Chapter 7- Deception.

Olivia.

I walked past a few offices on my left, waving at the guys still sitting at their desks.

James was leaning against his doorframe, waiting for me.

He smiled...

But it never reached his eyes.

It was the kind of smile people wore when they didn't know what else to do.

Without saying a word, he tilted his head toward the office next to his, silently telling me to go inside.

I smiled back, hoping he'd already warned his best friend that I was coming.

On the drive over, I'd almost stopped to buy Noah flowers.

I know...

It sounds silly.

But after such a stressful day, all I'd wanted was to see his handsome face and put our argument behind us.

In four years together, Noah and I had only had three real arguments.

The first happened after a girl flashed him at one of his games.

Instead of shutting it down, he'd jokingly told her she had nice tits.

Shamelessly, she'd told him to take a picture so he could enjoy them later that night.

And...

He actually did.

Needless to say, I was furious.

He was in a relationship with me.

He could have said anything else.

The second argument was entirely my fault.

On April Fools' Day, a couple of years ago, I showed him a fake positive pregnancy test and told him I was pregnant with his baby.

The poor man turned completely pale.

He had to sit down to catch his breath.

I thought he'd laugh.

Instead, he barely spoke to me for almost two days.

In the end, my prank only hurt both of us.

I'd never imagined he'd react that way.

And even though he apologized for his reaction.

It made me wonder...

If I were ever really pregnant...

Would this be his reaction?

Even Amelia and James were surprised.

I mean...

We had an active, healthy relationship.

Anything could happen.

Right?

And then there was our third anniversary.

He never showed up.

Instead, he went out drinking with his friends and left me sitting alone in the restaurant, wondering if he'd forgotten... or simply didn't care.

Even then, we'd worked through it.

I wouldn't let this little misunderstanding come between us.

I was already smiling as I reached for the doorknob.

I really couldn't wait to throw my arms around him.

I turned the handle.

I had no idea...

That I was about to be shattered into a thousand pieces.

What I found inside nearly stopped my heart.

At first...

My brain couldn't make sense of what I was seeing.

Noah sat behind his desk.

Someone was sitting on his lap.

Blonde hair.

Bare shoulders.

Her back was to me.

My heart forgot how to beat.

"What the fuck, Noah?!"

His receptionist was straddling his lap.

She was topless.

One of Noah's hands had disappeared beneath her bra while his mouth was locked to hers.

They were kissing so passionately that neither of them noticed me standing in the doorway.

I don't know how long I stood there.

A few seconds...

Maybe longer.

Long enough for my entire world to stop spinning.

My blood was boiling.

My legs, however, had forgotten how to hold me up.

"What the fuck is going on?" I shouted.

Neither of them answered.

I couldn't tell if they were too shocked to move...

Or simply too caught up in each other to realize I'd walked in.

Finally, Noah jerked back and pushed her off his lap.

"Olivia..." His voice came out rough. "This isn't what you think."

I laughed.

Not because anything was funny.

But because it was the stupidest thing I'd ever heard.

"Oh, no?" I snapped, taking another step toward him. "Then explain it to me. What exactly am I looking at? Were you checking her tonsils?"

I pointed at the receptionist.

"Or were you performing a breast exam?"

She took one step toward the door.

I caught her wrist before she could leave.

"Don't you dare."

She froze.

I was almost grateful she didn't turn around and slap me.

If she had...

Neither one of us would've walked away with our dignity.

"No, Liv..." Noah said quietly. "I'll explain. Just... not here."

As he stood, I noticed his pants were still unbuckled.

Every ounce of hope I had left died instantly.

"How long have you been sleeping with her?" I demanded.

Noah didn't answer.

Not immediately.

His silence was louder than anything he could have said.

Then...

She laughed.

Right in my face.

The fucking slut had the audacity to mock me.

"He said he likes my pussy better than yours," she sneered.

For one blinding second, I wanted to throw her through the nearest window.

But then reality settled over me.

She hadn't betrayed me.

Noah had.

I swallowed hard.

A lump the size of a tennis ball lodged itself in my throat, making it almost impossible to breathe.

I turned back to Noah.

