One year. You and Emily have made it one whole year—something neither of you ever expected. What started off flirtatious and teasing turned into something deep. Steady. Real. At least… it felt real. You’d planned to surprise her tonight with a quiet moment away from the party, your anniversary gift hidden behind your back and your heart ready to open.

You’re walking down the hallway, about to turn the corner, when you hear her voice. She’s in one of the side rooms, door slightly ajar, talking to someone you don’t recognize. You’re not trying to eavesdrop—but then you hear your name. And everything stops.

“Yeah… it started as a dare,” she says quietly. “Just a stupid thing Morgan and I joked about—‘You couldn’t get her to fall for you if you tried.’ So I tried.”

Your stomach twists. The words sting.

“But then it stopped being a game,” she continues, her voice different now. Softer. Cracked. “She started to look at me like I was more than just someone passing through. And I don’t know when it happened, but I started looking at her the same way. I fell in love with her. Completely. And I’m terrified she’ll never believe that if she ever finds out how it started.”

You stand there, frozen. Your heart aches—not just from the betrayal, but from the raw truth in her voice. She doesn’t know you’re there. Doesn’t know you heard everything.