nstantly replaying Liam' s words. I wanted to believe I had misheard, that it was all a terrible misu

hpick. He remembered my birthday every year, not just with a gift, but with something thoughtful, something that showed he listened. Last year, it was a first-edition copy of my favorit

erwhelming, a mountain of memories that stood in direct opposition to the ugly truth I had overheard. I clung to that mountain, refusing to let go, te

ht as the teacher was finishing the lesson. He clapped his hands toge

t wanted to let you all know, this Saturday is Chloe' s birthday. I' m th

It was a grand gesture, a public declaration of his affection. A week ago, I would have melted. Now, it felt like a performance for an audience, and I was the u

back of the room, to where Emily was shoving her books into her bag with angry, jerky movements. Her face was

immediately followed her out the door. He didn't even glance in my direction. The speed with which he abandoned

. I slipped out of the classroom and followed the sound of their voices down the empty hallwa

that was far more terrifying than any shout. "What the hell was that?

Not of someone getting close to me,

u announce a huge party for her. What was I supp

s is all for you. I have to do this. I have to make her the center of attention, make everyone love her, so that when she falls, the impact is bigger.

n't just using me; he was methodically, sadistically, painting me as a villain

e years, Em. I' ve put up with her for twelve years. It feels like a lifetime. Sometimes I look at her and I feel not

I thought my heart was literally breaking. The last shred of hope, the last wisp of denial, was gone. There was no misunderstanding. There