Time Heals All Wounds By Oliver Thomas 13 Summary
Just before Thanksgiving, Rachel had been tirelessly trying to secure train tickets home with her boyfriend, Aaron Ruthven. After three sleepless nights, she finally managed to book their seats, feeling relieved and excited for their trip together. However, her happiness was shattered when Aaron messaged her, saying he had given her ticket to their friend Sophia, who was going through a tough time. Rachel’s confirmed seat was suddenly canceled, leaving her shocked and hurt.
Rachel called her dad in frustration, half-jokingly asking if their private jet could land at her campus, and to her surprise, he agreed. Meanwhile, Aaron called her, irritated that she wasn’t responding to his texts. He defended his decision, explaining that Sophia had failed an exam and needed the quiet, comfortable seat to relax. Aaron also blamed Rachel for not booking three tickets initially, making the situation worse. Rachel was devastated, feeling betrayed that Aaron gave away her seat without consulting her.
The conversation quickly escalated into a heated argument. Aaron accused Rachel of being cold and selfish, while Rachel felt deeply hurt and misunderstood. She pointed out that she was also struggling and that the issue wasn’t really the ticket but the fact that she wouldn’t be traveling home with Aaron as planned. Aaron dismissed her feelings, calling her a “princess” for complaining about standing room and accused her of being shallow and dramatic.
Rachel decided she was done trying to explain herself or placate Aaron. When he offered to take her to a movie to make up for the ticket, she flatly refused and told him to keep the tickets. She said she would find her own way home, leaving Aaron frustrated and confused about how she planned to manage without a ticket. The chapter ends with their relationship strained, highlighting the emotional conflict and growing distance between them.
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Chapter 1
Just days before Thanksgiving, I had pulled three sleepless nights in a row, eyes glued to my screen, fingers aching from nonstop clicking, all in a desperate attempt to secure train tickets home with my boyfriend, Aaron Ruthven.
Finally, relief washed over me as I confirmed our seats. I exhaled deeply, letting myself relax for a moment—only to have my phone buzz with a new message from Aaron.
“Sophia’s going through a tough time. I gave her your ticket.”
His words hit me like a punch to the gut.
“See if you can grab a bus ticket or something. It’s only seven or eight hours anyway,” he added casually.
I stared at the screen in disbelief as the status of my confirmed seat abruptly changed to “CANCELED.” The word glared back at me, mocking.
After a heavy pause, I swallowed my frustration and called my dad.
“Hey, Dad? Could our private jet just land right at my campus entrance?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
There was a brief silence on the other end. I could practically hear him processing the absurdity of my request.
Dad was clearly taken aback by my sudden, over-the-top demand, but he knows me well enough not to question when I’m serious.
“Of course,” he said without hesitation.
“Thanks, Dad,” I replied, grateful beyond words.
“We’ll talk when you get home,” he added warmly.
No sooner had I hung up than Aaron’s call came through.
“Rachel! What the hell? Why are you ignoring my texts?” His voice was thick with irritation and accusation.
“It’s just a stupid ticket. Are you seriously going to be this dramatic? Sophia’s having a rough time—can’t you show some compassion?” he snapped.
I gripped my phone so tightly that my knuckles turned white.
“My ticket. You canceled it without even asking me?” I demanded.
“It was an emergency!” Aaron’s voice rose, self-righteous and defensive.
“Sophia failed her exam and has been feeling really down. The first-class seat you booked is quiet and spacious—perfect for her to relax on the ride home.”
He continued, frustration creeping into his tone. “Besides, why didn’t you book three tickets in the first place? Now we’re stuck dealing with this whole mess!”
His logic was so twisted I almost laughed out loud.
“Aaron, I spent three sleepless nights staring at the screen, my fingers sore, just to get us those two tickets,” I said, my voice trembling with hurt. “I thought this was going to be our first trip home together—something special to remember. And you gave my seat to that girl without even asking me?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” he shot back, his voice growing louder and more aggressive.
“Rachel, when did you become so cold and petty?” Aaron accused.
“Sophia’s your friend too! She’s all alone at school, thousands of miles from home. Shouldn’t we be looking out for her? Why are you being so selfish about one ticket?”
“Alone?” I repeated softly, a cold weight settling deep in my chest.
“She’s struggling, but I’m not?” I asked quietly, feeling the sting of betrayal. “You want me to stand for eight hours and you don’t care how I feel?”
“Standing room—so what? It’s a little uncomfortable, big deal. Since when are you such a princess?” His voice dripped with disappointment.
“I thought you were kind and understanding. Turns out you’re just shallow as hell! Getting worked up just because it’s not first class anymore? Making everyone miserable over your bruised ego?”
Listening to him, all I could feel was bitter irony.
Shallow? Me? Over a train ticket?
He had no idea that it wasn’t the ticket itself I cared about. I just wanted to go home with him, to share that journey side by side.
If I wanted, Dad could buy the entire train with a single phone call.
But I was done explaining.
I just wanted to see what other pathetic little drama he and his precious princess would throw next.
My silence stretched for a few seconds, which Aaron clearly took as guilt and surrender.
His tone softened just a bit, though it still held that patronizing edge.
“Okay, okay, quit being dramatic. I get it—you’re upset. I’ll take you to a movie when we get back to make up for it, alright?”
“Just see if you can snag a coach ticket or something. Sophia and I will meet you at the station when you arrive.”
I could almost picture his smug expression right now, like he thought he was being so generous and understanding.
“Don’t bother,” I said flatly.
“Don’t bother with what? What do you mean?” Aaron sounded genuinely confused.
“I mean keep your tickets. I’ll figure out my own way home. Don’t worry about it.”
My voice was calm, emotionless.
“Rachel! Are you serious?” Aaron’s irritation flared again.
“Can you stop acting like a bratty kid? How are you going to ‘figure it out’? You can’t get tickets anywhere, so what—are you going to fly home or something?”
Conclusion
The tension between Rachel and Aaron lays bare the fragile nature of their relationship, revealing how misunderstandings and unspoken expectations can fracture even the strongest bonds. Rachel’s pain is not just about a train ticket but about feeling sidelined and unvalued by someone she loves. Meanwhile, Aaron’s frustration masks his own insecurities, creating a chasm neither seems ready to bridge. Their conflict underscores the delicate balance between compassion for others and honoring one’s own feelings, a struggle that resonates deeply in moments of emotional upheaval.
As the chapter closes, Rachel’s decision to take control of her journey home symbolizes a quiet strength and a refusal to be diminished by Aaron’s dismissiveness. Though the path ahead is uncertain, her resolve hints at a growing awareness of her own worth beyond the confines of this conflict. The story gently invites readers to reflect on the complexities of love, communication, and the painful but necessary process of standing up for oneself when the ties that bind begin to unravel.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the unraveling dynamics between Rachel and Aaron, exposing the cracks that have been forming beneath the surface of their relationship. As tensions rise, Rachel’s resolve to stand her ground will be tested, and readers will witness the emotional fallout from Aaron’s choices and their impact on trust and communication. The delicate balance between compassion and selfishness will be explored, raising questions about loyalty and the true meaning of support during difficult times.
Meanwhile, the presence of Sophia looms large, her struggles acting as a catalyst for conflict but also a potential bridge for understanding. How Rachel navigates her feelings of betrayal while grappling with empathy for her friend will add layers of complexity to the story. Expect moments of vulnerability and confrontation that will push each character to confront their own flaws and desires, setting the stage for difficult decisions and unexpected revelations.

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.