Betrayal in Plain Sight

"Oh my God, Lily’s getting engaged so soon! And we didn’t even know who your boyfriend was. You really do know how to keep a secret!"“What’s the big deal? Lily’s from a wealthy family. She dresses like us to keep things low-key, but look at her outfit. That’s straight off the Milan runway!”“Our college sure is something else. We’ve got two rich girls in one class. Lily, you’ve been hiding this whole time. Let us cozy up to you!”The whole group burst into laughter after that comment, except for one person—Tiana Zeller. Her eyes were practically on fire, glaring at me. With a snide tone, she spat out, "Rich girl? Who knows where she got all her stuff from? No wonder you’ve been keeping to yourself, Lily. I guess you’ve found your golden ticket, huh?"Her words were sharp, and the meaning behind them was clear. Everyone in the room noticed, and several people frowned in discomfort. However, Tiana didn’t stop. She just kept going. “Listen, you might want to think twice before tr

“With just a word from me, you might still get your diploma. At least then you could fool some dumb rich guy later on," Tiana sneered."I’m marrying into his family soon, and every penny you’ve spent of his is technically mine. I can make sure you end up begging on the streets, saddled with so much debt you’ll never pay it off."Even if you worked as an escort at nightclubs, you wouldn’t make enough to clear it. It doesn’t matter how pretty you are—your heart’s pitch black. No rich family would ever want someone like you. Even a butcher wouldn’t."Tiana stood in front of me, arms crossed, waiting for me to fall to my knees and beg for forgiveness. However, I didn’t move an inch. I wasn’t stupid enough to be scared by her threats.Besides, before my engagement to Matt, my family had thoroughly investigated his background. To me, Matt was like an open book. The fact that this situation was happening just showed how well he had hidden his true self.As such, even when I found out Mat

Behind Matt, about a dozen security guards trailed along as he walked out leisurely in his tailored suit, his handsome face beaming with confidence. He looked every bit the part of a wealthy young heir. What a shame.The guards hesitated, looking over at Tiana for guidance.Tiana immediately broke into tears, rushing over to Matt with a face full of sorrow, as if she had been the one hit. She clung to him, sobbing as though the world had wronged her.Matt, clearly concerned, gently stroked her hair. "Babe, what's wrong? Did someone bully you?"The second those words left his mouth, the gathered students began looking at them with envy. The girls stared at Tiana with jealousy, probably wishing they were her, while the guys couldn't take their eyes off Matt's expensive-looking watch.Tiana whined sweetly, "Matt, some lowlife claims she’s your girlfriend."Matt instantly shook his head and pinched her cheek affectionately. "That’s impossible. You’re my only girlfriend. Who’s spreadi

I casually glanced at Matt, a playful smirk on my face as I mocked, “Yeah, I’m not your girlfriend.”Matt didn’t say a word, but he quickly withdrew his hand.Seeing that, Tiana turned all her fury toward me. Her eyes practically bulged with rage as she glared at me. “It’s all because of this bitch!” she screamed. “She’s the one who’s ruining everything, trying to steal my man!”Without warning, she swung her hand at me, but in the next second, her slap landed squarely on Matt’s face instead.Tiana was dumbfounded. She stared in disbelief at Matt, who had stepped in front of me to block her. Her voice trembled as she demanded, “Matt! What the hell is going on? You said you were going to marry me!”Matt didn’t hesitate. He slapped her hard, knocking her to the ground. His face flushed a deep red, either from rage or embarrassment, as he glared down at her.“Shut up! When did I ever say I’d marry you? It was all fake, and you knew that! I’ve got one fiancée, and it’s her,” he s

Matt’s face twisted with discomfort as he fidgeted with the hand in his pocket. "Please, Lily, for the sake of what we once had."For the sake of what we had? He sure had the nerve to say that.I forced a smile, one that didn’t reach my eyes. "Matt, over the years, I’ve spent far more on you than this measly amount. I have yet to ask you to repay me, so how do you even have the guts to ask for a favor now?"And you, Tiana, have I not told you before? Matt was my charity case. You didn’t believe me then, but what good is it to come begging now? Get out of here, or I’ll call the cops."With that, I turned to open my car door, ready to leave. However, before I could, Matt, who had been standing behind Tiana, took a sudden, angry step forward, almost growling, "Are you really not going to help us? Do you really have to be so cruel? It would only take a few words from you, and we could live normal lives again. Why won’t you just do it? Lily, are you doing this to get back at us?"I g