every year, Grandma. And I will stay as long as I can each time.”

Tears glistened in her eyes as she smiled. “Please do. Let us know ahead of time so we can prepare your room. You can stay overnight and make the visit longer.”

Grandpa joined in, his voice teasing but full of love. “And don’t come alone next time. Bring your husband and children to fill this house with even more joy.”

Grandma swatted him playfully. “Don’t push her, honey. Let Ariel take her time.”

He chuckled, unfazed. “It’s just a wish. There’s nothing wrong with hoping for a little more family around here.”

I watched them, admiration filling me. After more than fifty years of marriage, they were still so in love, so playful and supportive.

I hoped, one day, to find that kind of bond, that unwavering connection that could weather any storm.

After lunch, we took a walk around the garden, talking and laughing, cherishing our time together.

As the sun began to dip, casting warm colors across the sky, it was time for me to leave.

My flight was scheduled for later that night, so I had planned to say my goodbyes in the quiet of the afternoon and make my way to the airport in peace.

But as I was about to step into the taxi, I heard familiar voices and turned to see Nate and Morgan pulling into the driveway, with Demi in tow.

Demi immediately ran forward, throwing herself into our grandparents’ arms with a bright smile. “Grandpa, Grandma, I missed you both so much!”

As the youngest among us, Demi had always been doted on by our grandparents, who greeted her with warm smiles. Yet their eyes were still rimmed with red from the sadness of my leave, a detail that tugged painfully at my heart.

I had hoped to share the moment quietly with them, to give a final goodbye without the weight of an audience. But seeing Demi cozied up to them, soaking up the attention, made my exit feel even lonelier.

Nate, noticing the redness around my own eyes, frowned with suspicion. “Ariel, have you been crying?”

I quickly looked away, hoping to dodge the question. “It’s nothing,” I replied, forcing a light tone.

Before I could continue, Morgan approached, having just finished parking the car. Concern etched into his face and he looked at me closely.

“Why have you been going off without saying anything to us lately, Ariel?” he asked, a hint of reproach in his voice. “We could have come along.”

I gave him a polite smile, trying to keep things simple. “I didn’t want to bother you guys.”

Demi turned to our grandparents; her face full of curiosity. “Grandma, Grandpa, why do your eyes look so red?”

Grandma’s lips pursed, and she chose not to answer. Meanwhile, Grandpa forced a gentle smile, trying to lighten the moment.

“Why don’t you all come inside and stay for dinner?” he suggested. “You came all this way, after all.”

Demi’s eyes lit up, and she quickly looped her arm through Nate’s and Morgan’s, excitement sparkling in her gaze. “Yes, let’s have dinner together!”

I turned back to the taxi, gripping the door handle and ready to make my quiet exit. But Nate reached out, stopping me before I could get inside.

“Come on, Ariel,” he urged, his tone softening. “It’s just one meal. Join us.”

Morgan added with a nod, “It’s been ages since we all sat down together. Don’t leave like this.”

I held their gazes for a moment, my heart heavy with a sadness I couldn’t shake. “Thanks, guys, but I really need to go. My flight is already close,” I said, my voice steady.

Thankfully, Grandpa stepped in, coming to my rescue.

“Right, Ariel has to get to the jewelry show soon, so she really can’t stay,” he said with a gentle smile. “And we all had lunch together, so don’t worry about her.”

I smiled gratefully at my grandfather, who gave me a reassuring wink. He understood, and his support meant the world to me.

‘I love you so much, Grandpa,’ I thought as I closed the door.

The taxi pulled away, and I waved to my grandparents, but as I glanced back, I caught sight of Demi chatting easily with Nate and Morgan, as if she had always belonged there.

When I reached the airport,I learned that my flight had been canceled due to bad weather.The airline rescheduled it for the next afternoon,leaving me with an unexpected overnight stay.

I decided to sit down and wait out the hours in the airport,too restless to book a hotel.

I had just settled into a seat when my phone buzzed with an incoming call.

When I saw Demi’s name on it,I sighed,reluctant to answer.I knew she was probably calling to flaunt something,especially if Nate and Morgan were still with her.

But,knowing she was still at my grandparents’house,I reluctantly picked up.

As soon as I pressed the answer button,Demi’s voice bubbled through.“Ariel,Ariel!Guess what?Grandpa said that after I graduate,I can start an internship at his company!Isn’t that amazing?He’s so kind to me.”

I closed my eyes,taking a deep breath to steady myself.‘She’s just calling to show off,’I thought,my annoyance growing.

But I responded with as much neutrality as I could muster.“Congratulations.”

