Unraveled hearts

CHAPTER 3: THE CRASH

Days later, Krystal wasn’t feeling well. Her body ached, and exhaustion weighed heavily on her. Instead of heading out to exhibit her paintings, she decided to stay home and rest. The house was empty—Shania was at her office, their mother at hers, and Shania’s younger brother was off at college. Edward, too, was supposed to be away on a cross-country modeling shoot.

Feeling a dull headache throb behind her temples, Krystal took some painkillers, hoping sleep would help ease the discomfort. She curled up in bed, her blanket pulled tight around her, and soon drifted into a restless slumber.

About thirty minutes later, a strange sensation roused her. She felt the soft brush of fingers sweeping her hair away from her neck, followed by the gentle caress of someone’s hand. Still groggy, she stirred slightly, thinking she might be dreaming. But the weight pressing against her body was unmistakable. Her heart jolted.

Krystal’s eyes flew open—and her blood ran cold. Edward was on top of her.

He was leaning in, his hands moving possessively over her, trying to kiss her. For a moment, she was frozen in shock, her mind struggling to make sense of the nightmare unfolding before her. Then panic surged through her, and she shoved him off, her voice cracking as she cried, “Edward, stop! What are you doing?”

But Edward didn’t let go. He pulled her back down, gripping her wrists with alarming force. His breath reeked of alcohol. “This is what you wanted,” he murmured, his voice slurred and unsteady. “Why are you acting like this now?”

Krystal’s heart pounded violently in her chest. “No! This isn’t what I wanted!” she screamed, trying to wriggle free.

Edward leaned closer, a dark look flashing in his eyes. “I read your diary,” he whispered. “I know all the things you wrote... the things you wanted me to do to you.”

Her stomach dropped, and her mind reeled in disbelief. He read my diary? The realization hit her like a punch to the gut. She had accidentally left it in his car after borrowing it for a girls' night out with Shania, when Shania’s car was in the shop for repairs. She had always kept the diary close to her, using it to vent her thoughts and fantasies. Yes, she had written about Edward—about her crush, her longing, her daydreams. But not like this. Never like this.

She fought against him, panic fueling her strength. “No, Edward, this isn’t what I wanted! Get off me!”

But he held her tighter, as if her resistance meant nothing. “Come on,” he slurred, frustrated. “Every girl throws herself at me. What’s your problem?”

Tears stung her eyes. The person she had quietly admired, the one she had built fantasies around, was now a stranger—a stranger violating her trust in the worst way. “Please stop!”

she begged, her voice breaking.

With every ounce of courage she could muster, Krystal shoved him off her with all her strength. Stumbling out of bed, she bolted from the room, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Krystal, wait!” Edward called after her, his voice suddenly laced with regret. He stumbled behind her, his tone switching to pleading. “I thought... I thought this was what you wanted. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—”

She turned on him, trembling with rage and heartbreak. “You read my diary? How could you?” she cried. “I trusted you, Edward! I liked you—but not like this. Never like this!”

She collapsed onto the living room couch, burying her face in her hands, her sobs muffled by the fabric. Her whole body shook as the weight of betrayal settled over her like a heavy cloak.

Edward stood there, awkward and ashamed, swaying slightly as he tried to make sense of his actions. “I was drunk... I didn’t know what I was doing,” he mumbled, wringing his hands. “Please, Krystal, don’t tell Shania or my mom. I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Without waiting for a response, he turned and rushed out of the house, the door slamming behind him.

Krystal sat there, shattered. The romantic daydreams she’d crafted in her mind about Edward lay in ruins. She had imagined a tender connection, a beautiful moment—but now all she felt was brokenness.

Somehow, she pulled herself together and dragged herself back to her room. Exhaustion washed over her, and despite the turmoil raging inside, she slipped into a restless sleep, tears staining her pillow.

Later that evening, she was startled awake by the sound of Shania’s cheerful voice. “Hey, sleepyhead! How are you feeling?” Shania beamed as she perched on the edge of the bed, her usual brightness lighting up the room.

Krystal sat up slowly, her heart still heavy. Before she could respond, Shania continued, practically bouncing with excitement. “You’ll never guess! Edward came back early, and he’s got something amazing planned for me—a blind date! Isn’t that awesome?”

Shania hugged her tightly, grinning from ear to ear. “Now everyone will know I am going out! No more hiding. I have you and Edward to thank this for “.

Krystal sat stiffly in the embrace, struggling to keep her composure. Shania’s joy was infectious, but it only made the weight in Krystal’s chest heavier. When Shania finally pulled back, her smile softened. “Oops, sorry! I got a little carried away. How are you feeling? Are you okay?”

Krystal forced a smile, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill. “I’m good,” she whispered. “Well-rested.”

But the dam inside her broke, and before she could stop herself, she pulled Shania into a tight hug and began to cry—quiet, aching sobs that she couldn’t hold in any longer.

“Hey... what’s wrong?” Shania asked, alarmed. “What happened?”

Krystal shook her head, burying her face in Shania’s shoulder. “I’m just... so happy for you,” she whispered, her voice thick with tears.

She knew she couldn’t tell Shania what had happened—not now. Not when Shania was so excited and proud of what she thought was a thoughtful gesture from her brother. Shania had always been there for her, had given her so much. This moment was hers, and Krystal couldn’t take that away from her.

So she held her pain inside, letting it simmer quietly beneath the surface, and hugged her friend tighter. This is the least I can do for her, Krystal thought, closing her eyes as fresh tears slipped down her cheeks. She deserves to be happy—at least one of us should be.