One Shot Stories

A Love Built on Lies

A Love Built on Lies

Once upon a time, in a peaceful little town, there lived a young girl and a boy named Lily and Ethan, they were inseparable since childhood. Lily and Ethan grown up together, they shared secrets, dreams and adventures and each passing year Lily felt herself falling deeply in love with Ethan.

Ethan, however, had a secret. He wasn't in love with Lily; he was just infatuated with the idea of being loved. He knew Lily was kind, caring, and genuinely loved him, and he couldn't resist the attention and affection she showered upon him. So, he told her he loved her, even though his heart didn't truly belong to her.

Months passed, and Lily and Ethan's love seemed to be blossoming. They went on picnics, held hands beneath the moonlight, and whispered sweet promises into each other's ears. Yet, as time went on, Ethan's facade began to crack. He started distancing himself, making excuses, and growing more distant with each passing day.

Lily noticed the change, and her heart ached with confusion and sadness. She confronted Ethan, tears welling up in her eyes. "Ethan, do you still love me?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Ethan hesitated, unable to meet her gaze. "Lily, I..." he began, but the truth was too painful for him to admit.

Lily, however, already knew the answer deep down in her heart. With a sad smile on her face, she gently interrupted him. "It's okay, Ethan. I know the truth." Her words hung heavy in the air.

Ethan was taken aback. "You do?"

Lily nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I do and I understand," She smiled bitterly and look away. "You know I lied too. I lied to my parents so we could see each other. I even lied to you when I said I'm fine but I'm totally not." Lily wipe her tears as she smile sadly and looked at him.

"I lied in every group study we had so we could spend more time together." She sigh with a heavy-hearted. "You see, we're both a couple of liars. Except I lie cause I want to be with you. You lie because you don't want to be with me."

With heavy hearts, they decided to end their romantic relationship but vowed to preserve their friendship. It was a bittersweet parting, and they both carried the weight of unspoken emotions.

Months passed, and life moved on. One fateful day, Ethan received a letter from Lily informing him of her illness. She was battling a terminal disease, and her condition had worsened and today is her last day.

Ethan rushed to her side, his heart heavy with regret. When he saw Lily lying weak and fragile in the hospital bed, her smile was the same as always, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. She had known all along that he didn't love her the way she loved him. She had accepted it and wanted to spare him any guilt or pain.

Ethan stayed by Lily's side, caring for her, talking to her, and cherishing every moment they had left together. He realized that he had been blind to the depth of his feelings for her. It was during these final moments that he truly fell in love with Lily.

"Ethan..." She whispered weakly as she smiles, though her eyes are filled with sadness. She knows her time is running out. He tightly gripping her hand, "I'm here... I won't leave you."

Lily takes a shallow breath, summoning her strength. "I've loved you for such a long time, Ethan. More than just a friend. But I knew you didn't feel the same way, and I didn't want to ruin what we had."

"Lily, I..." His voice trembling but Lily places a finger gently on his lips. "Shh, it's okay, Ethan. I want you to know that I'm okay with it. You gave me so much happiness, and I wouldn't trade our time together for anything." Tears stream down Ethan's face, and he leans in, placing a tender kiss on Lily's forehead.

"I love you, Ethan. And I always will...." Her breathing start to slow down. "I hope we meet again.. and maybe in my next life you'll choose me."

She passed away with a peaceful smile on her face, knowing that Ethan wouldn't have to suffer for not reciprocating her love. But Ethan was devastated, overwhelmed with grief for the lost opportunity to share his love with her. He told her he loved her on her deathbed but he was too late.

In the end, Ethan learned that sometimes, it takes the loss of something precious to understand its true value. He would forever carry the memory of Lily in his heart, cherishing the love he had finally found, albeit too late.

- 𝐄𝐧𝐝