“All men are liars,” Violet declared, ending her radio program with conviction. Years of personal heartbreak and callers’ stories had made her believe it—until James, her co-host, asked her out. Against her better judgment, she agreed.

The date began charmingly at a cozy jazz restaurant. Candlelight flickered, and Violet found herself laughing at James’s stories. For a moment, her walls began to crack. Then her phone buzzed.

“Hi, I’m Jane, James’s girlfriend. Is he with you?” The words struck Violet cold. She left without explanation, her heart sinking as her belief in betrayal resurfaced.

The next day, she confronted James at work. “Your girlfriend called me,” she said icily.

“Jane?” he asked, startled. “We broke up months ago.”

Unmoved, Violet retorted, “Save it. I’ve heard enough lies for a lifetime.”

Later that day, outside the station, Violet overheard a confrontation. Jane stood there, begging James to reconcile.

“We’re over, Jane,” he said firmly. “Stop meddling in my life.”

Jane’s desperate sobs faded as she drove away, leaving James slumped on the steps, his head in his hands.

Violet hesitated before approaching. “James,” she said softly, “I’m sorry. I should’ve trusted you.”

He looked up, his eyes weary yet kind. “It’s okay,” he said. “I get why you’d assume the worst.”

A tentative smile crossed her lips. “Maybe not all men are liars. Want to try again?”

James straightened, a spark of hope returning. “I’d like that,” he replied.