“Oh,and now,”she continued,her excitement bubbling over,“I’m going to be introduced to Nate and Morgan’s families because I might stay with one of them for a while until I graduate.Isn’t that wonderful?I can’t wait to meet them!”

I could faintly hear Nate’s and Morgan’s voices in the background,confirming my suspicion that they were all still together.They must have left my grandparents’house right after dinner.

Morgan’s laugh echoed faintly through the phone.“You’re adorable,Demi.”

Nate chimed in,“Right,why are you so cute?We just offered you a place to stay;it’s no big deal.”

“Hehe,I’m just so happy to know I have somewhere to stay,”Demi replied,her tone laced with what felt like triumph.

I moved the phone away from my ear,ready to hang up,but Demi’s voice stopped me.

“Let us know when you get there,Ariel.Be safe on the road.”She hung up first,leaving me staring at my screen in silence.

I sighed,a hollow ache settling in my heart.“I can’t hope for anything more from them anymore,”I muttered to myself.

Resigned,I let the phone fall into my lap and leaned back in my seat,feeling a strange emptiness.

Just then,a voice called out,breaking through my thoughts.“Ariel?”

I looked up,surprised to see Sasha Blake,my closest female friend from high school.A smile lit up my face as I stood,and we hugged each other tightly.

“Sasha?Oh my God,it’s so good to see you!”I said,unable to contain my excitement.

Sasha,dressed in her flight attendant uniform,returned the hug with equal enthusiasm.“Are you traveling,Ariel?”

“Yeah.Are you just getting off a flight?”I asked,taking in her uniform.

She nodded,glancing out the window where the rain had begun to pour.“Yes,but the next flight got canceled because of the weather,so I’m heading back to my apartment for the night.”

My eyes widened as a sudden realization hit me.“Wait,you’re a flight attendant on the flight to Warlington?”I pulled out my ticket,showing her the flight number.

Sasha’s face lit up with delight.“That’s my flight!Oh,the universe must really want us to meet up.”She laughed,giving me a playful nudge.

“Maybe it does,”I said with a laugh.

Sasha noticed my bags scattered around my feet and glanced back at me with a smile.“Well,since our flight’s been delayed until tomorrow,why don’t you come stay at my apartment?We can head to the airport together tomorrow.”

My spirits lifted instantly.“Are you sure?I would love that.”

“Of course!It’s been forever since we have caught up,”she said,picking up one of my bags as we made our way out of the airport.

The next morning,we decided to grab breakfast at the airport before our flight.Sasha had some lastminute work to handle,so we found a small caféand settled in,chatting over coffee and pastries.

I did not notice if Nate,Morgan,and Demi had been at the table beside us all the time.They even overheard my conversation with Sasha.

“So,are you nervous about leaving Stanmore for good?”Sasha asked,her voice full of genuine interest.

I nodded,meeting her gaze.“A little,but it feels like the right time to move on,to finally say goodbye.”

Nate’s head snapped up at my words,his eyes narrowing as he processed what I had just said.

He quickly approached our table,cutting into our conversation with a glare.“Ariel,you said you were leaving last night.So,what do you mean by leaving Stanmore for good?”His voice held a sharp edge.

“Did you lie to us about the jewelry show and your friend's wedding abroad?You’re just going to leave without a word,are you?”

Morgan joined Nate, crossing his arms and leveling me with a look of disappointment.

Demi, standing nearby with fake tears shimmering in her eyes, took the chance to chime in, her voice trembling. “I’m sure Ariel wanted to keep it a secret because… well, she hates me. It’s probably my fault for wanting to celebrate my birthday. Maybe Ariel felt like I was a burden.”

Sasha folded her arms, her gaze hardening as she turned to Demi, sarcasm dripping from her voice. “Oh, please. Don’t you dare start with this pity act, Demi!”

Morgan’s expression shifted to anger, and he shot Sasha a pointed look. “And who are you to judge Demi? You don’t even know her.”

“I don’t have to know her to see through this act,” Sasha fired back. “What I can’t understand is why you two are blind to it. Ariel deserves better than this from both of you.”

Nate’s face reddened, and he snapped defensively, “You don’t know what you’re talking about, so stay out of it. Ariel put Demi in the hospital yesterday! And now she’s just running away from everything.”

‘You forgot I was in the hospital too because of Demi’s cake,’ I thought, but held my tongue.

Morgan continued, his tone harsh. “Demi just made a mistake, Ariel. She did not know about your mango allergy. You went and sold the house, the place you both lived together, all because of that? How selfish can you be?”

Demi’s smirk was barely hidden as she watched the confrontation unfold, clearly reveling in the tension.

Sasha looked like she was ready to argue more, but I gently placed my hand on her arm, signaling for her to let it go. Continuing that in public would only add to the drama, and I had no energy left for that.

