No Mercy for the Unfaithful

I originally thought we’d part ways peacefully, going our separate directions and never crossing paths again. Who knew James would refuse to accept the breakup? "Are you out of your mind? I’ve said it a hundred times. Break up, break up, break up! Why do you keep showing up outside my lecture hall every day?!" “And you know what’s worse?” I pointed at Mia, utterly baffled. “Why the heck are you bringing your so-called best friend with you? What? You can’t think for yourself anymore? You need her to make all your decisions?” The words came out in one angry breath without a pause, which said a lot about how furious I was. James scratched his head, putting on his usual innocent guy act. “I… I thought that since you’re both girls, she’d understand your emotions better and could…” From behind him, Mia chimed in, “Yeah, Ames, don’t misunderstand James—” “Ames, my foot!” At the time, I was in the middle of PE class. In a fit of rage, I hurled the basketball in my hands

It was hard to tell if it was a coincidence or deliberate, but Mia's seat ended up right next to James. With a cheeky grin and her popcorn in hand, she chirped, "Perfect! After the movie, we can grab dinner together." I kept my eyes fixed vaguely ahead. I had no interest in joining their conversation. This movie must’ve been the kind they all liked. By the second half, James and the others were huddled together, whispering enthusiastically. Me? I was so bored I couldn’t stop yawning. Seeing them chatting away happily, I decided to take a quick nap. Who would’ve thought that by the time I woke up, even the credits had finished rolling? As we left the theater, Mia was eagerly discussing the movie’s plot with James. The two of them grew more engrossed in their conversation, gradually drifting farther ahead of the group. That left me trailing behind with James’ buddies. Maybe my silence made everyone think I was upset because they started trying to cheer me up.

Since the last encounter, things between James and Mia have become complicated. Even though James still accompanied me to class, his mind was clearly elsewhere. His eyes often wandered to empty spaces, and a conflicted expression lingered on his face. I didn’t think too much about him while I diligently took notes during lectures. What could he possibly be struggling with? Did he trade his IQ for those good looks? Caught between Mia’s subtle pressure and my constant attention, James seemed to buckle under the weight. He even started losing weight at an alarming rate. Oh dear, how heartbroken I was for him! So, naturally, I took it upon myself to restore his health. Every day, I dragged him to the cafeteria for nutritious meals. I piled his tray with chicken, beef, and vegetables, all while wearing a worried expression. “James, are you getting too tired from keeping me company in class? You’ve lost so much weight. Eat more, okay? Otherwise, I’ll feel so bad for y

Ever since I complained about James to Joe, my relationship with James hit rock bottom. Joe, ever the meddler, started showing up at my house more and more. “Hey, Amy, all by yourself?” Joe had shed his aggressive, mall rampaging persona, replacing it with a polished, gentlemanly facade. It was hard to believe this was the same man who slapped his son to the ground in public. “Yeah, my parents are off traveling. I mostly stay at school, so this house is pretty much empty except for when I drop by.” Joe’s enthusiasm dimmed a little when he realized my mom wasn’t around. “Well, Amy, don’t you worry. That punk of a son of mine and that… that girl…” He trailed off, looking at me in confusion. I dabbed at the corners of my eyes, where no real tears existed, and softly reminded him, “Mia.” “Yes, Mia! That’s right. Anyway, I’m here to tell you that there’s no way James and Mia will ever work out. I won’t let that conniving woman set foot in my house.” “Joe, maybe

I made sure Mia, now living abroad, heard about my upcoming wedding to James. Along with the news, I let it slip how James still saw her as the unattainable dream he couldn’t forget. As expected, she couldn’t take it. Mia came back. The moment James found out, he rushed to the airport to meet her. My top-tier private investigator, Chris, was back on the job, shadowing them closely. It had been three years since they’d last seen each other, and Mia had transformed. Her long, silky black hair framed her face, and her floral maxi dress gave her a radiant, reborn aura. James was awestruck, genuinely captivated by the elegant woman standing before him. “Mia, you look so beautiful with long hair.” Mia blushed, leaning shyly into his embrace. “James, I’ve been dreaming of the day we’d finally be together. I worked so hard, studying and improving myself, thinking that maybe one day, I’d be worthy of standing by your side.” Her eyes sparkled with hope. She was despe