Collateral Love, Cruel Betrayal

ngs," Jason said over the ph

eton?" I asked, hope a f

tely. I can get the appl

?" Jason as

l. Because I'm going with him

the other end. "Ala

He saw the possessiveness I had mistaken for love. He' d pointed out the unhealthy d

y what I thought was love. I tol

is tone shifting to that of a concerne

married, Jason," I

y, the betrayal, the shattered pieces of

lity. "Okay, Alana. Whatever you

mmense it almost br

the meantime, I had to play my part. I had to go back to Declan' s hous

on my phone. Wear the silver gown I had made f

my brother wasn't lying in a hospital b

partment, and carefully took out the shimmering silver dress

win him bac

ing against the doorfra

nd holding the dress against myself. Ign

ced by a flash of anger.

table and deliberately poured it down the front of the silver gown. The

e dress was a custom piece. Irrep

as that

the hallway. He walked in, h

g in her eyes as she looked at her hand, now empty. "Oh, Alana, I'm so sorry!

fend myself, to expose

cutting me off. His glare was icy. "J

nstantly. He gently took her arm. "It's okay,

, but before he left, he shot me a warn

eart a leaden weight in my chest. I looked at Fay

a whisper. "I already agreed to

suffer." She leaned in, her voice a venomous whisper. "I'll be at the gala tonight,

of dread washed over me. I had to be care

g the part of the perfect fiancée. The lights were brigh

nced a special, final item. "And now, for a truly

om, and then it stopped, bathin

ages of the charity' s work, flickered. My own face appeared, smi

drained fr

or a beat, then erupt

he auct