Her name was Ellie

1.1

The living room was quiet except for the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. The curtains swayed gently from the evening breeze coming through a half-open window. Ellie sat on the couch beside Daniel. He leaned back, his phone in hand, scrolling quickly with his thumb.

Ellie glanced over his shoulder. At first, it was nothing-just random messages. But then her eyes caught a glimpse. A heart emoji. A sweet line. Words that didn't belong to her.

Her breath caught.

Daniel must have felt her eyes because he shifted quickly, tilting the screen away. "Nothing important," he said too casually, then leaned over to kiss the top of her head. "You worry too much."

Ellie forced a smile, though her stomach tightened.

"I'll get some coffee," Daniel said, standing. He placed his phone on the couch and walked toward the kitchen.

Ellie's heartbeat raced. Her eyes darted to the phone he left behind. She hesitated only for a second before her hand moved. Slowly, carefully, she picked it up.

Her chest dropped. The screen lit up, and there it was-messages filled with sweetness. Teasing words. A woman's name she recognized. The woman from yesterday. The one she saw with Daniel.

Her throat felt dry. She scrolled just once more. The words stung:

Miss you already.

You're so sweet.

When can I see you again?

Ellie put the phone back exactly where it was and sank into the couch, quickly fixing her posture before Daniel came back.

"Here," Daniel said, handing her a mug. He sat down beside her, sipping his own. "What's wrong? You're too quiet."

Ellie swallowed hard. "Daniel... do you love me?"

He turned his head, raising a brow. "Of course. Yes, I love you."

His answer was quick-too quick. Ellie searched his face, but something in his tone didn't reach his eyes.

She whispered, "You sound like you're lying."

Daniel frowned. "What?"

She hesitated, biting her lip, unsure if she should push further.

"Why are you thinking like that?" His voice sharpened suddenly.

"I'm not," Ellie said quickly, shaking her head.

"You are. You said it with that emotion in your voice." His tone was rising now.

Ellie flinched. "Why are you like this?"

Daniel set down his mug hard on the table. "Yeah, I get it. You want me to feel guilty."

Her eyes widened. "Me? Guilty for what?"

Daniel's voice snapped. "For what you're thinking-that I'm cheating on you?"

"Daniel, I didn't say you're cheating," Ellie whispered, trembling. "I just asked if you love me."

"And I answered you! Is that not enough?" His glare burned into her.

Ellie froze, her lips parting but no words coming.

Daniel stood, shaking his head. "You know what? This was supposed to be happy. Fun. But you ruined it." His footsteps were heavy as he stormed out the door, leaving it slamming behind him.

The silence after he left crushed Ellie.

Her phone buzzed suddenly on the couch. She wiped at her eyes and looked at the screen. Liam.

Her chest squeezed as she answered. "Hello?"

"Ellie?" Liam's voice was warm, calm. "I just thought I'd check in. It was really nice seeing you the other day."

Ellie's lips curved into a smile despite her tears. "It was nice... seeing you too."

They talked softly, his voice like a comfort. For a few minutes, Ellie imagined-what if? What if it had always been Liam? What if she had chosen differently? She pictured laughter, gentle touches, a love that didn't break her.

Her eyes closed, holding onto the fantasy-until his voice broke it.

"Ellie," Liam said softly, "I wanted to tell you something. I'm... getting married."

Her chest tightened. She forced her voice steady. "Really? That's... that's wonderful. I'm happy for you."

He chuckled lightly. "I'll send you the invite. I'd love for you to be there."

When the call ended, Ellie sat in silence, her tears finally falling freely.

Daniel had betrayed her. Liam belonged to someone else.

The doorbell rang. She quickly wiped her eyes and stood. When she opened the door, it was Daniel, standing in the hallway with guilt in his eyes.

Before she could speak, he pulled her into his arms.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "I shouldn't have said those things."

Ellie didn't answer. She only hugged him tighter, her heart breaking.

I want him, she thought, remembering Liam's smile. But I love Daniel.