His Lies, My Unbreakable Heart

back, my face scrubbed clean of makeup. I was playing the role of the sad, confused, and forgiving friend. My heart was a

door, her face a perfec

e said, pulling me into a hug that fe

Jake and Emily were sitting a little too close on the couch. They looked up as I enter

up. "I was an idiot. I was scared, and I l

in, her voice dripping with fake sympathy. "Jake was

e, weaving a new net of

Peterson talked about the "wonderful memories" our families shared. Mr. Peterson, a

over mine on the table. "That's why we were so happy to hear you were considering the sta

lie. Even after I knew. Th

ing through her monologue. "That's a good point, M

y at Jake. "So w

ent. The clinking

er this," Jake sai

ering. "You told me you failed. You begge

you!" he burst out

let out a short, bitter laugh. "Or wer

Peterson froze, his wine glass halfway to his li

you're talking ab

ed it on the pristine white tablecloth. It sat there, small a

he 'acquisition strategy' for my AI. The mock-ups

pure, undisguised fury. "You snooped

eal my life's work," I shot back. "I think t

et facade crumbling to reveal the venom beneath. "After eve

rce to be exploited for your failing company. Our friendship,

e my other half. There was no remorse in

final, painful surgery. "Whatever we were, it's do

sk of fury. He wasn't trying to talk anym

ining this for

e was bigger and stronger, and for a terrifyin

he front doo

ar

ad sent him a single text before I came in: "Peter

ir, my terrified face, Jake's aggressive posture. He

e said, his voice

nce. Mrs. Peterson was sputtering, trying to salvage the s

house and into the cool ni

told him everything, the words tumbling out in a rush. He j

he just said, "

o my laptop. I opened the admissions

our offer o

d in a fire of betrayal. But