A book called Love

Liam was desperate to win Janet's affection and decided to take one final chance. He wrote a letter playing ad Mr S while carefully choosing his words, hoping to capture the poetic essence she adored and tucked it inside the book she always borrowed.

But when Janet found the letter, she instantly realised that it wasn't Mr S was rather a copycat.

She had spent too many nights rereading his letters, memorizing the way his words flowed like a melody only she could hear. The moment she unfolded Liam's letter, she felt it in her heart, the absence of that rhythm, that warmth and the silent melody. The words were there, but they lacked the soul. They didn't make her heart dance the way he did.

A deep unease settled within her. The letters had been her safe haven, a secret world only she and Mr. S. shared. And now, that world had been intruded upon. She felt her secret world being tarnished and harassed in unfair means.

On her next visit to the library, she sought out Liam, her heart pounding with a mix of anger and sorrow. Finding him near the shelves, she didn't hesitate.

"Why would you pretend to be someone you're not?" Her voice was calm but carried an unmistakable edge. "You're trying to play with my emotions, aren't you?"

Liam froze, his fingers tightening around the book he was holding. He had anticipated many reactions, but not this, not the quiet certainty in her voice.

"What do you mean?" he asked, still holding onto the last thread of his deception.

Janet let out a breathless laugh, but her eyes glistened with tears. She had hoped that he wasn't deceiving her, she had wished—that she was wrong. That Liam, her friend, wouldn't do this to her.

"I can sense him," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I feel a strong connection with him. And I knew from the start that you weren't him." She wiped away a tear, her expression filled with hurt. "Why, Liam? I thought we were friends."

Liam exhaled deeply, his shoulders slumping. There was no point in denying it anymore.

"Because I care about you, Janet," he admitted, his voice raw. "I thought if I could be the person you were searching for, you would finally start to see me. I thought you would choose me." He swallowed hard. "I love you."

But as the words left his lips, he already knew. Because love built on deception could never truly be love at all.

But Janet was angry and left him alone at the library at once. Throughout the night she weeped thinking about Mr. S.

Coincidentally, at a book launch event, Sam and Janet crossed paths once again. Janet didn't notice him initially but from afar Sam sensed something was off. There was a sadness in her eyes, a heaviness in her posture that hadn't been there before. Her natural charming and sweet personality was missing.

Without hesitation, he made his way to her. "Janet," he greeted, his voice unusually gentle. "You okay?"

She forced a small smile. "Yes, just… a lot on my mind right now."

Sam didn't buy it. "Come on, let's take a walk. Some fresh air might help."

At first, she hesitated. The last thing she wanted was company, but something in his tone. It was light yet persistent which eventually made her reconsider. With a sigh, she gave in. "Alright."

Outside, the crisp evening air wrapped around them as they strolled down the quiet street. The tension in Janet's shoulders slowly eased, and before she knew it, their conversation flowed like it always did, which was effortless, comfortable. She somehow could speak freely around him, a gentle solace that took away her problems.

She studied him curiously. "So, what's with this sudden enthusiasm for literature? I never took you for the type to attend book launches."

Sam smirked but didn't meet her eyes. "Maybe I'm trying to impress someone."

Janet raised an eyebrow. "Wooh, Someone? Must be special if it's got Sam Foster's attention in books."

He chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah… she kind of is."

Janet let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Well, whoever she is, I hope she acknowledges your efforts."

Sam grinned. "Yeah, I hope she does."

For the first time that night, Janet forgot about the sadness that had weighed her down. And for reasons she couldn't quite explain, Sam's words left a warmth in her heart that lingered long after their walk ended.

As their interactions became more frequent and meaningful. Janet's heart started to flicker. She found Sam comforting and enjoyed his presence. At the same time Janet started noticing the similarities between Sam's growing attention towards literature and the enthusiasm in Mr S, from his mannerisms to his unique way with words.

Back at the office, Sam got involved with a new project that required him to travel out of the city. Seeing this as the perfect opportunity to confess her feelings, Emma eagerly volunteered to accompany him.

The long drive was filled with laughter and easy conversation, their friendship feeling as natural as ever. Sam, as always, was kind and attentive, but to Emma, every small gesture, every shared glance, felt like something more. Blinded by her emotions, she saw what she wanted to see.

That night, determined to make an impression, she took extra care in dressing up—a silky dress, subtle perfume, and just the right touch of makeup. She wanted Sam to see her not just as a friend, but as a woman in love.

They sat in a cozy café, their dinner progressing like any other friendly outing. But Emma's heart raced as she gathered the courage to take his hand.

"Mr. Sam, can I say something?" she asked, her voice softer than usual, her cheeks turning a shade of pink.

Sam, oblivious to the weight of her words, nodded. "Go ahead."

Emma took a deep breath, her fingers trembling slightly as she whispered, "Ever since that champagne incident at the library gala, I have been fond of you. I have loved you like a mad girl."

Silence fell between them. For a brief moment, Emma thought she saw something in Sam's eyes—surprise, maybe even hesitation. But then his expression hardened.

"Rubbish!" he said, his voice firm, his hand slipping from hers. "Emma, we're just good friends and colleagues. That's all. I've never seen you in that way."

The rejection hit Emma like a blow to the chest.

Sam pushed back his chair, standing up abruptly. He needed to get out of there before things became more complicated. But before he could walk away, Emma rushed forward, wrapping her arms around him in a desperate embrace.

And that was when Janet saw them. She was there with one of her colleagues from the school and coincidentally saw and heard everything.

A strange, unfamiliar ache twisted in Janet's chest. She didn't even realize it before, but somewhere along the way, she had started falling for Sam. And now, standing there, watching her best friend in his arms, hit her like a storm.

Without a word, she turned and hurried out of the café, the sting of tears blurring her vision. She didn't know what hurt more, realizing her own feelings too late or the fact that Emma had loved him all along.