Echoes of a Lost Love

"Scarlett, are you even listening?" Karl Compton, Shawn Quinn's best friend, plopped down next to me at the reunion.He rambled on, sounding impatient, "You know how much Shawn hates his family. He didn't take a dime from them when he started his company. But for your diploma, he groveled to his dad."Curious or mocking gazes came from the other classmates.Honestly, hearing that name after five years felt foreign. The burning love I'd once carried for him had long since fizzled, drowned in the relentless tide of time.Five years ago, I'd boarded a plane without a goodbye, so few people here knew I was married now.I just wasn't sure if Karl's words were his own or if Shawn put him up to it.Either way, it didn't matter.I pressed my lips together. "Shawn and I are ancient history. What you're saying doesn't mean anything to me."Karl's jaw dropped, and the room's chatter hiccupped into silence.After all, I chased Shawn for three years, made a huge scene, and nearly got the s

Olive looked at me, her voice dripping with fake humility. "I'm sorry for upsetting you. If it bothers you that much, I'll quit. Just don't fight because of me."Tears glistened on her cheeks, a performance worthy of an Oscar.Everyone bought it, their glares branding me the villain. Silent, they glanced at Shawn, who felt embarrassed and let go of my hand.He went to her side and comforted her gently.He took me to dinner as promised, but I couldn't taste a thing. He babbled about Olive. "She is like a sister to me. Her parents asked me to give her a job. I didn't tell you because I was afraid that you'd overthink it. If I liked her, we'd have been together ages ago. I know you just care about me, and you know how much you mean to me."His sincerity almost convinced me.Then he pulled out a pair of rings, sliding one onto his finger and the other onto mine. "These are all I can afford now, but when I make it big, I'll get you the biggest diamond in the world."I leaned into his

Olive rolled up her sleeves, showing bruises. "If Shawn hadn't shown up, those thugs would've hurt me worse."Her accusations echoed in the room, and I found myself questioning my hearing.Each word made perfect sense on its own, but strung together, they became an indecipherable riddle.'Bullying her? Me? I copied her exam answers and sent thugs to harass her? Where are these wild stories coming from?'"If you're paranoid, see a shrink!" I snapped. "Don't drag me into your delusions!"Shawn's voice cut through, sharp and cold. "Enough!"He glared at me, his guilt giving way to anger and disgust. "Those thugs confessed you paid them to go after Olive. I thought you were just jealous, but this? It's a crime."I stared, incredulous. "So, you believe her and some random thugs over me?"He paused. "I believe what I see."My heart sank, the crowd's snorts filling my ears.The department head roared, "I can't believe my department has a student like you. You don't deserve to gradua

"Scarlett, I waited five years for you," Shawn said. "This proposal is overdue. Will you marry me?"I yanked my hand free. "You've got the wrong person. I'm not Olive Russell."...He flinched but pressed on. "You're still jealous, aren't you? The thesis thing was unfair, I know, but I was trying to help. Olive said if I gave her your paper, she wouldn't call the police. You made a mistake in the heat of the moment, so..."I cut him off sharply. "First, I didn't do anything. I don't need you to fix some fake crime. Let her call the police. They'd see through her lies. Second, I'm married, and my daughter is three years old, so stop this nonsense. I don't want my husband to get the wrong idea."Shawn staggered, his face turning deathly pale. "Daughter? Husband? You swore you'd never marry anyone but me. You're just mad, saying this to get back at me, right?"I stared, unyielding.The rims of his eyes reddened. He was filled with pain and confusion.I was surprised. Even when his

I pinched Edith's nose. "You little sugar monster, don't eat too many sweets at night, or you'll get cavities."She buried her face in Byron's chest, and I shot him a playful glare. "You're spoiling her rotten."Shawn watched, his despair palpable. "Scarlett, you really..."He trailed, pain taking his words.Before I could respond, Byron stepped forward, shielding me. "Mr. Quinn, I presume? Why're you hassling my wife? If there's nothing else, we're taking our daughter home."Shawn's jaw tightened. "You're her husband?""That's me," Byron replied.Shawn sneered, "Did she tell you about the guy she was obsessed with?"Byron remained composed, but having lived with him for four years, I knew his jealousy was simmering. He'd probably give me a hard time later.I hooked my arm through his. "I was young and blind, falling for a jerk. That past taught me that Byron's the one worth loving. Mess with us, Shawn, and you'll regret it."My tone carried a sharp edge, and Shawn staggered.