Taylor's Gossip Girl Diaries 3

Chapter 16: Feasts Of Fancy

As Taylor entered the classroom, her heart weighed heavy with the knowledge of the turmoil she had caused. She approached Michele, who was organizing his papers at his desk, his expression unreadable.

"Michele," Taylor began, her voice tinged with regret as she stood before him. "I owe you an apology."

Michele glanced up, his gaze meeting hers with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. "What for, Taylor?" he asked, his tone gentle yet guarded.

Taylor took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to confess. "I need to be honest with you, Michele," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm in love with your brother, Carlos."

Michele's expression faltered for a moment, his eyes betraying a flicker of hurt before he schooled his features into a mask of neutrality. "I see," he replied, his voice devoid of emotion.

"But that doesn't change the fact that I care for you, Michele," Taylor continued, her voice trembling with sincerity. "You've been there for me, supported me, and I value our friendship more than anything."

Michele's jaw clenched, a wave of disappointment washing over him despite his efforts to maintain his composure. "It's fine, Taylor," he said quietly, his words carrying a weight of resignation. "I understand."

Taylor's heart ached at the pain she had caused him, her own emotions swirling with guilt and remorse. "I'm so sorry, Michele," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I never meant to hurt you."

Michele offered her a small, forced smile, though his eyes betrayed the pain lurking beneath the surface. "Apology accepted, Taylor," he replied, his tone strained yet gracious. "Let's just focus on getting through class for now."

As Lucas sat in the bustling cafeteria of Columbia University, lost in thought, he was suddenly interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Looking up, he saw Dianna making her way towards him, her expression a mix of apprehension and remorse.

"Lucas," Dianna began, her voice soft yet tinged with regret as she reached his table. "I owe you an apology."

Lucas studied her carefully, his features a mask of guarded curiosity. "What for, Dianna?" he asked, his tone guarded.

Dianna took a deep breath, her gaze meeting his with a mixture of guilt and sincerity. "I... I sabotaged your friend Taylor," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I spread rumors and lies about her, and I'm truly sorry for the pain I caused."

Lucas's jaw tightened at her confession, a surge of anger bubbling within him despite his efforts to remain composed. "Why would you do something like that, Dianna?" he demanded, his tone sharp with accusation.

Dianna's eyes filled with remorse as she met Lucas's gaze, her own emotions laid bare for him to see. "I was envious, Lucas," she confessed, her voice trembling with emotion. "Envious of Taylor's status as the 'It Girl,' of the attention and adoration she receives from everyone around her. I let my insecurities cloud my judgment, and I'm ashamed of what I did."

Lucas's anger began to ebb, replaced by a twinge of sympathy for Dianna's plight. "I understand, Dianna," he said quietly, his tone softened by empathy. "But that doesn't excuse what you did."

Dianna nodded, her expression contrite as she reached out to place a hand on Lucas's arm. "I know, Lucas. And I'm prepared to face the consequences of my actions," she replied, her voice filled with determination. "But there's something else I need to tell you."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued by Dianna's cryptic words. "What is it, Dianna?" he asked, his tone cautious.

Taking a deep breath, Dianna met Lucas's gaze with unwavering sincerity. "You're the only person I would never want to hurt, Lucas," she admitted, her voice raw with emotion. "You've always been there for me, supported me, and I value our relationship more than anything."