"Did you wear condoms?"

My voice barely sounded like my own.

The question escaped before I even realized I was asking it.

My mind was racing.

Noah and I had only used condoms during the first two months of our relationship. Once we agreed to be exclusive, I went on birth control.

Had he been using protection with her?

Or had he exposed me to something without my knowledge?

Suddenly, this wasn't just about betrayal anymore.

It was my safety.

My trust.

The receptionist—his mistress—continued twisting her wrist, trying to free herself from my grip.

I'd forgotten I was still holding on to her.

I looked at her.

Then another memory hit me.

The weekend.

Noah had told me he was spending it with his parents.

My stomach dropped.

I looked her straight in the eyes.

"Were you with him this weekend?"

She didn't answer right away.

She didn't have to.

The smug smile spreading across her face told me everything.

Then she nodded.

"Yeah."

I was raw.

"You'd better not have shared any of your diseases with me," I spat, shoving her away.

She stumbled backward, then lunged at me, her hand flying toward my face.

Before she could hit me, Noah caught her wrist.

At the same time, James rushed into the office.

I hadn't realized how loud I'd been screaming.

Hell...

They'd probably heard me halfway across the building.

"Get the fuck out of here, Jocelyn," Noah barked.

James grabbed her by the arm and practically dragged her out of the office.

She immediately started making a scene, yelling as they disappeared into the hallway.

Then...

It was just Noah and me.

I looked at him.

His face was a mess of emotions.

Fear.

Regret.

Shame.

None of it mattered anymore.

What was done...

Was done.

He had done this to us.

Not me.

He took one cautious step toward me.

I slapped him.

Hard.

The crack echoed through the office.

My palm stung instantly, but it wasn't enough.

It would never be enough.

He deserved that...

And so much more.

He reached for me anyway.

Before I knew it, his arms were around my waist.

I shoved both fists against his chest.

"Get away from me!"

My voice broke as tears streamed down my face.

"GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!"

I screamed so loudly my throat burned.

He only held me tighter.

I started hitting him.

Punch after punch landed against his broad chest.

Weak.

Desperate.

Meaningless.

He didn't even flinch.

"How long?" I whispered.

Noah said nothing.

I looked up at him.

"How long has this been going on?"

Still nothing.

"Answer the fucking question, Noah!"

Silence.

It was as if someone had ripped his voice away.

"What's going on?"

The voice came from somewhere behind me.

I didn't turn around.

I couldn't.

My entire body was shaking.

Whoever had walked into the office no longer mattered.

My whole world had narrowed to one man...

And the truth he still refused to say.

"Let me fucking go!" I shouted, struggling against his grip. And ignoring the question that had entered the room.

"No, Liv. Please... just let me explain."

A bitter laugh escaped my lips.

"Explain?" I scoffed. "Oh, let me guess. The poor guy was seduced by his wicked receptionist."

I laughed again, louder this time.

"What happened? Did she cast a spell on you or something?"

I shoved both hands against his chest.

This time, I managed to break free.

I spun around...

And froze.

Mr. Myers stood in the doorway beside James.

My stomach twisted.

"I'm so sorry you had to see this, Mr. Myers," I said, my voice shaking. "But your son is a fucking cheater... and a lying scumbag."

I turned back to Noah.

"How long?"

He didn't answer.

"How long have you been cheating on me with her?"

Still nothing.

My voice cracked.

"Noah... how long?"

My voice shattered even more.

"Answer her fucking question," Mr. Myers thundered.

Noah lowered his head.

His shoulders sagged.

He finally whispered,

"Three months."

My knees nearly gave out.

Three months.

Three months of lies.

Three months of pretending nothing had changed.

Three months of kissing me...

While sleeping with someone else.

A sob escaped before I could stop it.

"You've been sleeping with both of us for three months?" I whispered in disbelief.

I searched his face, hoping—praying—that somehow I'd misunderstood.

I hadn't.

I stared at him.

Then I laughed.

It wasn't amusement.

It was disbelief.

My eyes drifted to the watch wrapped around my wrist.

The expensive watch he'd proudly given me.

It suddenly felt filthy.

I unclasped it...

And threw it at him.

