Chapter 5: Shattered Illusions
Days blended together in a haze of studies and shared moments with Jackson.
Our connection deepened.
But doubts lingered.
Could I truly trust him?
One afternoon, while studying in the library, I stumbled upon an old photo.
Jackson's smile caught my eye.
But it wasn't just him.
A girl stood beside him.
Her eyes sparkling.
Her smile radiant.
Who was she?
I felt a pang.
Jealousy?
No, it couldn't be.
I didn't care.
But the image haunted me.
That evening, Jackson found me in the hostel lounge.
"Hey," he said softly.
"Who's she?" I asked, holding up the photo.
Jackson's expression changed.
From calm to guarded.
"Mia," he replied.
"Who's Mia?" I pressed.
Jackson sighed.
"My past."
The words stung.
I felt like I'd been punched.
"Your past?" I repeated.
Jackson nodded.
"We were... together."
My heart sank.
"But it's over," Jackson added.
I looked away.
Feeling vulnerable.
Exposed.
Jackson's hand brushed mine.
"Emily, talk to me."
I pulled back.
Not ready.
Jackson's eyes pleaded.
"Please understand."
But I couldn't.
Not yet.
As I walked away, questions swirled.
Who was Mia?
What happened?
Why did Jackson still carry her memory?
That night, I couldn't shake the feeling.
A crack in our connection.
A shadow of doubt.
The next morning, Jackson approached me.
"Emily, we need to talk," he said.
I nodded.
We found a quiet spot.
"About Mia," Jackson began.
"I want to explain."
I listened.
"Mia was my girlfriend," Jackson said.
"We were happy... or so I thought."
His voice cracked.
"She left without warning."
My heart ached.
For Jackson.
For the pain he'd endured.
"But why keep her photo?" I asked.
Jackson's eyes dropped.
"Reminder of my failure."
I touched his hand.
"You didn't fail."
Jackson's gaze met mine.
"Thanks, Emily."
In that moment, our connection strengthened.
Through shared vulnerability.
Understanding.
Trust.
As we sat together, Jackson continued.
"Mia was my first love," he said.
"I thought we'd be forever."
His voice trembled.
"But she had other plans."
I listened, entranced.
"Mia's departure shattered me," Jackson admitted.
"I thought I'd never love again."
My heart went out to him.
But a question lingered.
"Why tell me this?" I asked.
Jackson's eyes locked onto mine.
"Because I trust you, Emily."
My breath caught.
No one had ever trusted me like that.
"I'm honored," I whispered.
Jackson smiled.
"Me too."
Our hands intertwined.
A spark.
A connection.
A bond forged through shared secrets.
As we walked back to the hostel, side by side, I realized:
Jackson wasn't just a friend.
He was something more.
Something special.
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Just The Thought
RomanceIn this poignant and tragic love story, two troubled souls meet at a hostel, sparking an intense romance. The boy, aware of the girl's dark past and inner turmoil, loves her unconditionally. However, their relationship is marred by infidelity. Hear...
