Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

When Gilbert headed downstairs, Elspeth, Harper, and Lisa had left the bar.

At that moment, his phone vibrated, and he glanced quickly at the incoming text message. ‘Elspeth had ended the party early, likely because she was bored.’

Afterward, he called Elspeth. “Hey, Elspeth.” He heard cars honking on the other end of the line and deduced that she was probably on her way home.

“What is it? I thought you would be rolling in the hay with Emma, so I didn’t disturb you. Well? Did she agree to it?” she languidly asked while looking out the car window. Then, she mused, I don’t think they should be together because she isn’t a good person and doesn’t deserve him. Nevertheless, it is not up to me to comment on the matter.

“I think you are asking to be taught a lesson, Elspeth Lynwood.”

Gilbert would always call her by her full name whenever he got angry. It made her stop joking around, though. “So, what deep connection is there between the two of you?” she solemnly asked.

“I don’t know her, but I know her sister.”

After hearing that, a vague memory of ‘the sister’ popped into her head. A year ago, a woman named Ginna Walker appeared in her life and gave her reason to worry about a former flame. However, that was the only time they ever met, and Elspeth remembered her as a sweet-looking girl who spoke her mind. Nevertheless, she had a fuzzy recollection of the events after that.

She took a deep breath and inquired, “What is your connection to her?”

“Nothing much. We dated.”

When she heard that, she almost choked while taking a sip of water. “You dated? Gilbert, didn’t you tell me you would be single forever?”

Even Elspeth was startled by her own statements. Back when she was sixteen, that was Gilbert’s answer when she confessed to him.

According to her recollection, he said, “I don’t like you, but I want to be in your life forever. I want us to be friends who stay together, not lovers who would easily break up and drift away.”

It turned out that what he said was a lie, but he did go on to date someone else and still loved the woman.

While Elspeth no longer had a crush on Gilbert, the mere mention of their past made things awkward.

the atmosphere became tense, and even she realized that she had made

me into dating her. So, I had no choice but to do

mean he was defiled? Suddenly, Elspeth shivered in disgust at the thought. Her image of Gilbert as a saint vanished in an

As her ride

pretty lady letting out such a horrible

home after getting

straightened up in her seat, and her head hit the car’s roof, causing her

the driver heard that, he

with his comment and self-righteously

gritted his

I’ll find a way to

Elspeth dropped her phone and let out a wail of agony. When something good happens, he never thinks of me. However, he’ll start looking for me as soon as he needs something

pushed the shock of knowing Gilbert had fathered a child out of her mind, calmed herself down, and got out of the taxi. While paying the driver, she accidentally added

“Miss, you overpaid.”

“It’s fine. Think of it

lady’s heart been broken? He silently stared at her

time Elspeth returned to the Winthrop Residence, everyone was asleep. However, Callum’s room was the only room where the light was still on. When she entered

in a good mood. Moreover, a melancholic look was on his face as the scent of cologne and cigarettes hung around him.

were at

grunted in acknowledgment

moment of hesitation, Elspeth asked,

stared at her, and the intensity of his stare sent chills down

me.”

water splashing echoed through the room. As she waited, she strolled over to his side of the

words. I’m not sure my explanation will compensate for my earlier behavior. Moreover, I feel he won’t even bother to