Chapter 2Terms of Acquisition

I wanted to know, too.

What kind of girl was she?

What made her better than me?

I found her profile through his phone.

I had to see for myself.

I had to see the woman who had so easily destroyed eight years of my life.

We survived long-distance.

We survived the pandemic.

We survived being broke.

But we were being defeated by a "better girl."

I found her on the university campus.

Of course. Young. Vibrant.

An old, homeless woman was struggling to collect cans, her back bent. Her plastic bag ripped, and empty bottles scattered across the pavement.

The girl, in a cream-colored coat, ran over and helped her pick up every single one.

She helped the woman carry the heavy bag all the way to the campus recycling center.

I followed, like a stalker.

Suddenly, footsteps rushed up behind me.

A figure blocked my view.

I looked up.

Liam. His arms were spread, shielding the girl from me, his lips trembling. "Victoria, it's not her fault..."

Not her fault.

Then whose fault was it?

Mine?

The girl finally noticed me. She looked over, startled.

Our eyes met. She quickly looked away.