Basil — Maya Alden

He built his life on ambition, but the free-spirited woman he lost was the only thing that ever felt real.

Basil Masters has it all -- a booming aviation software company, great friends, and a sweet, supportive girlfriend, Summer. He's ready to propose, convinced life is chef's kiss perfect.

Summer, however, is not convinced.

For two years, she's smiled through Basil's friends (especially his female best friend) tearing her down, brushed off their condescending jokes, and tried -- really tried -- to make him see the problem. But when she catches him and his best friend behaving inappropriately at a party, and he calls her insecure for feeling uncomfortable? Yeah. She's out.

It isn't until Summer is gone that Basil finally gets it. His friends? Toxic. His priorities? A mess. And the woman he loves? Has walked away.

Now, he's cutting out the rot and fighting for the one person who truly matters. But Summer isn't making it easy -- if Basil wants her back, he'll have to work for it.

Basil is part of Regretfully Yours, a short story series full of heartbreak, redemption, and heroes who grovel their way to a happily ever after.

Tropes
Second Chance
Other Woman Drama
He Has A Female Best Friend
Betrayal & Grovel
No Cheating
Short Story (~27k words)