Unspoken Longings: A Tale of Love and Regret at St. Ivy College

Oliver, a teenager with a warm smile and an easygoing demeanor, reminisces about his unforgettable years at St. Ivy College, a prestigious institution renowned for its beautiful ivy-covered buildings and rigorous academic standards. His tall, athletic build and expressive blue eyes often drew attention, yet it was his mischievous charm that made him well-known among the faculty and students. Despite his playful nature, he was generally liked for his cheerful disposition.

In contrast, Isabella, the girl who captured Oliver’s heart, was the epitome of academic excellence. Petite with chestnut hair always neatly tied back, her green eyes were constantly focused on her studies. She was serious and poised, rarely seen without a book in her hand, embodying everything Oliver was not.

One sunny spring afternoon, Oliver sat on the college’s lush green lawn, watching Isabella study under a large oak tree. Her dedication and focus were mesmerizing. “It can’t be a big deal,” he thought, “I can at least try.”

Determined to win her over, Oliver decided to change his ways. He buried himself in books, attended every lecture, and started participating in class. His friends were stunned by this transformation. Even their strict History professor, Mr. David, began to notice. “Oliver, your recent essays have shown remarkable improvement,” he remarked one day. “Keep up the good work.”

Word of Oliver’s change spread quickly. Some of Isabella’s friends teased her, “Isabella, did you know Oliver has started studying because of you?” Isabella, always kind, replied, “If he’s improving because of me, that’s a good thing. Let him study.”

As the months passed, Oliver’s efforts paid off. His grades soared, and the praise from his teachers became a regular occurrence. One crisp autumn day, fueled by newfound confidence, Oliver decided to take a leap of faith. He found Isabella in the college library, surrounded by stacks of books. Gathering courage, he went to her. “Isabella, can we talk?” he asked nervously. She looked up, surprised, but nodded.

They stepped outside into the quiet courtyard, where the autumn leaves created a golden carpet on the ground. “I like you, Isabella,” he admitted, “we may be different, but I just had to share my feelings.” Isabella’s eyes softened, but she shook her head gently. “Oliver, I am sorry; I think we should leave it on time.”

Crushed but respectful of her rationality, Oliver liked her response. They continued to talk occasionally, and a tentative friendship began to blossom. They exchanged texts, shared study tips, and even laughed over coffee a few times. Isabella’s laugh was like music to Oliver, and every moment they spent together felt precious.

However, their budding friendship did not go unnoticed. Isabella’s best friend, Daisy, disapproved. Daisy was a striking figure with fiery red hair and sharp blue eyes. What Isabella didn’t know was that Daisy was actually Oliver’s fiancée. They had been engaged for a while, a fact Oliver had kept hidden. Their engagement was more of a family arrangement than a love match, and Oliver hadn’t found the right time to tell Isabella. As his feelings for Isabella grew, the truth became even harder to reveal.

Daisy, aware of Oliver’s feelings for Isabella, confronted him one evening.

“Oliver, what’s this I’ve been hearing about Isabella and you? How come you didn’t mention us to her?” With a trembling voice filled with wrath, she demanded.

“I didn’t want to hurt her,” Oliver replied, feeling ashamed. “I didn’t know how to tell her.”

“Well, you’ve hurt both of us,” Daisy snapped, “And now she hates me because she thinks I’m just jealous for no reason.”

Isabella, oblivious to the real reason behind Daisy’s hostility, often wondered why Daisy seemed so jealous. At the farewell party in the vibrant spring season, the tension between them reached a boiling point. Isabella, unable to bear the cold shoulder any longer, finally confronted Daisy,

“Why have you been so rude to me, Daisy? What did I ever do to you?”

Daisy’s face flushed with a mix of anger and frustration. “You want to know why? Oliver is engaged to me. He didn’t tell you, did he?”

Isabella stood there, stunned, “What? Oliver... engaged with you?” she stammered. The revelation left her reeling. She felt a wave of sympathy for Daisy and profound disappointment in Oliver.

That night, Isabella sent Oliver a message on WhatsApp: “Oliver, why did you hide the reality from me? I feel so deceived.”

Her words pierced in him like a dagger. Oliver abruptly understood the matter, feeling ashamed, and replied, “Isabella, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know how to tell you. Please, let me explain. Can we talk?”

But Isabella didn’t reply. The silence was deafening.

In the present, as Oliver sits on the porch of their home, Daisy, his loving and devoted wife, brings him a cup of tea. With her caring touch and understanding eyes, she gently asks, “Oliver, will you attend the reunion party at the college with me?” Oliver looks at her, his heart filled with gratitude for her firm companionship, “Yes, Daisy,” he says, taking her hand. He pauses for a moment, his thoughts drifting back to the past. “I just wish Isabella could be there too,” he thinks softly.