She Thought Her Childhood Best Friend Had Chosen Another Girl — So She Walked Away Before He Could Tell Her the Truth

Chapter 1

Claire Bennett had spent most of her life believing Ryan Carter would always be there.

Their families lived three houses apart.

Their mothers had been friends before Claire and Ryan were even born.

Their fathers played golf together every Saturday.

There were photographs of the two children in almost every family album.

Claire often joked that she couldn’t remember a version of her life without Ryan in it.

At twenty-one, they were still inseparable.

They attended Westlake University together, shared the same morning bus, studied in the library, and usually walked home side by side.

People on campus often assumed they were dating.

They weren’t.

At least, they had never called it that.

Claire had never asked Ryan how he felt about her.

Ryan had never asked Claire either.

The silence between them had become comfortable.

Until one Thursday afternoon.

Claire had just left the student center when she saw Ryan standing near the fountain.

A beautiful girl named Natalie was standing in front of him.

Claire slowed.

Natalie was holding a small gift bag.

Ryan looked surprised.

Claire couldn’t hear what she was saying.

Then Natalie stepped closer.

Claire saw her hand touch Ryan’s arm.

Ryan looked at her.

He didn’t move away.

Claire’s stomach tightened.

Natalie said something else.

Then Ryan looked toward the university building.

Claire assumed he was looking for someone.

Maybe her.

Maybe not.

She took one step backward.

Then another.

She didn’t stay to hear his answer.

She turned around and walked away.

That afternoon, for the first time in twenty years, Claire went home without Ryan.

And Ryan had no idea why.