From that day on, Elena began spending more time around Vance. Meanwhile, Gaby was never rude to either Elena or Anna. She was kind to everyone, which was probably what made her so popular. Vance didn't stay glued to Gaby, but he wasn't entirely focused on Elena either. he stayed somewhere in between. Elena knew he had some kind of feelings for Gaby, but she tried to ignore it.
One day, Gaby came up to Elena to talk to her, trying to be friendly. Elena also tried to be nice, but little did Gaby know that Sofia was side-eyeing her the whole time.
Later that day, Vance lied to Gaby about Sofia.
"Gaby, I'm so sorry for the way Elena treats you," he said. "I don't even like her, but she's obsessed with me. I can't do anything about it… but the truth is, I love you."
Gaby replied, "Oh, that's so sweet. I thought Elena was a good person—I didn't know she was the type to ruin relationships. But don't worry, I love you too, and I trust you."
The next day, when Vance was with Elena, he told her,
"Elle, I know you don't like Gaby—and honestly, you have every right not to. She's the most popular girl, so she thinks I should be dating her. But that's not true. I love you, and only you."
Elena replied, "Aww, you're so sweet. I think she's just jealous of our relationship. But I love you, and I trust you."
Vance was on a date with Elena, yet he kept making excuses to leave the table, saying he needed to use the washroom. Sofia stayed seated, waiting, while Vance repeatedly stepped outside—only to meet Gaby instead. Each time he returned, he acted like nothing was wrong.
What neither of them knew was that he had given both Elena and Gaby the same bracelet.
While Elena was waiting for Vance, she noticed Anna nearby. Anna sat down in Vance's empty seat and asked,
"Where's Vance?"
"He went to the washroom," Elena replied.
Anna frowned. "Didn't he come back? When I was walking in, I saw him leaving the washroom."
Elena hesitated. "Then… he must've had some work."
Anna lowered her voice. "Elena, I saw Gaby outside."
Elena's eyes narrowed, as if a thought crossed her mind—one she refused to accept.
"He wouldn't do something like that," she said quickly. "He hates her."
Anna shrugged. "Suit yourself."
Just then, Vance came rushing back, slightly out of breath, acting as if nothing had happened.
When Elena noticed Gaby wearing a bracelet identical to hers the other day, she brushed it off, assuming they must have bought it from the same store. Gaby did the same, ignoring the strange feeling in her chest and choosing to trust Vance instead.