Jane never believed in fairy tales, but meeting Daniel in her freshman year of college almost changed her mind. He was everything she admired—handsome, athletic, and a genius with books. He could solve the toughest equations in seconds and still find time to rap his heart out at the campus club, leaving audiences cheering for more. But it wasn't just his brilliance or talent that drew Jane in; it was his heart.

When Daniel's parents divorced, shattering his world, Jane was there—his shoulder to lean on, his late-night call when the silence became too heavy, his cheerleader when his grades started slipping. They were inseparable, supporting each other through every high and low. Daniel, in return, helped Jane with her toughest assignments, making complex topics seem easy with his natural intelligence. Together, they were the perfect team—best friends, study partners, and each other's safe haven.

They made memories that felt infinite—laughing in the campus café, cheering for Daniel at his basketball games, and dancing to his raps at the club. Jane loved joining him at the sporting complex, pretending she could keep up with his athletic prowess, and they even wrote songs together, with Jane's off-key singing making Daniel burst into laughter. It was perfect... until it wasn't.

Enter Harriette. She was beautiful, confident, and always hanging around Daniel. When Jane asked, Daniel laughed it off, saying, "She's just my cousin." Feeling silly for being jealous, Jane let her guard down and embraced Harriette like family.

The three of them became inseparable. They traveled together for an exciting event, rented an apartment by the beach, and spent days swimming, playing games, and laughing till their bellies hurt. It was on one of those carefree evenings, while Jane was returning from a walk along the shore, that she saw it—Daniel and Harriette, locked in a passionate kiss.

Jane's world shattered. She stood frozen, feeling like a stranger in her own relationship. Her heart ached with betrayal as she watched the boy she loved holding another girl, the one he had introduced as his "cousin." That night, tears soaked her pillow as she tried to piece together how she had missed the signs. Feeling suffocated by the lies and pain, Jane made a rash decision—she packed her things and left.

In her emotional turmoil, she chose to travel back home in the dead of night. But fate wasn't done with her. On her way, Jane was kidnapped by strangers who took advantage of her vulnerability, leaving her with scars that ran deeper than just a broken heart. It was the worst night of her life—one of betrayal, pain, and unimaginable horror.

When she was finally freed, Jane went back to her parents, broken and traumatized. They cared for her, helping her piece together the shattered parts of her life. She cut off all contact with Daniel, but no amount of distance could erase her first love. The memories lingered, haunting her dreams and echoing in the songs they once wrote together.

Years passed. At a college reunion, Jane saw Daniel again. He looked the same, yet different—more mature, with eyes that seemed to carry the weight of regrets. Their eyes met, and in that brief moment, every memory came rushing back, every laugh, every tear, and the betrayal that changed everything.

They stood across the room from each other, words unspoken, hearts heavy with what could have been. Could Jane forgive him? Could she ever let go of the pain? Or was first love meant to be lost forever?

Daniel's heart raced as he watched Jane, her smile still as beautiful as he remembered, yet her eyes were distant—guarded. He took a deep breath, summoning the courage he had lacked for years. He knew he had hurt her in the worst way possible. He knew he had shattered her trust, not just in him but in love itself.

But he also knew he had to speak to her. He owed her that much. He needed closure, to look her in the eyes and tell her the truth. To explain how foolish and immature he had been, how he let temptation and lies destroy the best thing that had ever happened to him. And to finally say how truly sorry he was.

The memories flooded back—the laughter they shared, the nights she stayed up consoling him through his parents' divorce, the endless hours she spent helping him study, her unwavering loyalty when he was at his lowest. She was his everything. And he threw it all away for a fleeting, selfish moment with Harriette.

Daniel's chest tightened as he remembered the night he betrayed Jane, the night she walked away broken and never looked back. He had heard about the terrible incident afterward—the kidnapping, the trauma. It haunted him, knowing that his actions indirectly put her in harm's way.

But Daniel also knew Jane. She was strong, principled, and disciplined. She hated lies and betrayal. Even if a part of her still loved him, she would never take him back. She deserved better. And he needed to let her go.

With heavy steps, Daniel crossed the room, each stride echoing his resolve. Jane saw him coming, her eyes widening slightly before she composed herself. He extended his hand, his voice soft. "Jane… hi."

She looked at his outstretched hand, hesitating for a moment before taking it. Her grip was firm but cold, distant. "Hi, Daniel."

For a moment, they just stood there, hands touching but worlds apart. Daniel's heart ached. He wanted to pull her close, to hold her and promise he'd never hurt her again. But he knew better. He didn't deserve another chance. Not after what he did.

"I… I just wanted to say—" Daniel began, but Jane gently pulled her hand back, her eyes unwavering. "You don't have to, Daniel. It's all in the past."

Her words were calm, her voice steady, but Daniel could see the pain lurking behind her eyes. Pain he had caused. He felt his chest tighten. "Jane, please. Just let me explain. I was stupid. Immature. I didn't realize what I had until—"

"Until you lost it?" Jane finished his sentence, her lips curving into a sad smile. "Yes, Daniel. You lost me. You lost my trust, my respect... and my love." Her words were like knives, sharp and unyielding, yet she spoke them without anger, just a quiet resignation.

Daniel felt a lump in his throat. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I'm so sorry, Jane. If I could take it all back, I would."

Jane looked at him for a long moment, her gaze piercing. "I know. And I forgive you… for my own peace of mind. But forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting. It doesn't mean things can go back to the way they were."

Daniel's shoulders slumped. He had expected this, but hearing it still hurt. "I understand. I just… I needed to tell you. I needed to face you and admit how wrong I was. You deserved that."

Jane's expression softened, and for a fleeting moment, Daniel saw the girl he fell in love with—the one who laughed at his silly jokes, who cheered him on at every game, who trusted him with her heart. But that girl was gone, replaced by a woman who had endured pain and betrayal and had risen above it.

"I hope you find happiness, Daniel. I really do. But I won't be a part of it," Jane said softly. "Take care of yourself."

With that, she turned and walked away, her posture poised, her head held high. Daniel watched her go, his heart breaking all over again, knowing this was truly the end. He had lost her. Not because of fate or circumstance, but because of his own choices.

Jane didn't look back. She walked out of the reunion with a heavy heart but a clear conscience. She had faced her past, confronted the pain, and found the strength to let go. And as she stepped into the cool night air, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders.

Maybe first love was meant to be lost. But maybe, just maybe, it was also meant to teach her how to love herself first.