It struck his chest before falling onto the floor.

"We're done."

My voice was calm now.

Too calm.

"Luckily, you only have a couple of shirts at my apartment."

I looked him straight in the eyes.

"Don't bother coming to get them."

"I'll burn every single one."

I took a deep breath and slowly stepped backward, never taking my eyes off Noah.

Then I turned toward the door.

But before I walked away...

There was one more thing I needed to do.

I stopped in front of James.

My heart broke all over again.

"I thought you were my friend."

Smack.

The sound echoed through the room.

I slapped him.

Hard.

He didn't move.

He didn't defend himself.

He simply lowered his head.

That hurt almost as much as Noah's betrayal.

He had known.

He had watched me love his best friend...

While keeping his secret.

I wiped the tears from my face before turning toward Mr. Myers.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Mr. Myers."

My voice trembled.

"And... I'm truly sorry for the disturbance."

He looked like he wanted to say something.

But I didn't give him the chance.

I walked out of Noah's office...

And out of his life.

The elevator doors slid shut.

The moment I was alone...

I broke.

The sobs came so hard I could barely breathe.

It felt as if someone had driven a knife straight through my chest.

Every breath hurt.

Every heartbeat hurt.

Everything...

Hurt.

By the time I reached my car, I'd managed to pull myself together.

At least enough to make one phone call.

I couldn't let him know I'd been crying.

I opened my contacts and pressed Dad.

He answered on the second ring.

"Hey, sweetheart."

My throat tightened.

"Dad..."

I swallowed hard.

"Can I come home?"

There was a brief pause.

"What kind of question is that?" he asked gently. "Of course you can, love."

Somehow...

His kindness made everything hurt even more.

"Do you need me to buy you a ticket, or are you driving?"

I closed my eyes.

"I'll text you my flight information in a few minutes."

Every breath felt like I was inhaling thorns. And if I kept this conversation going any longer, I could have died of asphyxiation.

"I love you."

I couldn't say another word.

I ended the call before he could hear me fall apart.

I started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot.

I couldn't stay there another second.

After driving for about a mile, I turned into an empty parking lot and put the car in park.

The sun had disappeared.

Darkness had settled over everything.

With trembling hands, I pulled out my phone and searched for the first available flight home.

Richmond.

Departure: 9:45 p.m.

Perfect.

I booked it without thinking twice.

Me: Dad, my flight leaves at 9:45 p.m. I'll land at 10:57.

I put my phone down, wiped my eyes one more time, and headed straight home.

It wasn't a surprise to find Amelia waiting for me.

Somehow...

She always knew when I needed her.

I rushed upstairs, and she followed quietly behind me.

"Liv..." she said softly. "Please talk to me."

I pulled my suitcase from the closet.

"Not right now, Amelia."

My voice barely held together.

"I have a plane to catch."

I opened my closet and started throwing clothes into my suitcase.

I didn't need much.

Most of my things were still at my parents' house.

A few pairs of leggings.

Three oversized hoodies.

My makeup bag.

My laptop.

Everything else suddenly felt unimportant.

"Liv..." she tried again. "Please don't leave without talking to me."

I changed into something more comfortable, avoiding Amelia's eyes the entire time.

If I looked at her...

I'd lose it.

"Amelia..."

My voice cracked.

"I can't."

I shook my head.

"Not right now."

I took a shaky breath.

"If I start talking..."

Tears filled my eyes again.

"I'm going to fall apart."

I zipped up my suitcase.

"And I have to catch that plane."

"Can I at least drive you to the airport?" Amelia asked.

I shook my head.

"I'm sure James will come over to talk to you."

I hesitated before adding,

"Just so you know... I slapped him."

Amelia's eyes widened.

"Stay home and wait for him," I said. "I need to get out of here before Noah comes looking for me."

"Liv..." she pleaded softly. "Can you at least tell me what happened? I promise I'll leave you alone afterward."

I let out a bitter laugh.

"Didn't your fiancé tell you already?"

She frowned.

"He only told me you were really upset and asked me to stay with you."

I closed my eyes for a second.

Saying the words out loud somehow made everything more real.

"Fine."

