Gears of Love

I, Evelyn Sinclair, pursued Lucas Carter for two years. We dated for three. And only then did I realize that the person he truly loved was his adoptive sister. That was when I decided to let go. From changing our matching profile pictures to moving out of the apartment we shared, every step I took was firm and resolute. Yet even after our engagement was officially called off, he remained convinced that I would come back to him. Later, on the day my new boyfriend proposed to me in front of everyone, Lucas barged in, eyes red, his voice trembling as he asked, "Do you really not love me anymore?" ***** Lucas and I had been in a long-distance relationship for three years, seeing each other only occasionally. Today, after much pleading and coaxing, he finally agreed to come visit me. I had spent the whole evening preparing a candlelit dinner, waiting for him. But the food went cold, and he still hadn't shown up. Just as I picked up my phone to check in on him, I realized my w******p was flooded with messages. A: Evelyn, Lucas got into a fight with Natalie's ex for her! B: Evelyn, did you know Lucas and Natalie kissed?! Some people even sent me videos of the whole chaotic scene. The video was taken inside a private booth at a bar. A furious man was shouting at Natalie, calling her a heartless gold digger. The next second, the booth door was kicked open. Lucas—who was supposed to be here with me—stormed in, eyes blazing with anger. Without a word, he threw a punch at the man, and the two of them started fighting. Natalie Carter stood frozen to the side in a pure white dress, her eyes red as she bit her lip and sobbed helplessly. In the end, the man caved. Lucas grabbed him by the collar and forced him to apologize to Natalie. She hurriedly shook her head. "No, it's okay... This was partly my fault too..." Only then did Lucas release him with a scowl. "Get lost." At first, I thought nothing of it. It just seemed like a brother standing up for his sister. Nothing out of the ordinary. But in the next moment, someone in the video shouted, "If Mr. Carter hadn't adopted Natalie back then, you two would've been married already, right?" "Lucas and Natalie are the real perfect match. Evelyn Sinclair isn't even worthy of carrying her shoes." "Evelyn's just a scheming homewrecker." "She looks like a complete nobody." I froze. Why were they suddenly attacking me? Back in college, I had been the one to pursue Lucas first. But only after confirming that he was single, with no crush or girlfriend. If he had feelings for someone else, he could have told me from the start. I never would have chased after him. But he never said a word. The video continued playing. Natalie cried softly, "Please, stop. What's done is done... Evelyn is a great girl. She suits him well..." But Lucas let out a bitter laugh. "I never wanted to lose you." And then, in front of everyone's shocked gasps, he pulled Natalie into his arms and kissed her passionately. My phone slipped from my fingers, along with my tears. He said he didn't want to lose Natalie. Then what was my confession to him? What were our three years together? The whole thing felt like a cruel joke. The candle on the dining table flickered, its flame reflecting the chill settling in my heart. Just then, my phone rang. It was Lucas. I picked up. Completely unaware that his betrayal had already been exposed, he spoke calmly, "Evelyn, something came up at work. I can't make it tonight. I'll see you next time, okay?" My voice was hoarse as I asked, "Are you really at the office?"