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As I waited for Marco, his absence started to feel really frustrating. I’d hoped we’d have lunch together, but it looked like he had other plans. So, I ended up eating alone again, my heart feeling heavy. I wasn’t really hungry, but I forced myself to eat a little.

Then my phone suddenly rang, making me jump. I felt a flicker of hope—but when I saw it was my friend Alec calling, that hope quickly faded. Still, I answered.

“Hey, Alec,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Maddie, where are you?” Alec sounded suspicious.

“I’m at home. Why?” I asked, curious.

“Well, if you’re home, then who’s the girl Marco’s with?” Alec dropped the bomb. “They just went into a restaurant. I’m going to follow them.”

I was stunned and didn’t know what to say. I told him to go ahead. The fact that Marco was with another woman hit me like a ton of bricks. I’d expected him back with me today. So why was he out with someone else? And who was she?

My chest tightened, like someone was squeezing my heart.

I