Lovestory4 - Chapter 1

I went to a hotel to deliver hangover medication to my best friend, Eleanor Greene. She'd gotten drunk at a social gathering. To my surprise, I overheard familiar moans from the next room. Just yesterday, Alvin had promised to love me forever; now, he was making love with another woman. Later, people teased Alvin, saying, “Jacqueline’s already pregnant with someone else’s baby, Alvin, you still haven’t gotten over her?”

After Eleanor vomited, she looked at me, dazed. “Jacqueline, I’m so unlucky. I broke up with my boyfriend yesterday, and today, my client forced me to drink. And now there’s a couple next door making love. Geez.” While teasing her, I couldn't help but listen to what was happening next door. Curiosity overwhelmed me.

Suddenly, a low growl made me drop my tissue box. I recognized the voice instantly—I’d known it for ten years. With a bitter smile, I said, “Eleanor, I’m more miserable than you. That’s Alvin with another woman.”

“What! Alvin’s cheating?”

I nodded, tears welling. It felt like an invisible hand was squeezing me, suffocating me with despair.

“Fuck! Let me go catch those cheating bastards!”

I stopped her. Trembling, I dialed Alvin Horne’s number. His ringtone echoed from the next room, but he didn’t answer. When I called again, the ringtone was gone. I prevented Eleanor from confronting them; I didn't know how to handle the situation.

Lovestory4 - Chapter 1 (continued)

Back home, sitting on the couch in the apartment Alvin and I had shared for six years, I wept. Betrayal felt like a knife twisting inside me. If I told anyone Alvin cheated, they probably wouldn't believe it. After all, we were childhood sweethearts, dating since our teens. He was quiet and reserved, except with me.

After crying and venting, I began to calm down. If you asked who mattered most in my life, it would definitely be Alvin. He'd been my support through hopeless times. But perhaps some people aren't meant to stay for our entire journey.

At midnight, Alvin came home. Seeing me on the couch, he paused, a tipsy look on his face. “Why are you still up?”

“I couldn’t sleep. Have you been busy lately?”

I watched him closely, searching for guilt or truth. Was he a good actor, or was I naive? His face remained unchanged, yet it felt unfamiliar.

“There’s been an issue with a project recently.”

His smooth lie left me unsure if anger or disappointment was stronger. I felt cold, my heart breaking.

Chapter 2

The next day, I took a day off to accompany Alvin’s parents, Ruth and Trey Horne, mountain climbing. I had ulterior motives. They'd always been kind, treating me like a daughter. Without them, I might have struggled my whole life.

As I carried my bag outside, Alvin said he wanted to join. I was surprised but didn't refuse; I couldn't stop him from showing filial piety. There was an extra driver.

Ruth saw us leaving the car together and smiled warmly. Jokingly, she said, “Hey, busy bee, how come you have time today?”

Alvin sighed, “Mom…”

“I almost forgot I have a son if you didn’t show up. No wonder they say daughters are considerate. Jacqueline is still the best; even though she’s busy with work, she remembers to see us.”

“When are you two going to get married? I can’t wait to hear Jacqueline call me ‘Mom’ sooner.”

My heart ached, and I forced a smile. “Alvin is busy with work; there’s no rush for marriage.”

“Even if we didn’t get married, in my heart, you and Trey are my parents.”

Ruth chuckled, “Jaqueline was so obedient. You said this stinky boy, at just a teenager, already knew how to bring a wife home.”

Alvin smiled lightly. “I had good eyesight.”

I pinched my finger, controlling my expression. Four people sat in the car, the scenery outside changing from gray cement to lush green. Fewer cars were on the road. Suddenly, a rapid ringing sound pulled me from my thoughts.