Chapter 2
Lila’s hope extinguished like someone poured a bucket of ice water on her.
Ethan was always busy, trying to make his family proud. She should’ve texted first. “Okay, thanks. I’ll find him later,” she said, giving a weak smile before turning away.
“Lila?” the roommate called.
She looked back, seeing something sad in his eyes, like he wanted to say more.
“Yeah?”
He shook his head. “Nothing. Just… stay safe, okay?” He shut the door.
Lila walked back to her dorm, her clothes heavy with water, her heart heavy with worry.
Guess I’m washing clothes in my pajamas, she thought, trying to joke. It felt like the worst day ever, and all she wanted was her bed. But as she got close to her room, she heard voices. One said her name.
What now? she thought, her stomach twisting. The voices got louder, and one made her freeze—a sweet, fake voice that hurt to hear.
It was Sadie’s voice. Her roommate.
“Come on, Ethan,” the voice teased, smooth and cruel. “You can’t pick both of us forever. Tell me, who do you love? Me… or her?”
Lila’s world stopped, her breath caught in her throat, as those words stabbed her heart and left her dangling on the edge of a truth she wasn’t ready to face
Lila’s heart froze. Her soaked shoes squeaked against the dorm floor as she came to a halt.
No. I heard wrong, she told herself. But the knot in her stomach said otherwise.
She peeked around the corner—and her world collapsed.
Ethan stood at her door, hands tangled around Sadie.
Sadie’s fingers were in his hair, their clothes wrinkled like they’d been rolling around. Lila’s breath caught in her throat, sharp and cutting.
“It’s me or her, Ethan,” Sadie purred, tracing circles on his chest with a polished nail. “Me or Lila.”
“It’s you, Sadie,” Ethan replied, without hesitation. “You’re the one I want.”
Lila shattered. It wasn’t a clean break—it dripped slowly, painfully, like the rain soaking through her clothes. She pressed a hand over her mouth, trying to muffle the sob, but it slipped out anyway.
Sadie turned toward the sound. Her eyes widened for half a second—then came the smirk.
“Oh look, we’ve got a spy,” she teased, voice sugar-slick. “Come out. Want a front-row seat?”
Betrayal spun Lila’s head. Rage bubbled. Grief tugged her down. She wanted to run—anywhere but here. This isn’t real. It’s a mistake.
“Lila!” Ethan’s voice cracked, his eyes wide with guilt. “I—I didn’t mean—”
“Oh, oops!” Sadie interrupted, clinging to him like a prize. “Too late to sweep it under the rug. Might as well fess up.” Her grin widened, feeding on Lila’s pain.
Lila looked pathetic. Wet, cold, broken. And Sadie loved it.
She thought rooming with Sadie would keep her safe. Stupid. Ethan—charming, brilliant, wealthy—was everything Sadie hunted. Lila had trusted him to resist.
She was wrong.
“Let’s talk in your room,” Ethan said, gently. Like his voice alone could fix it. He stepped away from Sadie and motioned toward Lila.
She barely moved before Sadie jumped in, still wearing her triumph.
“Nah. Let’s hit Rusty’s,” she said, all faux innocence. “Chat over drinks. That’s more fun, right?”
Lila’s stomach twisted. Rusty’s was their place. First date. First kiss. First “I love you.” Sadie knew it. This wasn’t just betrayal—it was warfare.
“That’s not—” Ethan started.
“Fine,” Lila cut in, her voice flat. Hollow. “Drinks sound great.”
She forced a smile, steadying her trembling hands.
“Perfect!” Sadie chirped, planting a kiss on Ethan’s cheek before slipping into their room. “Just need to fix my face. Grab an umbrella.”
Lila stood, rain dripping off her, while Ethan stared at the wall. The silence was thick, heavy, choking.
“Lila, I—” he began.
“We’ll talk at Rusty’s,” she said, jaw clenched so tight it ached. Her fist curled at her side. Ethan shut up.
Moments later, Sadie strutted out, makeup flawless, curls bouncing, umbrella spinning like a trophy. Lila, soaked and silent, followed behind.
The storm outside roared, thunder crashing like a war drum.
Perfect.
Ethan’s shiny silver car sat in its usual spot—spotless, pampered. Lila instinctively headed for the front seat.
“Uh-uh, Lila.” Sadie stepped in front, smug. “That’s my spot now.”
“You go in the back,” Ethan added, quietly, holding the door open for her.
Sadie giggled. “She’s soaked, Ethan. You really want her messing up your leather seats?”
Lila saw the trap. Sadie wanted a scene. Wanted Lila to beg. She wouldn’t give her the pleasure.
“You two take the car,” she said calmly. “I’ll meet you there.”
“Lila, wait—” Ethan reached for her, but she pulled back, the feel of his fingers revolting.
“I said I’ll meet you!” she snapped, then turned and ran into the storm.
The rain hit her like needles. Her heart pounded. Legs burned. But she ran.
Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t feel.
Ethan’s car sped past. She ignored Sadie’s laugh through the open window. She was drowning inside—but they wouldn’t see it.
By the time she reached Rusty’s, her breath came in ragged gasps. A month ago, she and Ethan sat there celebrating their anniversary. Now, she stood alone in the rain.
She pushed open the oak door. Warm light. Soft jazz. Familiar wooden tables. It had always felt like home.
After tonight, she would never step foot inside again.
Ethan and Sadie were already at her favorite table, drinks in hand, looking cozy. Lila walked up, spine straight, chin lifted.
They’d left a seat for her. A drink sat waiting.
“Got you a sangria,” Ethan said. “Your favorite.”
Lila picked it up and downed it in one gulp. The burn helped.
They stared, speechless.
“Alright,” Lila said, slamming the glass down. “You want to dump me for Sadie? Fine. We’re done.”
Sadie’s smile faltered. She’d expected tears. Begging. But not this.
“We didn’t mean to hurt you,” Sadie lied sweetly. “You were always busy, and Ethan got lonely. I was just… there.”
“You slept with her?” Lila asked, eyes locked on Ethan.
“We’re in love,” he said. “But I’m sorry if it’s hard for you.”
“I don’t care,” Lila snapped. “You want him? He’s yours.”
Sadie’s expression turned smug. “You know, this is kinda your fault,” she said. “You were always busy, tired, looking like a mess. No wonder he got bored. Honestly, you should take notes from Mia. She knows how to have fun.”
Lila stood, grabbed Sadie’s drink, and threw it in her face.
Mimosa dripped down Sadie’s chin.
“Don’t talk about my friends,” Lila snarled. “You can drag me through the mud, but leave Mia out of it.”
“You’re just mad I stole your man!” Sadie screamed, wine-stained and livid.
“You can have him!” Lila yelled, loud enough for everyone to hear.
“You can’t just walk away!” Ethan shot up. “We came to talk! And now you’re making a scene?”
“You cheated on me!” Lila shouted. “You don’t get to be the victim!”
Then Sadie slapped her—hard. The sound cracked across the room.
“You’re just bitter,” Sadie hissed. “You destroy everything. No wonder Carla’s in your life.”
Lila’s hand touched her cheek. Two slaps. One day. Two different betrayers.
“What did you just say?” she whispered, voice low with rage.
Sadie leaned in, venomous. “Let’s be honest. You killed your mother. I’m
