Sometimes, destiny could be so ruthless. It could bestow upon you the most brilliant and beautiful things. But at last, it would shatter it all itself.
Watching a sincere and perfect friendship crumble, mutual suspicion setting in, and ultimately mutual hatred, this process was enough to change the life trajectory of two individuals.
When did things start to change between them? Alyssa tried to recall.
It was a Sunday, two months into the school year.
Julia was beautiful and gentle. She was well-liked by the boys at school.
Among them, a privileged rich kid fell for Julia at the freshman performance.
He pursued her relentlessly for two months. He tried every trick in the book, but Julia always proclaimed that she already had a boyfriend.
No one had ever seen this boyfriend, assuming it was just an excuse to reject the rich kid.
This rich kid was not of good character. Seeing his pursuit of Julia fruitless, he began to tarnish her reputation. He claimed that he'd already slept with her and even using technology to create explicit photos, which he posted on the school bulletin board.
Julia’s reputation was damaged overnight. But Julia never defended herself. She always said, "The innocent need not explain."
Alyssa always thought Julia was a woman with a soft exterior but a firm heart. She even had her father discretely intervene to handle the matter. But one time, she saw Julia using a payphone. It was a snowy night, and no one was around, and Julia was crying on the other end.
Alyssa stood behind her for a long time, assuming she was calling her family.
But at last, Julia said, "Michael, I miss you."
Who was Michael? Could it be her rumored boyfriend?
The next day, Alyssa found out who this Michael was.
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