Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

48. Lies Unfold

(Ryan's Pov)

The next day, when Sarah saw me standing at her doorstep, her eyes widened in shock. She froze for a moment before accidentally dropping her notebook on the floor.

"Hey, Ryan," she greeted, her voice laced with disbelief, though she forced a polite smile. "What's going on? What brings you here?"

Before I could respond, her father interjected warmly, "Sarah, offer him something -- tea or coffee."

She nodded, and without missing a beat, I chimed in, "Coffee, please."

She disappeared into the kitchen and, after a few minutes, returned gracefully with my coffee and a cup of tea for her father, moving with the poise of a traditional, well-mannered Indian girl.

She asked again, her voice dripping with sweetness, no doubt because her father was nearby, "So, Ryan, what brings you here? Is there something you need?"

I stood up, pulling a small purse from my pocket. "You left this in the van," I said, holding it out. "It had some cards inside, and I thought it was important enough to return right away. I even stopped by the café first, but Amreesh said you hadn't shown up yet, so I came straight here."

I noticed a flicker of fear in her eyes, and while a tiny bit of guilt crept in, I quickly dismissed it. These little back-and-forths were all part of our rivalry.

Her father, looking confused, asked, "Van? She said she went to Krystal's place. How did you come across it?"

Feigning surprise, I replied, "Oh, but Uncle, we all went on a trip two days ago. She must've left it in the van when we came back yesterday."

His brow furrowed. "Who exactly went with you?"

"All our old school friends," I said with a casual shrug.

The look of mild shock on his face was golden. I quickly said my goodbyes, leaving before any more questions could follow.

As I made my way to the hospital, my mind lingered on Sarah. The way her face betrayed her earlier -- it kept me smiling the whole day. Sometimes, these little games between us were all the entertainment I needed.

I kept calling her throughout the evening, and as expected, she ignored the first few rings. But I knew her well enough -- if I was persistent enough, she'd eventually pick up. After several attempts, she finally answered, her voice filled with annoyance.

"What is it now, Ryan?" she snapped.

Feigning innocence, I grinned to myself and said, "Just wanted to check in. How was your day?"

Her voice was dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, you mean after you tried to get me into trouble with my dad? Nice try, but for your information, nothing happened. Turns out, I'm an adult now and perfectly capable of staying out without needing anyone's permission. So, the dramatic story you were hoping for? Maybe next time... or maybe never."

I chuckled, genuinely surprised by how easily she brushed it off. "Really? So, no scolding, huh?"

She laughed lightly on the other end. "Sorry to disappoint you."

"Then why didn't you answer my calls earlier?" I asked, curious.

With a casual tone, she replied, "I was in the shower, Ryan. Believe it or not, I do have a life outside of annoying you."

I shook my head, amused. "Well, at least you didn't ignore me on purpose. That's a relief."

She sighed, "Don't flatter yourself. You're not that important."

I tossed my phone onto the bed with a bit more force than necessary, feeling a wave of frustration wash over me. Without thinking, I threw myself down next to it, staring at the ceiling.

__________________________________

Days went by, and I found myself drowning in the repercussions of my mistake at the hospital. As I was heading to work one morning, I suddenly spotted Sarah with her father.

I approached them with a friendly smile, trying to keep things light. "Hello, Uncle! Are you here for a regular checkup?" I asked.

Her dad nodded, "Yes, boy. Good thing we ran into you."

"Why don't you come with me?" I suggested, keeping the cheerful tone.

But before he could respond, Sarah grabbed his hand and said, her voice sharp, "Dad, last month he botched an operation, and the patient's condition went critical. What if he messes up your report too? Let's wait for Dr. Roy."

Her dad waved her off, clearly unimpressed by her comment. "You just want to get back at him because he exposed your little lies. Don't try to brainwash me, Sarah."

He followed me inside, but her words cut deep. I could feel the sting as I tried to focus on my job. Every motion felt heavier, my professionalism fighting to hide the hurt. Her father complimented me afterward, but his praise fell hollow -- it did nothing to fill the ache that lingered from Sarah's harshness.