I swallowed hard.

"I caught Noah with his receptionist."

My voice cracked.

"He admitted he'd been cheating on me."

Silence filled the room.

Amelia covered her mouth with one hand.

Tears instantly welled in her eyes.

I couldn't bear to watch her cry for me.

"I have to go," I whispered. "I'll call you once I get home."

I grabbed my suitcase and headed downstairs.

My Uber driver was already waiting outside.

I loved Amelia more than words could ever say.

But right now...

I couldn't talk to anyone.

I couldn't relive what had happened.

I couldn't survive telling the story twice in one night.

Before climbing into the car, I wrapped my arms around her.

I kissed her cheek.

"I love you, Meli."

She walked me all the way to the curb.

Tears streamed down her face as she watched me climb into the vehicle.

I looked away.

If I saw her cry one more second...

I'd never leave.

James was pulling into the driveway just as I closed the Uber door.

I didn't have to look behind him.

I knew Noah wouldn't be far away.

"Can we please go?" I asked the driver.

Without hesitation, he backed out of the driveway.

Relief washed over me as the house disappeared behind us.

I still had a few hours before my flight, but I'd rather spend them sitting alone at the airport than reliving the nightmare I'd just escaped.

I was furious with James.

The last thing I wanted was to hear his excuses.

My phone began vibrating in my hand.

Noah Calling...

I declined the call.

A second later...

It rang again.

Decline.

Again.

Decline.

He wasn't giving up.

When he finally realized I wasn't going to answer, the text messages started.

Noah: Liv, we need to talk. Please answer your phone.

Another call came through.

I ignored it.

Then another.

And another.

Was he seriously expecting me to answer?

I almost laughed.

Four years together...

And he still didn't know me at all.

Noah: Liv, please. I know I screwed up, but I love you. Don't throw away four years over one stupid mistake.

Noah: Please let me explain.

Noah: I'm so sorry. I know I fucked up.

I laughed so hard that the Uber driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror.

He probably thought he'd picked up a complete lunatic.

Was Noah seriously okay in the head?

One stupid mistake?

I let out another bitter laugh.

Three months.

Three months wasn't a mistake.

It was a relationship.

Every text.

Every lie.

Every excuse.

Every kiss.

Every single day...

He had chosen her.

If he had been sitting next to me right now, I would've slapped the shit out of him again.

Me: Go fuck yourself, Noah. I wasted four amazing years of my life on you. We're done. We have nothing left to talk about.

I followed it with a middle-finger emoji...

Then blocked his number.

Just like that.

Noah Myers no longer had a place in my phone...

Or in my life.

By the time I reached the airport, I still had nearly two hours before boarding.

I bought myself a coffee and found a seat near my gate.

I wrapped both hands around the warm cup.

I never took a sip.

My mind replayed the same scene over and over.

Noah kissing another woman.

His hand on her naked body.

"Three months."

That number echoed in my head like a broken record.

How had I missed it?

Had I really been that blind?

Shit.

The realization hit me out of nowhere.

I was supposed to be at work tomorrow.

My vacation didn't officially start until Wednesday.

Hopefully no one would think I'd invented some excuse just to extend my holiday.

Then again...

At that moment...

I honestly didn't give a shit.

Me: Mr. Lewis, I'm really sorry, but I won't be able to come in tomorrow. Something unexpected happened, and I had to fly home. I promise it has nothing to do with the holiday.

Mr. Lewis: Olivia... are you okay?

Me: For the most part. I'll be okay.

Mr. Lewis: Take all the time you need. We'll figure work out later.

Me: Thank you.

Mr. Lewis: And remember... I've told you to call me Tim.

We'll grab lunch Monday when you're back.

You'll be missed tomorrow.

Me: I'd like that.

I stared at my phone.

Seriously?

I'd like that?

What the hell was I thinking?

Mr. Lewis was my boss.

My heart might have been shattered into a million pieces, but that didn't mean I was about to blur professional boundaries.

I shook my head at myself.

Clearly, emotional stability had left the building.

Mr. Lewis: Happy Thanksgiving. Call me if you need anything.

Me: Will do. Happy Thanksgiving.