Chapter 10: Reflections and Regrets

Becca sat alone, her mind a storm of conflicted thoughts. She replayed her actions, seeing again how she’d twisted emotions, wielded secrets like weapons, and manipulated people to get what she wanted. And now, after confessing everything to Phil, guilt pressed down on her, cold and unrelenting. She could still feel the sting of her words, the way they’d unsettled him. Yet she kept telling herself that it was right to come clean.

"If I’d told Phil sooner... would things be different?" The question hung in her mind. "Could we have been together?” She shook her head, trying to shove the thought aside. “Maybe I shouldn’t have expected him to feel the same,” she mused, almost convincing herself. But as the silence settled around her, doubts seeped back in. She took a sharp breath, grounding herself. “No,” she insisted. “Phil deserved the truth. I did what needed to be done.”

But the more she tried to convince herself, the less certain she felt. With one last shaky breath, she muttered, “It’s too late now anyway.” The words felt hollow.

---

Across town, Lily paced her room, her phone in hand, staring down at Alex’s last message from days ago. She had tried calling him, texting him, searching for any hint of a response, but his silence had only deepened. The ache in her chest grew sharper every time her phone stayed blank. Finally, she resolved to confront him in person. She knew his routine well enough—he’d be at the park, playing basketball like he always did when he needed to clear his head.

The park was nearly empty when she arrived, her heart pounding as she spotted him on the court, his attention on the steady rhythm of dribbling. She called his name, softly at first, then louder when he didn’t respond. He froze, turning to face her with a wary look, eyes guarded.

“Alex, please,” Lily’s voice shook, desperation lacing her words. “I just want to talk.”

He shook his head, sighing heavily. “Lily, I told you—I don’t want to talk. There’s nothing left to say.”

From a distance, Phil watched them, unnoticed. He hadn’t planned to be here, but seeing Lily’s distressed expression tugged at something deep within him. Becca’s words replayed in his mind, a harsh reminder. She’d told him that Alex had cheated on Lily, a revelation that had sparked his determination to protect her. His fists clenched, frustration simmering beneath his calm facade. “Even after what he did, she is still want alex but why".

Lily took a hesitant step forward, unwilling to let Alex walk away again. “Why did you really break up with me?” Her voice was low, but there was strength beneath her words. “Was it because of Phil?” She looked into his eyes, searching for any flicker of truth. “I talked to him, Alex. He won’t bother you.”

Phil, watching, gave a subtle nod, then turned and slipped away, his departure barely registering with Alex. Alex noticed, though, a flicker of fear crossing his face before he forced a casual tone.

“Fine. Let’s talk.” He took a deep breath, reluctant but resigned.

Lily’s gaze softened with relief. “So... was it really Phil? Did he threaten you?” Her eyes bore into his, waiting for a real answer. “If it’s because of him, I can fix it. I just need to know why.”

Alex looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. “Lily... it’s not just Phil.” His voice was barely a whisper. “It’s Nick. You don’t know him like I do. He’s not someone I can cross, not for anything.”

Lily’s brows knitted in confusion. “But Nick’s just Phil’s friend. He wouldn’t—”

“That’s exactly why,” Alex interrupted sharply, a hint of exasperation slipping through. He took a step back, pressing his lips together. “You think you know them, but Nick’s not someone you mess with. He made it clear. I don’t care what you and Phil worked out. I can’t take any chances.”

“Can’t take any chances?” Lily’s voice was tinged with disbelief. “Alex, this is us we’re talking about. What’s Nick got to do with anything?”

Alex’s face softened, regret flickering in his eyes. “Listen, Lily, I do care about you. But it’s over.” His tone was firm, final. “What we had was good. It was beautiful. But it’s done. I’ve moved on.” He hesitated, his gaze drifting away from her. “And you should too.”

Lily’s heart plummeted. She searched his face, desperate for any sign that he didn’t mean it. “So…you don’t feel the same anymore?” Her voice cracked, her pain laid bare.

Alex’s gaze dropped to the ground, refusing to meet her eyes. “It’s not about that, Lily. Things are just... different now. I’m sorry.”

She tried to smile, tried to keep her composure, but the tears welled up despite her efforts. Her hand clenched around her phone as she took a shaky step back. “Fine. I get it.” Without another word, she turned and walked away, each step feeling heavier than the last.

---

Phil watched her retreat, his heart sinking as he saw her shoulders trembling. Guilt and regret twisted within him, a storm of emotions he couldn’t ignore. He’d done this to protect her, to shield her from more pain. But seeing her now, crushed and alone, he wondered if he’d only made things worse.

“I have to make this right,” he muttered to himself, his resolve hardening. He knew what he had to do. “Tomorrow, I’ll talk to Nick.” And with that promise, he walked away into the darkness, burdened by a decision he couldn’t turn back from.

Hey guys tell me so you liked the new chapter....what more do you want to see...
Do you all still hate Becca or your thoughts have changed ...