New Love After Heartbreak

At the welcome party, my delusional disorder flared up again, and my childhood friend, Bentley, nudged me towards confessing to the city's prince.

"Your fantasies are curable; he's way out of my league. Go and dream about dating him!"

"Stop sticking to me with all this nonsense; it's really getting annoying."

I fell to the ground, and after regaining my composure, I picked myself up amid the laughter and ran away.

Bentley's mocking voice still echoed behind me: "Her fantasies are crazy. She actually thinks she's dating me."

"Just wait; she's so obsessed with me, she'll come crawling back soon enough."

But he was wrong. After that, I never chased after him again.

Later, he found out I had found a new focus for my dreams.

He barged in, "Even if you're making it up, couldn't you be a little more realistic? Who else could put up with you besides me…?"

He didn't finish because the city's prince, Dilan, suddenly emerged from the restroom and wrapped his arms around me.

"Don't leave. I'm in need of love, and you're just perfect for me."

During the welcome party, I suddenly felt lightheaded. Instinctively, I searched for Bentley Walker.

"Darling, I…"

As I reached out to him, he abruptly pushed me into the crowd towards a young man with a cool expression.

Bentley's eyes were filled with amusement.

"Maia, your fantasies need help. Dilan Rice is the city's prince, and he's much better than me. Go dream about being with him!"

"Stop clinging to me with your absurd notions. It's really annoying pretending I'm your boyfriend."

Dilan caught me just in time before I hit the ground. He looked like he wanted to say more, but I was focused on Bentley's face, which was full of disdain.

Is this how Bentley had always perceived me?

The secret wounds I'd hidden for so many years were suddenly exposed for everyone to see.

My throat felt dry and raw; I couldn't even ask him why. Growing up, I'd developed "romantic delusion disorder" because of childhood trauma, and had an odd fascination with Bentley, who was my constant companion. Deep down, I saw him as my boyfriend.

He never outright rejected me, always adopting a silent acceptance. But now, he was saying these things and wearing that expression.

It was like my heart was caught in a vise, making it hard to breathe.

Memories of our time together replayed in my mind, instantly becoming a source of mockery.

My body trembled with panic and betrayal.

Bentley knew how much his words hurt but chose to ignore it, making jokes about me to the people around him.

"This girl is out of her mind. Buy her breakfast once, and she thinks we're a couple, like she's lost it."

"Isn't it hilarious? If I gave her a gift, she'd think I'm proposing. Hahaha."

In his eyes, there was only ridicule and not a hint of understanding or regret.

For the first time, I wanted to walk away