When the Long-lasting Secret Love Finally Exposed

Every year on James's birthday, I not only gave him a gift but also drew him a picture.

The drawing had him in it, with a little me looking at him from behind.

My love was never loud or outspoken.

But it was expressed countless times in silence.

I looked at James intently.

I was waiting for him to respond to my first confession.

James looked at me and tapped my forehead.

Just like when we were kids, I would follow him around. I was smiling foolishly, and he would tap my forehead.

Back then, he would say, "Go play," with a bit of a doting tone.

But now, his eyes were filled with irritation. "How could you be so stupid to let her find out?"

I didn't know what to say.

I just felt my heart ache as if it was about to stop beating.

James continued, "If you mess up our relationship, see how I'll deal with you."

James walked away with big strides.

I went back too.

That night, lying in bed, I heard James's voice message to Eva.

His breath was faint, smiling, gentle, and affectionate.

"Good night, sweetheart."

It was the kind of gentleness and affection I never had.

At that moment, I realized I regretted it.

I regretted introducing Eva to James because I feared he'd dislike me.

I regretted posting that picture with Eva on Twitter.

I even regretted falling for him.

Eva climbed onto my bed, laughing. "Your childhood friends are visiting the city. James is taking me to meet them tomorrow. You should come with us."

I ignored her and turned away to sleep.

The next day, James called, "Come with Eva at noon."

He was bossy as if he knew I wouldn't argue once he asked.

I really couldn't argue and followed the well-dressed Eva to meet James's friends.

They were our mutual childhood friends.

When they saw me, they joked as usual. "Hey, James. Hey, Alice."

Eva's face turned pale instantly.

James clicked his tongue and held Eva's hand. "Stop calling her that. This is your sister-in-law."

He hugged Eva and kissed her forehead.

I stood frozen, silently watching the sweet couple with our childhood friends.

I understood why James wanted me there.

He thought my deep feelings for him would affect his relationship with Eva.

So he publicly exposed my feelings for him in front of everyone.

He also made it clear that he didn't like me to give Eva a sense of security.

It was indirectly making me give up.

Facing the sympathetic or pitying looks from our friends who knew about my silent love for James for years, I realized my last bit of hope was completely shattered.

But strangely, I felt a calmness I had never experienced before.

I gave a small smile and turned to leave, but my wrist was grabbed.

The skin was warm to the touch.

I looked up and saw Zac.

Zac pulled me behind him. He was smiling as he looked at everyone, stopping at James's face. "It's not a joke. Alice is indeed their sister-in-law because I'm pursuing her."

Zac led me out of the room.

Zac let go of my hand. He leaned against the hallway wall, looked at me for a long time. He then bent down to meet my eyes and softly called my name.