From Betrayal to New Love

After returning, Adrianna Simmons sent a message to Zander Greene via WhatsApp.

"We need to end things."

An hour later, he replied.

"Adrianna, what's going on? Did I do something wrong?"

He wrapped her in his arms, and the scent of vanilla perfume surrounded her. Of course, they'd been so close that it was natural he'd carry her scent.

Suppressing the ache in her heart, Adrianna spoke bitterly, "The person you truly care about is Iyla, isn't it?"

"Is that why you're upset?" he scoffed, pushing her away with anger flashing in his eyes.

"Adrianna Simmons, didn't I tell you before? I'm just horseback riding with Iyla for fun."

"Are you really that insecure?"

So, having fun includes hugging? she thought, but she wanted him to admit it himself.

"And how exactly are you having fun?" she asked.

"Just riding horses, nothing more!" he replied without a moment's hesitation, not a trace of guilt on his face.

Her chest tightened with unease, and at last, she understood why she had been deceived by him for so long. He was a master at pretending, his facade flawless.

"Is that so?" she looked up into his dark eyes.

He finally looked away with a trace of unease, biting his lip as he said, "Adrianna, I didn't realize you could be so petty."

"Sure, Iyla might have a tomboy streak, but she's bold and generous, unlike you."

Watching his lips move, she suddenly felt a wave of revulsion and unfamiliarity. So, this is what the end of love looks like, she thought—mutual disdain and harsh words.

No, that's not right, because he never loved me at all.

"Then let's break up," she said as tears began to fall.

At that moment, his phone rang. The name on the screen read "Sweetheart," and it cut deep. He'd never called her that.

He once said it was too cheesy, but now she understood he just never wanted to call her "Sweetheart."

Zander answered the call right in front of her. "What's up?"

His tone softened.

"Zander, I... I'm a bit tipsy," Iyla's voice slurred over the line.

"I want to tell you a secret. Do you want to hear it?"

"That is, I like you. I don't want you to be with Adrianna Simmons. Can you come over now?"

Zander didn't reply to her immediately but instead looked at Adrianna with a questioning gaze.

"Adrianna, if you take back what you just said, I won't go."

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she said clearly, "We’re breaking up."

"Did you hear that?"