Wishful Longings

Part 2

SylasCae.

Hai Liora, How you doing?

Hai, good.

I see that you have a dog? What's her / his name

Luna Aether

I see what a nice name, so If you don't mind im asking why did

Did you leave our chat so sudden.

Is there need a reason for that?

Wowowo, chill why you being so harsh, i feel like you

Are.... different person

So why?

Oh well Im sorry if i make you mad?

Sokay

Seen

I stared at the screen, my face a mix of confusion and embarrassment. Seen.

I sighed and put my phone away, trying to focus on the lecture, but SylasCae's message lingered in my mind. Why was I feeling this way?

The conversation with SylasCae had ended, and a wave of frustration washed over me. I stared at my phone, feeling a deep sense of melancholy. My response had been curt, and I couldn't help but feel annoyed with myself for not handling the situation better.

I slumped in my seat, trying to push away the creeping sense of regret. No, Liora, you must focus on your goals, I told myself firmly. Remember how many times you've been hurt by these creatures. The words felt like a mantra, a shield against the disappointment that seemed to be settling in my chest.

Deep down, I was exhausted from the cycle of disappointment and heartache. Each failed attempt at forming a meaningful connection left me more jaded, more wary. The thought of diving back into that turbulent sea of relationships felt overwhelming and discouraging. I'd been burned too many times, and the scars were still fresh.

So, please, focus on what truly matters. I repeated the mantra in my mind, trying to drown out the lingering doubts and temptations. I had my goals and dreams, and they needed my attention. My past experiences with men had left me wary and disheartened, and the thought of starting over felt like an uphill battle I wasn't ready to face.

As I sat there, trying to shake off the melancholy mood, I reminded myself of why I had set these goals in the first place. It wasn't worth getting sidetracked by the fleeting attention of someone I barely knew. I needed to keep my eyes on the prize and not let past disappointments dictate my future.

With a deep breath, I pushed my phone aside and tried to focus on the lecture ahead, determined to stay true to my path and not let the echoes of past hurt derail me.

Two Years Ago

"Finally, the class is over," I said to Phina, my voice filled with relief. As we walked towards the dorm, I spotted a figure that made my heart skip a beat. The familiar shape was unmistakable, and without a second thought, I broke into a run, leaving Phina behind. Her voice calling out my name was distant, swallowed by the pounding of my own heart.

I reached my dorm, breathless and panicked, only to find Elyan's face etched with surprise and something else I couldn't quite place. It was him, and beside him was a girl I didn't recognize. A cold wave of betrayal crashed over me, my heart cracking under the weight of the realization.

Liora
"Who was that girl?" I demanded, my voice trembling.

Elyan
"What do you mean, babe?"

"I saw you both walking together in the hallway!" I was practically shouting now, frustration and pain bubbling over.

"It was just a conversation about an assignment," he replied dismissively. "Please don't be so dramatic."

"Dramatic?" My voice broke, tears stinging my eyes. "You're supposed to make me feel secure, not make me jealous of some new woman!"

"You're being annoying, Lio. There's nothing between us. It's up to you whether you believe it or not. End of conversation."

The words felt like a slap in the face, and the conversation ended abruptly. I was left alone, the echoes of his dismissive tone ringing in my ears. I collapsed onto my bed, the tears flowing freely. My anxiety spiked, my breathing coming in ragged gasps.

Desperate for answers, I pulled out my phone and messaged one of Elyan's classmates, Thalor.

Liora:
Hi Thay, do you mind if I ask you a question?

Thalor:
Yes, Lio. What's up?

Liora:
Do you know this girl? [Attached: Picture of the girl Elyan was with]

Thalor:
Oh, yes. Her name is Selene. She's new here.

Liora:
How long has she been around?

Thalor:
About three weeks.

Liora:
I see. That's all, thank you.

Thalor:
Wait, Lio.

Liora:
Why?

Thalor:
I don't want to hurt you, but I think this is best for you.

Liora:
.....

Thalor:
I saw Elyan with Selene at the gazebo today. They were kissing on the cheek.

The message felt like a knife twisting in my heart. I sat there, numb, my hands trembling uncontrollably. I couldn't stop the flood of tears that streamed down my face. My anxiety was relentless, my appetite vanished, and I felt myself slipping into a void of despair. The weight of the heartbreak was unbearable, a crushing blow to my spirit.

Love? What's love? Bullshit, I thought bitterly. After all the sacrifices I'd made, the trust I'd given, and the faith I'd invested, it felt like it had all been for nothing. The ache of betrayal and loss consumed me, leaving me hollow and broken.