Chapter 3 1/4
517 Words
This morning, soft sunlight filtered through the tall trees in the park. The sky was clear, without a hint of clouds, and a gentle breeze stirred the leaves, creating an atmosphere of warmth and peace.
Lily hid behind a large tree, her eyes on Atlas, who stood waiting in the open clearing. His gaze was steady, filled with a hopeful anticipation as he looked ahead.
Lily took a deep breath, trying to steel herself for what she was about to do. She knew that meeting him today would change everything. After today, things between them would never be the same.
Her eyes drifted to the large bouquet of roses in Atlas’s hands. She understood he was planning to confess his feelings today, but she had something important to tell him as well—something that would surely hurt him.
As Atlas waited, his face and posture radiated excitement; he must have been looking forward to this moment for a long time. Yet Lily felt a painful squeeze in her heart.
Her lips trembled as she thought of the words she would use to say goodbye. The moment she stepped out from her hiding place, Atlas spotted her.
“Lily!” he called out, waving enthusiastically, almost like a big, joyful dog wagging its tail.
His face lit up with happiness at the sight of her, but Lily felt her heart shatter a little more. She knew that smile was about to vanish, soon to be replaced by the pain she was about to inflict.
“You’re here, Lily! I just got here myself,” Atlas greeted her warmly, his face lighting up with a bright smile.
“Well, I…” Lily started, but Atlas gently placed a finger against her lips.
“I can’t keep this feeling bottled up anymore… Lily, you’ve been my best friend all this time, always by my side through everything. But now, I want to be by your side as something more. I promise I’ll take care of you, love you, and always listen to you. I’ll never let a single day go by where you feel any regret.”
“Be with me—”
“No.” Lily answered before he could finish.
“W-why? I thought… I thought we both felt the same way. I was so sure,” Atlas looked at her, disbelief filling his eyes.
“I… I never felt that way about you,” Lily whispered, biting her lip as she forced the words out. Her voice was quiet but firm. “After today, let’s not see each other again… Just forget about me.”
“Lily… Please, just give me a chance. What did I do wrong? Please, tell me…” His voice trembled, tears streaming down his face as he tried to reach for her hand. But Lily pulled away quickly, hiding the tears welling in her own eyes.
She turned away, hurrying out of sight until she slipped behind a building. A black car waited for her, and she climbed in, struggling to hold back her tears, unaware that someone had followed her…
- Writer
