The Hidden Secrets

Luke froze at my words. "Do you even know what you're saying?"

I swallowed the bitterness. "I know. We're done."

"Stop talking nonsense. Think about it," he sulked, walking away.

I laughed. There was no need to think. I didn't want him anymore.

As I headed down the stairwell, Amanda blocked my path, holding one of my earrings.

She stared at my bare earlobe and taunted, "You took Luke away from the bar, didn't you?"

Uninterested in her games, I moved to step past her, but she blocked me again, her smile twisting into something venomous.

"I didn't see you as a threat," she hissed. "But it's not pleasing to see Luke orbit around you."

I flinched at her glare, and she took the chance to shove my shoulder.

I lost my balance and tumbled down the stairs. Pain seared through my ankle as I grabbed the wall, barely managing to steady myself.

Her heels clicked as she descended, stopping above me. "Does it hurt? Well, a little pain will remind you of your place."

Her malice ignited something in me. Ignoring the agony, I stood and slapped her across the face.

"You think you're protecting some treasure? He's garbage. You think I'm like you?" I snapped.

Just then, the stairwell door swung open. Luke appeared with a dark expression.

Amanda wiped her tears, and he pulled her into his arms. His gaze was icy as he turned to me. "Garbage? I need you to apologize."

Amanda sobbed against him, her trembling seeming to shake him too.

He repeated, "I said apologize!"

"She doesn't deserve it," I countered.

His hand shot out and struck my cheek. "You hit her and won't even take responsibility? Is that what Mike taught you? Did I teach you that?"

My cheek burned, and I clutched it. He wavered, feeling guilty, but it did nothing to thaw the chill in my heart.

The sight of their closeness disgusted me. I yelled, "I did nothing wrong, and you will regret this!"

I flung the wedding invitation at his feet. "You're blind if you can't see my injury. That's your failure, not mine. My wedding is my business. You are Mike's friend, so I'm inviting you. Show up or not. Your choice."

He stepped on the invitation. "Stop right there! Your wedding? Who are you marrying?"

His shouts echoed behind me as I limped away, my ankle throbbing with every step. My eyes were wet with unshed tears.

A doctor spotted me outside and ushered me into a room.

He examined my leg and sighed, "How did you get hurt like this? It's swollen badly. We'll need to put it in a cast."

I turned my face away. "I fell by accident."

Luke passed by, with Amanda cradled in his arms.