Chapter 3: The Night I Stole a Ring

I promised myself that one day, things would be different. I’d find my place, even if it took years.

One day, I'll stand before Mason as a brand new person.

I imagined what that would feel like—confident, self-assured, someone he could be proud to know.

I secretly paid attention to everything about him.

I memorized his schedule, the teams he played for, even his favorite brand of sneakers. It was silly, but it made me feel closer to him.

I'd show up at every basketball game he and Carter played.

I’d sit in the bleachers, pretending to cheer for Carter, but really watching Mason’s every move.

I found out which city and university he wanted to go to.

I researched colleges late into the night, circling the ones near his top choice. It was my way of keeping hope alive.

All along the way,

I measured my progress by how close I felt to reaching him—not just physically, but as an equal.

He became the goal I set for myself.

Whenever I felt like giving up, I’d think of Mason—how hard he worked, how much he achieved. He was my inspiration, even if he never knew it.

As I chased that goal, I also worked on my own shortcomings and insecurities.

I started speaking up in class, joined clubs, even tried out for the debate team. Little by little, I grew into someone I could be proud of.

That year, I placed third in my grade, and for the first time got praise from teachers and classmates.

My math teacher wrote a note on my report card: “Keep it up, Lila!” It was the first time I believed I could really make something of myself.

Only Carter, when I followed my uncle's instructions and urged him to study, thought I liked him.

He’d roll his eyes and call me a nag, but I didn’t care. I was doing it for me, not for him.

When I joined his basketball games, he thought I liked him.

He’d wink at me from the court, thinking I was there for him. I just smiled and clapped politely.

When he kept making me do over-the-top things, I endured it for the money, and he thought I liked him.

Sometimes I wondered if he’d ever see the truth. But I stopped hoping for that a long time ago.

Eventually, I stopped wasting time trying to explain, and put all my effort into every exam.

I learned to tune out the noise, focusing on my goals. It felt good to have something just for myself.

After the SATs, I got into Lakeview University, just like I wanted, at a school next to Mason's.

I remember the day the acceptance letter came—I cried in the bathroom, clutching the envelope to my chest. It felt like the world was finally opening up for me.

Unexpectedly, Carter also came to Lakeview.

He claimed it was a coincidence, but I had my doubts. Still, I kept my distance, determined to make a fresh start.

The three of us weren't at the same school, but we all lived near the college town, not far apart.

Sometimes I’d see them around town—at the grocery store, the gym, even the same late-night taco truck.

Throughout my freshman year, I didn't see Carter much.

I threw myself into classes and clubs, making new friends and building a life that had nothing to do with him.

Only when my uncle couldn't reach him would I go find him, or when he had a basketball game with Mason's school, I'd go.

I’d show up out of obligation, but I always left early, slipping away before anyone noticed.

Sophomore year, their two schools organized a lot of games.

The rivalry was intense, and the games drew big crowds. I went to every one, cheering from the sidelines.

(none)

It became a ritual, something I looked forward to even on the toughest days.

Carter and his friends joked they'd never seen anyone as clingy as me.

They teased me relentlessly, but I let it roll off my back. I was there for me, not for them.

When I didn't respond, Carter stomped hard on the brakes.

The car jerked, and I grabbed the door handle, heart in my throat. He glared at me, daring me to say something.

"Lila, do you think you can get my attention this way?"

His voice was sharp, almost angry. I stared straight ahead, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

"You think I'd really care?"

He scoffed, rolling his eyes. I could see the hurt beneath the bravado, but I stayed silent.

"I'm only mad because of Mason. Do you know what kind of guy he is?"

He leaned closer, voice dropping. “He’s not who you think he is, Lila.”

"If you want to piss me off, pick someone else. I don't even like you. You think Mason would?"

His words stung, but I refused to let him see it. I bit my lip, keeping my gaze fixed on the road ahead.

I didn't reply.

There was nothing left to say. I’d made my choice, and I was sticking to it.

From the start, I never expected Mason to like me.

I’d made peace with that a long time ago. My feelings were mine alone, something I cherished in secret.

The feelings of youth were always my own business.

I never expected anything in return. Just having someone to look up to was enough.

All I ever wanted was for myself and the one I liked to become better—not to keep him by my side.

I wanted to be worthy of the life I dreamed about, even if Mason was just a part of the inspiration.

Besides, Carter had said even worse things before.

He had a talent for cutting deep, but I’d built up armor over the years.

I didn't feel much.

His words barely registered. I was stronger now, and I knew who I was.

"I didn't think too much at the time..."

I spoke quietly, not trusting myself to look at him. The silence stretched between us.

"Didn't think too much? Everyone was just messing with you, and you really kissed him?"

He sounded incredulous, like he couldn’t believe I’d actually gone through with it.

Carter said, pulling out his phone and scoffing.

He scrolled through his messages, lips twisted in a smirk. I braced myself for what was coming.

"Everyone in the group is laughing, and someone posted your photo on Instagram to make fun of you."

He shoved his phone toward me, the screen glaring in the dark car. My stomach twisted as I saw the picture—me, leaning in to kiss Mason, frozen in time for everyone to see.

(none)

"Now Mason is looking for that person late at night."

He sounded almost gleeful, like he was enjoying the drama.

"Guess why? Because he was embarrassed after you kissed him and wants them to delete the post."

I tried to read Carter’s face, searching for any hint of truth. Was Mason really embarrassed, or was Carter just stirring the pot?

I saw in Carter's group chat, the person who posted had a dog profile pic and replied with a shivering emoji.

I scrolled through the messages, my heart pounding. The whole thing felt surreal, like I was watching someone else’s life play out.

'No way, just kidding. Mason wouldn't really come after me, right.'

'Probably, you're toast!'

'Not only did you sneak a photo, but it's so high-def.'

'Our whole class knows about it, everyone's talking.'

'I heard that was his first kiss. Not only did Lila take it, but you posted it on Instagram for everyone to see.'

'You're dead.'

Dog pic: 'Okay, deleted, deleted.'

Dog pic: 'Wait, what's up with Mason?'

Carter sneered and sent a question mark.

Dog pic sent a bunch of shocked emojis.

'I... damn!'

'Mason actually asked me if I had the original photo from Instagram!!!'

My breath caught.

I stared at the screen, trying to make sense of it. Why would Mason want the original photo?

I watched as the person quickly unsent the message.

Carter saw it too, and dismissively sent a voice message: "Must have been a mistake. Obviously he was asking if you deleted the photo."

He sounded annoyed, but I caught the uncertainty in his voice.

After that, he turned off his phone, his expression a bit off.

He stared out the windshield, jaw clenched. I wondered what he was thinking.

"Whatever, you didn't like me, and we broke up."

He said it like it was ancient history, but I could hear the bitterness in his tone.