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.

she realized that she had made a

did say that, but Ginna drugged and threatened me into dating

he was defiled? Suddenly, Elspeth shivered in disgust at the thought. Her image

said and shrugged her shoulders. As her ride continued toward her

driver mused, Why is the pretty lady

came running back home after getting pregnant with my child. Help me look

head hit the car’s roof, causing her to yelp in agony. “Gilbert Payne, did you actually get

the driver heard that, he softly remarked,

comment

in annoyance and gritted his teeth, wishing he could shove her head into

me find Ginna; otherwise, I’ll find a way

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 from me. Times of difficulty indeed have a way of

her mind, calmed herself down, and got out of the taxi. While paying the driver, she accidentally added an extra zero

“Miss, you overpaid.”

driver. “It’s fine. Think

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

room was the only room where the light was still

be in a good mood. Moreover, a melancholic look was on his face as

were at

acknowledgment but remained

hesitation, Elspeth

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

for me.” After saying that, he calmly walked into the

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

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