Left Behind at the Station

During college, while we were dating, Elias Longheart would bring me breakfast every day. There would be two portions—one for me, and one for my dormmate, Winnie Romger.

For me? It was always the same—buns and oatmeal.

For her? It was always different—a meal that was nutritionally balanced with meat and vegetables.

Even on my birthday, he gave out gifts in pairs.

For me, it was just four simple greeting cards.

For her, it was concert tickets, a handmade crystal collage photo frame, a dreamy white dress, and a promise ring.

…

It wasn't until our graduation trip, when the three of us arrived at the train station, that everything became clear.

The two of them passed through with no issue after scanning their IDs—but I was stopped at the gate.

Elias slapped his forehead in frustration, giving an awkward, apologetic smile. "I was so focused on booking Winnie's ticket that I forgot yours. Look, we've already passed through. Don't waste the money—next time, I'll take you on a proper trip. It'd be just the two of us."

Winnie patted her chest and assured me confidently, "Don't worry, girl. I'll keep an eye on him for you."

Watching the two of them walk away side by side, laughing and chatting, I let out a bitter smile.

I didn't want to keep lying to myself anymore.

I turned and bought a ticket home. "Dad? That requirement for me to marry after graduation? I'll agree to it. As for that internship candidate you suggested—Elias Longheart? Cancel it."

The Beginning

Elias Longheart continuously spammed me with messages on my way back.

"I really didn't mean it, Amy.

"Who would have expected Winnie to get wasted when I was in the midst of buying the flight tickets?

"I knew you would hate me if she got into trouble, so I went to bail her out."

That brought me back to a few nights ago.

…

I was on the phone with him in my dorm. We were in the middle of whispering sweet nothings when the call suddenly dropped.

I sent him a dozen question marks, but it was like shouting into the void—no reply.

A bad feeling crept in.

I didn't even bother putting on shoes before running toward his dorm. I even scraped a large chunk of skin, but I gritted my teeth and limped forward.

And there he was—he had a dark expression as he carried a drunk Winnie, walking right past me.

The cold wind cut straight through my nightgown, sending a chill all over my body.

…

Later, Winnie took the iodine he'd given her and gently dabbed at my wound. "He was just looking out for me, Amy. He didn't want you to worry. At the end of the day, he was still thinking about you."

There were many times when I almost asked her why she called him when she was drunk, or even why he acted like I was invisible whenever she was in trouble. Yet,