Lately, Shawn had been on a relentless quest for investments. He was traveling all over the place. The prospects in Oak Lake were slim to none for backing his company, so he had to look elsewhere, spending most of his time in hotel rooms and on planes.
He was back in Oak Lake this particular day, and Jayden was there to pick him up. It was early evening, and they were heading to a dinner meeting. While stopped at a red light, Jayden glanced at Shawn, who was engrossed in old photos of himself and Allison on his phone.
Jayden hesitated, words stuck in his throat. But before he could speak, Shawn leaned over, showing him the screen with a tender look. "Look at how happy we were back then," he said softly.
Jayden's expression was a mix of emotions. The last time they talked, Shawn asked him to buy a ring in France because he was planning to win Allison back. Shawn mentioned that Allison was about to get engaged. Jayden said that stealing someone else's fiancée was not okay.
Since coming back, Jayden hadn't dared to bring up Allison. Ever since she left Havenbrook, he hadn't seen her and knew nothing about her fiancé. But from spending time with Shawn, it was clear he wasn't his usual self. At gatherings, Shawn used to be the life of the party. Now, he drank quietly, and in his drunkenness, would sadly call out Allison's name.
In that moment, as Shawn stared at the old photos, a rare smile appeared, lost in nostalgic daydreams. Jayden thought Shawn was caught in a loop he couldn't break free from. He wanted to ask, "Did you give her the ring?" but the words wouldn't come.
Eventually, Jayden just sighed deeply.
The light turned green. The driver hit the gas, and they moved on. Unable to hold back, Jayden said, "Shawn, as your friend, I have to say, you both had something special, but what's lost is lost. She's engaged now, don't do something you'll regret."
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