The Power of a Lie: 3 Stories of Love, Betrayal, and Ruin

They say we lie to survive but some lies don’t protect, they wreck everything. I learned that the night we buried our high school time capsule. Back then, I was dating Brian, my first love. We were young, hopeful, and I imagined we’d be together forever. My best friend Jess stood by my side—or so I thought. That night, as we buried the capsule, Brian acted cold and distant. Without warning, he walked away, accusing me of ruining everything. I was heartbroken and confused. Jess comforted me… but something always felt off.
Fifteen years passed. Then, an email from Malcolm another classmate reminded me it was time to dig up the capsule. Despite the pain, I returned. Standing on the schoolyard again stirred old memories. Brian and Jess arrived late, walking side by side. I assumed they were still together. It hurt more than I expected.When we opened the capsule, I found my locket the one Brian had given me. But there was also a letter addressed to me… from Jess. In it, she confessed everything: She had forged messages, started a rumor about me and Malcolm, and fed it to Brian. All because she wanted what I had my life, my family, and yes, even Brian. She admitted she didn’t even like him that much. They broke up three weeks later. When I confronted her, she told me the cruel truth: “I wanted to be you.” Her jealousy had cost me my first love.