Beyond betrayal

ntial families, for four grueling years. The Garrison were the top three most wealthy and influential family in the whole city. Piper worked as a se

had considered her a true friend. But now, it all made sense. Maddie's constant presence in her life, her comforting words, and her supposed friendship – it was all a ruse. Piper's eyes welled up with tears as she remembered the countless times Maddie had been there for her, only to use her as a means to an end. The memories came flooding back, and Piper's heart ached with every recollection. As she stood there, frozen in shock, Lucas walked out of the room, leaving Maddie to respond to Piper's accusations. "Maddie, you claimed to be my best friend but you how can you be this evil?" Piper asked angrily. Maddie's tone turned venomous, "Did you put something in your ears when I said it the first time, or do I have to repeat myself that you're not my best friend?" She spat the words out, her anger and disdain evident. "Don't bother calling me that again," she added, before hurrying after Lucas, calling out to him like a possessive lover. Piper's world came crashing down around her. She stood there, tears streaming down her face, she realized that she was alone, with no one to turn to. Her marriage was a sham, her friendship was a lie, and she was trapped in a world that didn't care about her. Piper's tears had dried up, replaced by a steely determination. She realized that crying wouldn't change her circumstances, and she couldn't afford to waste any more time. The harsh reality was that Maddie was pregnant with Lucas's child, and Piper had been nothing more than a mere spectator in her own marriage. The thought of being a married virgin for four years was a painful reminder of her failed relationship. The next day, Piper went to work, her emotions numb and her mind preoccupied with the events of the previous day. Piper noticed that Maddie was absent from work. She didn't bother to wonder why; it wasn't her concern anymore. But when she returned home and entered her room, she was met with her closet empty, replaced by new clothes that didn't belong to her. Maddie sauntered into the room, lounging on the bed as she taunted Piper. "What are you doing in my closet? You want to steal my clothes? I know you're cheap, but are you that worthless?" Piper's anger simmered, but she kept her cool, demanding to know where her clothes were. Maddie's response was laced with venom. "Well, I don't know why you're still in this house. You should hav