The Dress Swap That Exposed Her Perfect Lie Chapter 17

The Dress Swap That Exposed Her Perfect Lie Chapter 17

Still, with Zane around and a college life that was genuinely fun and fulfilling, Ethan never really got close.

I eventually heard the news about Vera’s pregnancy and wedding while Zane was helping me prep a speech.

My high school friend was on the other end of the line, spilling tea in a hushed, dramatic tone.

“That Vera girl from our class? She used to be a decent student, but she bombed the entrance exams and

ended up here.”

“At first she was normal, but then she started all her sneaky, pick-me, girl-on-girl crap. Everyone saw through

it and dropped her. She didn’t reflect at all, just clung harder to the guys.”

“So, not even a semester in, she slept with someone and got pregnant. The guy sweet-talked her into a

shotgun wedding, but once her belly got big, he was still fooling around behind her back. Now she’s waddling

around, crying her eyes out every day.”

I paused.

I thought about all that history, and I felt a little disappointed.

But then I thought, she’s only twenty. She still has a chance. What path she takes next is up to her.

That’s when my parents came to find me, looking panicked.

They said Liam had depression.

My mom was nearly in tears, rushing through it. “That boy, I don’t know what happened. He’s been diagnosed

with severe depression and anxiety.”

“And the worst part-he’s completely lost his voice. He won’t speak. The doctor says it’s psychological. He

just… doesn’t want to talk. What are we gonna do?”

My dad looked worried, too. “You two grew up together. Maybe we should go back and talk to him?”

A breeze blew past. The setting sun was half-hidden, staining the city in shades of rose and gold.

I paused for just a moment. “No.” I said, “He and I haven’t been friends for a long time.”

My parents respected my decision. They didn’t push. They called Liam’s mom back with a gentle excuse and

went home.

After they left, I asked Zane quietly, “Do you think I’m being too harsh?”

He shook his head and pinched my cheek gently. “No. They didn’t know how to treasure you. They didn’t understand that some things can’t be undone. You are the best, best Hazel in the entire world.”

Yeah. I thought so too.

I’m the best, best Hazel.

If we could go back to that day:

Vera got her period and stained her skirt.

Hazel swapped clothes with her right away.

While she was buying her tampons, the aloof genius Ethan who’d always kept his distance suddenly asked, “Got everything? Hand it over. I’ll pay.”

And the sharp-tongued childhood friend, who lived to mock her, was suddenly meek and sweet. “You… you

look really pretty today.”

Hazel thought they’d both mistaken her for someone else.

Embarrassed, she turned around, about to speak.

But Ethan smiled, warm and gentle. “Hazel, let me help. Oh, and tonight, I’ll tutor you.”

And Liam, face flushed, said with earnest focus, “Hazel, you look amazing in that dress. I mean, you look amazing no matter what. You are the best, best Hazel in the whole world.”

Then the dream shattered.

If only.