Seven Years of Love Seven Minutes of Truth

Chapter 2

Tears of heartbreak and humiliation streamed down my face.

Aiden's words echoed in my head, each syllable destroying what was left of my self-worth.

If I hadn't heard it myself, I wouldn't have believed the guy who'd passionately made love to me last night could be the same person. I guess you don't need love to be intimate. Even in those moments of intense passion, lies can still fall from your lips.

What I foolishly thought was the start of something real was just a joke to them.

The more I cried, the worse I felt, trying to muffle my sobs as my body shook.

After what felt like forever, my phone buzzed.

Aiden: [Take an Uber home. Got plans with the guys tonight, can't drive you.]

I didn't respond.

Aiden: [Don't forget to get Plan B yourself, I'm busy today. Make sure you take it, k?]

I stared at the messages, speechless.

Last night, from dusk till dawn, Aiden had been insatiable. Before we fell asleep exhausted in each other's arms, he'd drowsily whispered twice: "Sorry I wasn't more prepared. I'll get you Plan B first thing

tomorrow."

He'd even lectured me about taking care of myself, insisting I needed to take the pill to protect my health. Back then, I thought he was being responsible. I thought I'd finally found my happiness.

And now...

Reality hit me like a bucket of cold water.

I dug my nails into my palms, forcing myself to stop crying. After cleaning myself up, I left the bathroom.

Too embarrassed to go to the pharmacy, I ordered Plan B online. Even then, I waited forever after the delivery driver left it at my door before sneaking out to get it.

After swallowing the pill through tears, I collapsed onto my carpet, completely drained.

Ever since Aiden's family moved next door, I'd followed him around like a lost puppy - for ten whole

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Chapter 2

years.

I'd never imagined a world without him in it. Never wanted to.

But now I had no choice.

Outside my window, city lights flickered on and off as evening settled in.

Time blurred until my best friend Maya's FaceTime lit up my screen.

“Brooklyn, why aren't you at the party with Aiden tonight? That girl Sarah from AP Lit showed up and she's all over him. They're making everyone uncomfortable.”

Maya flipped her camera around.