Violet never trusted men. As a radio host, she listened to heartbreaking stories from women who had been lied to and deceived. It had shaped her view—until James came along.
James was her coworker, charming and kind, but she kept her distance. He surprised her one evening by asking her on a date. At first, she was reluctant, but curiosity got the best of her.
The night started off well. The restaurant was warm and inviting, filled with the soft hum of conversation and live music. James made her laugh, and for a brief moment, she thought that maybe—just maybe—she had been wrong about men.
Then, her phone rang.
“Hello?” she answered.
“Hi, is this Violet?” a woman’s voice asked hesitantly. “I’m Jane… James’ girlfriend. I was wondering if he’s with you.”
Violet felt the air leave her lungs. She didn’t need to hear another word. Without waiting for an explanation, she stood up, grabbed her purse, and left the restaurant.
The next morning at work, she ignored James. When he tried to talk, she shut him down.
“You should have told me you had a girlfriend,” she said flatly.
James looked shocked. “I don’t!”
She scoffed and walked away, convinced he was just another liar.
But later that day, she saw Jane waiting for James outside the station. Hidden from view, she watched their tense conversation.
“James, please,” Jane begged. “I can’t move on.”
“We broke up months ago,” James replied, exhausted. “Stop calling people and making things up.”
Violet’s breath caught. She had been so sure of his guilt, but now, watching Jane’s desperation, she wasn’t so certain anymore.
When Jane finally left, Violet walked over to James. He looked up at her, weary and defeated.
“You heard everything?” he asked.
She nodded. “I did.”
James chuckled bitterly. “I guess this means I don’t have to explain.”
Violet bit her lip, then sighed. “Maybe I overreacted.”
James smirked. “Maybe?”
She crossed her arms. “Okay… definitely.”
His smile widened. “So… do I get another chance?”
Violet hesitated, then smiled back. “We’ll see.”
