as so still I could almost hear each hear

w clenched, his nostrils flaring as he stared at

yesterday. That's why I called you so many times. I wanted to tell you the news, but you didn't pic

e. His gaze softened, just a fraction, as he scanned my face, and

ctually be falling for this, Taylor. After everything this woman's done, do you really think you can

ice shaking as I held back the tears. "W

sharply, "Stop dragging me into your lies, Nicole

ted it after everything, the hurt was no less intense. She'd been my best fri

k into that cold, unreadable mask. His voice was

barely speak. "Taylor, I just told you I'

th your lies. I want you out of my life. I

trying not to cry. "Fine," I said, wiping my eyes as I force

g me in the eye. I grabbed it, walked to the center table,

d ever known, but I refused to give hi

is eyes one last time. "Here," I said, my voice fla

pression unreadable. "Let me k

tood there, alone, surrounded by the satisfied faces of

?" Tyler sneered, "It's over.

grabbing my arm, but I pulled free,

she grabbed my arm, leaning in close enough for only me to hear. "Do you act

too weak, too drained to fight back. I pulled my arm free and wa

during Taylor's distance and Veronica's contempt, all while trying to make my marriage wor

in my thoughts, I didn't notice the fi

alleyway between two buildings. I tried to scream, but a r

voice warned. Panic surged through me as I looked

t him, but his grip was unyielding. No

led back, giving me a moment to twist free. But before I could escape, he slammed

"People like you don't belong in places like

reason with him. "Please, I don't want any tr

nant, huh? That makes it even better. They'll

a sharp, stabbing pain shot through my abdomen. I doubled ov

e pain making it hard to

l, hollow sound. "

rwhelming, and as he shoved me to the ground, I knew I had no chance against him. Tears

ime I begged, he seemed to hit harder, ignoring my cries until, finally,

y abdomen was the worst of all. A cold dread settled over me as I felt something warm and w

panic taking

d out of the alley, my vision blurring as I weakly

ing in horror. "Please," I whispered, reaching out. But

isper. My vision dimmed, the world spinning around me a

everything