They called it *The Heart Tree*.
Right at the center of Eden University, surrounded by benches, flowering shrubs, and whispering shadows, stood a giant tree whose branches curved into a shape almost too perfect to be real — like two lovers clinging to each other, frozen in time.
Legend had it that couples who confessed under the Heart Tree always ended up together. Or cursed. No one really knew which, but that made it even more exciting.
Tessa had always rolled her eyes at the story. But today, she was using it.
"He's already coming," she whispered, tugging Amara's wrist. "Just stand here, act casual."
"Wait, what? Who's coming?" Amara hissed, her heart suddenly thudding.
"Just trust me," Tessa grinned wickedly.
At the same time, on the other side of the tree, Zayn was practically dragging Elijah.
"Dude, let go," Elijah muttered, irritated.
Zayn ignored him. "You said you were tired of wasting time. Well, today's the day."
As they reached the clearing, Amara and Elijah locked eyes.
Both froze.
Neither smiled.
The wind stirred the leaves of the Heart Tree.
For a long moment, there was nothing but silence — and then the chaos began.
"You planned this?" Elijah snapped at Zayn.
Tessa gave Amara a shove. "Say something!"
Amara's throat was dry. She turned slightly. "Elijah... I—"
"I don't need your pity," he said harshly, turning to leave.
Amara flinched like he'd slapped him.
Zayn grabbed his shoulder. "What the hell, man?"
Elijah brushed him off. "Let's go."
As he stormed off, Amara stood still, blinking hard.
Tessa rushed to her. "Babe… I didn't know he'd react like that."
Amara said nothing.
But inside her, something cracked — not from heartbreak, but from *rage*.
She didn't love him. Not anymore.
At least that's what she told herself.