“Guys, enough,” I said, forcing calm into my voice. “We don’t need to argue over trivial things here.”

Sasha rolled her eyes and snorted in frustration but stayed silent.

Nate and Morgan exchanged one last glare with us before turning back to their table with Demi, who clung to them as if for protection.

Sasha huffed as we walked away, grumbling to herself. “Unbelievable! They’re so blinded by that brat they can’t see what’s right in front of them.”

When we reached our gate, Sasha, being a flight attendant, had to go check in with her crew, but not before throwing me a reassuring smile. “If they keep bothering you, call me. I will come right over.”

“Thanks, Sasha,” I said, grateful for her loyalty.

“See you on board,” she said with a wink, and then headed off.

I settled into a seat to wait for boarding, but my phone buzzed, it was my mom.

I picked up, trying to keep my voice steady. “Hi, Mom. I will be leaving soon. Sorry, I forgot to let you know earlier.”

“No worries, dear,” she replied warmly. “Just send me the ticket info so I will know when to expect you.”

“Of course, Mom. I will send it right over.” As we spoke, I noticed Nate and Morgan standing nearby, staring at me. I ended the call quickly, saying, “I will call you again later, Mom.”

Nate took a step closer, crossing his arms as he glared. “So, you’re going to your mom’s place? All this about the jewelry show and wedding was a lie, then?”

I sighed, holding back the frustration bubbling inside. “What’s wrong with you two? It’s my business where I go.”

Demi was in the restroom, so Nate and Morgan took the chance to keep firing questions at me. “So which story is true?” Nate demanded; his voice harsh. “The jewelry show, the wedding, or visiting your mom?”

“Right, or is it all just lies?” Morgan added, his tone scathing.

I sighed, the exhaustion settling in. “What if they’re all true? You don’t listen to me anymore, so why should I explain anything to you?”

Morgan’s eyes narrowed. “Is all of this because of Demi? You have changed a lot over the past year, Ariel. You’re not the person we used to know.”

Nate, face flushed with anger, spoke up, “Yeah, Ariel. Demi’s been nothing but kind to you. She never wanted to cause you trouble. But now you’re acting like this toward her?”

“If you’re only here to talk about Demi, then leave me alone,” I replied flatly.

Nate scoffed. “See, you always get defensive whenever we bring her up.”

Morgan’s eyes softened, but his confusion was evident. “Are you jealous of Demi, Ariel? Is that why you did not want to celebrate her birthday and caused trouble with her?”

I looked at them both, my heart aching from how little they understood me now. “You’re blind,” I said, my tone as cold as I could manage.

My indifference left them both stunned, only then realizing just how distant I had become.

“If we’re blind, then you’re selfish, Ariel,” Morgan said, his voice quiet but filled with disappointment.

Nate nodded, his face hard. “We never thought you would become this selfish.”

Just then, Demi returned, her eyes darting between us as she sensed the tension. “Are we on the same flight as Ariel?” she asked, trying to cut in.

Morgan and Nate quickly pressed in on either side of her, as if I were some kind of threat she needed protection from.

I smirked, unable to hide my sarcasm. “Even if it were the same flight, I would rather cancel than spend another second on a plane with you three.”

At that moment, the boarding announcement for my flight echoed through the terminal. “Attention, passengers on the Stanmore to Warlington flight, please proceed to the gate immediately.”

I grabbed my bag, casting one last look at Nate and Morgan. “Ah, one important thing, I have never been jealous of her,” I said quietly, meeting their gaze for the final time.

Without waiting for a reply, I turned and walked past them, heading toward the gate where a new life waited.

The memories of what we had once shared faded with each step I took, and I felt a sense of peace settle over me. That was my closure, and I was ready for whatever lay ahead.

Demi glanced between us with a look of frustration. She must have sensed she had missed something important, something she had not been able to twist or manipulate to her advantage.

As a result, she tried to mask her irritation, but it was obvious.

As if to reclaim her place in the center of attention, Demi whipped out her phone and snapped a photo of herself sitting between Nate and Morgan.

Minutes later, a notification popped up, and I could not resist taking one last look.

The post was a carefully staged photo of Demi sitting in the middle, tongue out as if mocking me. Nate was pinching her cheek playfully, and Morgan was stroking her hair with a soft smile.

[Waiting for our plane, happy trip we are coming! As always, with @Your_Morgan and @Nate_Than who are kind, I love you guys so much.]

The caption, complete with heart emojis, was the perfect display of the game she had been playing all along.

She wanted everyone to know that Nate and Morgan were firmly by her side, leaving no room for me in the picture.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to distance myself for good. I opened my contacts, blocked all three of them, and deleted every trace of their messages.