When Friends Turn Foes

ng was amiss, noticing the distress etched on my face. I couldn't settle, pacing back and fo

" Olivia asked, inte

. "Olivia, I'm doomed," I whispered, my bo

ied and curious. "What's wrong?

was going well... until we decided to have d

thin. "Calm down and ta

Juliet saw us," I whispered, th

me off guard. "And so? What's so

y face as I wailed, "Don't you understand? Ava's best friend saw me wi

d was crumbling. I envisioned my life ending, my reputa

how weak you are. Stop showing your weakne

ble. "If you were in my shoes, yo

hing?" she asked, her attention focused on the gifts Ethan had boug

han's name flashed on the screen, and my heart s

elf, "Please, do not call me." The mere though

I muttered, trying to convince myself that di

. Juliet saw you, and you completely fell apart. What if it were Ava? You would ha

a answered with a cheerful, "Hello, Ethan." Ethan's dee

verwhelmed by the crippling anxie

n into overdrive. I envisioned the worst-case

via," she replied. "Chloe is here, busy crying." Ethan's r

from Olivia, resolute in my de

allowing me to hear Ethan's every word. "She

d with concern. However, I remained silent

an asked again, his tone ting

ia replied on my behalf,

ordinary. I called her back minutes ago to see if Juliet had said anything to her, but she didn't br

e of the situation to preserve her relationship with Ethan, while secretly plotting to c

asked for money, which I've already given her. I think that's enough to ensure she won't tell Ava

w calm her nerves," Olivia sai

ll check on her tomorrow since tomorrow is Su

heck on me!" I shouted, my voice hoarse from crying. "

silencing me. She then ended the call, her ex

but firm. "This is our only chance to get back on Av

peated, surprise etched on my face. "What do you

tongue," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "I mean, this is your chance to get rich, to min

et tells Ava?" I asked Olivia, my voic

voice filled with conviction. "I've got your back, and I'll always protect you, no matter what." As she spoke, she

ll always protect me," I repeated silently to myself, a sense of gratitude and trust washing over me. I fe