My True North After Their Deceit

unwelcome companion. Eric, his face pale and etched with concern, was holding my hand

have brought me comfort, but now only intensified the churning nausea in my stomach. "I was so worried. The doctor said you collapsed from exhaustion and ex

kiss to my forehead. "I've already called your office. Told them you need

His performance was flawless, his concern so believable it almost made me doubt my own eyes. But the

ght left in me, no energy to scream or cry. I simply watched as he fluttered around the

fruit, placed meticulously in my hand. He never missed a birthday, an anniversary, or any small milestone, always with a thoughtful gift. When he proposed

his voice cracking with emotion. "I can't imagine a life

, her voice tinged with an odd mix of concern and disdain. "He' s too smooth, too charming. Be careful." I,

nia, me to marketing in New York-I'd cried for days. The thought of b

'll keep an eye on him for you. If he so much as looks at another girl, I'll tell you immediately.

going to be my eyes and ears out there, so no funny business!" He had laughed, pulling me clo

on my trust, on my generosity, on my blind faith. They knew I rarely checked social media, trusting their direct updates. They knew I was too busy, too dedicated to

table. It buzzed. His mother. Mrs. Williams. My stomach clenched. I knew she didn' t approve

. "Hello, Mrs. Williams," I sa

one? Did you finally dump that ATM machine, Claire? Are you going to bring Janessa home fo

cage. "ATM machine Claire." "Janessa home for dinner." "Diamond necklace for her.

my voice trembling, "what ex

phone? Give it back to him! He told me he was going to get rid of you today, finally propose to Janessa! What did you

dead in my hand.

me, calling me an ATM machine, celebrating his betrayal, and picking out a diamond neck

" My fingers, still shaking, picked it up. It was locked. A four-digit code. Janessa's birthday. My mind flashed back

ped

reen l

dog. The white fluffy one, now grown, sitting between them, completing their perfect little family portrait. The wallpaper was

anything when you came back? Hope she's not making things difficult. Just hold on a little longer. I miss you so much. But d

es." "Always complaining about her New York life." My best friend

was still there, a dull ache, but it was now overshadowed by a burni

essa. "Come to the hos

ver. And I was