Games Of Hearts

36. The Game of Manipulation

Short chapter‼️‼️

As I walked through the college campus, I spotted Jamie walking by. Her expression was neutral, a far cry from her usual charming smile. It was as if the sparkle in her eyes had dimmed, and I couldn't help but notice the change.

I quickly grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a nearby garden, away from prying eyes. "Eva!!!" she exclaimed, her face brightening with a mix of surprise and joy.

To my surprise, she hugged me tightly, a tear rolling down her cheek. I felt a rush of emotions, meeting her after such a long time with no contact. The tension and anger I had been carrying seemed to melt away, replaced by a deep sadness and longing.

"Jamie, what happened?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why did you spread those rumors about me?"

Jamie released the hug and her face contorted in anguish, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I didn't do anything, Eva!" she cried out, her voice shaking with emotion.

She began to sob uncontrollably, her body trembling with each convulsive cry. "Joshua came home, and he started blaming me for everything. But I didn't do anything!" she wailed, her words barely intelligible through her tears.

I felt a surge of confusion and concern. Joshua had told me that Jamie spread rumors about us, but now she was denying it, claiming Joshua had accused her falsely. I didn't know who to believe or what to make of this tangled web of accusations and denials.

Jamie just shook her head, her crying intensifying. "I don't know, Eva. I don't know what's going on. Joshua just came home one day and started yelling at me, saying I had ruined everything."

I felt a chill run down my spine. Something was very wrong here, and I needed to get to the bottom of it.

"Don't lie to me!!" I shouted at Jamie, my voice echoing through the garden. "Joshua would never blame you without proof!" I accused, my anger and frustration boiling over.

But Jamie just cried harder, her body shaking with sobs. "He told me that everyone said that I spread rumors about you, but it's not true!" she wailed, her voice cracking.

I felt a surge of confusion and doubt. "Everyone said that?" I asked, my voice was raised.

Jamie nodded, her head bobbing up and down. "Yeah... everyone... they all said I was talking behind your back, but I wasn't, Eva! I swear!"

I took a step back, my mind reeling. If everyone had said that Jamie was spreading rumors, then maybe Joshua had been telling the truth. But why would Jamie deny it so vehemently?

"Who's everyone?" I demanded, my voice firm. "Who exactly said you were spreading rumors?"

Jamie's crying slowed, and she looked up at me with red, puffy eyes. "The girls in our class... they all said I was talking about you... but I didn't, Eva! I promise!"

"Everyone?" I repeated, my voice laced with skepticism.

Jamie nodded, her eyes locked on mine. "Yeah, everyone took my name."

I felt a pang of doubt and uncertainty. "Everyone can't lie, Jamie," I said, my voice firm.

Jamie's expression turned shocked, her eyes welling up with tears. "Even you don't trust me?" she asked, her voice trembling.

She held my hands, her grip tight, and her face contorted in anguish. "At this point, I don't trust anyone," I said, wiping away my own tears.

Jamie's face crumpled, and she began to sob uncontrollably. "Eva, please... you have to believe me... I didn't do anything..."