I felt my chest tighten, anger and hurt crashing over me like waves. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The betrayal was overwhelming, and in that moment, my tears began to flow unbidden. I turned on my heel, fighting the urge to scream, to break something, but I didn’t want to give them the satisfaction of seeing me hurt.
As I walked away, I could hear Cassie's laughter trailing behind me. “Poor Lila,” she cooed, her voice dripping with mock sympathy. “Maybe she just needs some time to understand.”
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. I had had enough. I rushed into the living room and grabbed my phone, my hands shaking as I dialed my friend Mia’s number. I needed to get out of there—fast!
“Hey, what’s up?” Mia answered, her voice bright and cheerful.
“Mia, I need you,” I said, my voice shaking as I tried to keep my emotions in check. “Can you come pick me up?”
“What’s wrong?” she asked, instantly sensing the urgency in my tone.
“Just... just come. I’ll explain when you get here,” I replied, my throat tightening as I fought back another wave of tears.
“On my way,” she said, and I hung up, my heart racing. I couldn't stay there a minute longer.