My True North After Their Deceit

Eric and Janessa, entwined and laughing, flashed behind my eyelids. Their dog, the one I'd unknowingly funded, frolicked around them. I saw them sharing meals, sharing s

pillow was soaked, not just with sweat, but with bitter, silent tears. My friends, w

d, relief flooding her voice. "Are you

furrowed. "Did the proposal go well?

on for news of my "engagement," felt like a fresh wound. I had kept my plan a secret, wanting to surprise

ll them? How could I articulate the sheer devastation of what I' d witnessed?

d," I managed, the words tasting like ash. "Eric and I... we talked. We decided to take some

va said, pulling me into a gentle hug. "Whatever it is, we're here for you." They lingered

ude of the betrayal was too heavy to share. It felt like a poisonous secret,

rate need for air. As I stood on the balcony, toothbrush in hand,

months ago. His eyes, usually so warm and loving, now seemed to hold a chilling emptiness. A shiver ra

cern. "Claire-bear? Are you okay? Your friends

partner. He had just been with Janessa, whispering sweet nothings, planning their

cheered from inside. "Go get him

hed towards me, his brows furrowed. "Claire! Why aren't you wearing shoes, honey? You'll catch a cold.

aced with mock affection. "But don't worry, once we're living

Living together? The irony was a bitter taste in my mo

you, I was celebrating, and I drank too much. I'm so sorry, Claire. I really am." He stroked my hair, his touch sending shivers of disgust do

ke box and flung it at him, the creamy dessert splattering across his pristine white shirt. Then I grabbed t

and anguished. "Do you think I'm an idiotic, blind fool?!" My voice w

however, was fixed on his left hand. Gleaming on his ring finger was a simple, silver band. A promise

along for money. He was actively maintaining a double life, wearing a

ere for you. We'll get through anything, together." He took a step towards me, his hand reaching out. "We can take that trip next month, go somewhere quiet, just us. I' ll go pick u

ssa, bought with my money, while he promised me a future that didn't exist.

necting with his cheek with a resounding slap. The sound c

Williams," I spat, my voice bare

gave way. I felt myself falling, falling into a bottomless abyss. Eric, startled by the slap, instinctively r