Chapter 17: Fractured Allegiances

Allie Brooks hesitated, her cheeks flushing with a deep crimson. The words lingered at the tip of her tongue, too unfamiliar to voice aloud.

Calling Liam Hart her husband felt surreal, even though it was their reality now. Their relationship, an intricate weave of chance and emotion, had unfolded in ways she could never have anticipated.

"Allie," Liam’s voice broke the silence, his tone soft but probing. "Is something on your mind?"

Allie swallowed, pushing past the awkwardness. “Our school’s news agency is running a feature on influential figures, and I… I was wondering if you’d be willing to participate.”

Liam’s piercing gaze didn’t waver. His expression remained stoic as he responded, “I don’t give interviews.”

Her heart sank. She’d expected that answer but still felt a pang of disappointment. Yet, just as she was about to let it go, Liam added, “I’ll see if I can make time tomorrow.”

“What? You mean you’ll consider it?” Allie’s surprise was evident.

He shrugged, the ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. “Don’t get your hopes up.”

______________________________________________________________________________________________

The next morning, Allie’s classes passed in a blur. After her last lecture, she hurried to the news agency’s meeting room. The chatter inside was electric, with nearly everyone huddled around Cher Waverly.

“You’re incredible, Cher!” one of the members gushed. “You managed to secure Liam Hart for an interview? That’s a

massive win for the agency!”

“I knew you had connections, but this?” another chimed in. “What’s your secret? Did you two already know each other?”

Cher basked in the attention, a satisfied smirk on her lips. But when her eyes landed on Allie entering the room, her demeanor faltered briefly before snapping back into place.

Kane, the president of the agency, clapped her hands to bring order. “Alright, everyone, settle down. Let’s start the meeting.”

The room quieted as Kane took the podium. “This morning, the Hart Corporation’s PR office contacted us directly to confirm Liam Hart’s participation in an interview. This is a monumental opportunity for our agency and one we owe entirely to Cher Waverly.”

Applause erupted. Allie stood frozen, her confusion mounting.

Kane continued, “Cher will lead the interview, of course. She’s proven her capability time and again. Let’s give her our full support.”

The president handed a prepared script to Cher and glanced briefly at Allie. “Allie, you’ll assist Cher with the technical setup. She specifically mentioned your help in arranging this, and I know you’ve been eager to contribute.”

Allie’s stomach churned. She clenched her fists at her sides. Cher? Taking credit?

“No.” Her voice was firm, cutting through the room’s hum.

Kane raised a brow. “Excuse me?”

“I’m withdrawing from this project. Find someone else to assist.”

The room fell silent. Allie didn’t wait for a response. She turned on her heel and strode out, her pace quickened by the heat rising in her chest.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

As she exited the building, the murmurs inside reached her ears.

“She’s so ungrateful,” someone whispered.

Another added, “Poor Cher. She’s worked so hard for this, and Allie just wants to ruin it.”

And then came Cher’s voice, soft and feigning hurt, “I didn’t mean to upset her. Maybe I should’ve let her lead. I know how much she wanted this.”

 

* * * * * * * *

 

Allie Brooks was in a stormy mood, her mind churning with anger and resentment. She didn't seek accolades, but watching Cher Waverly bask in the glory that wasn’t hers felt like a bitter pill to swallow.

The last lecture of the morning dragged on as Allie’s thoughts raced. Sitting in the same classroom as Cher, she couldn’t shake off the confrontation looming ahead. Once the class ended and the room emptied, Cher sauntered toward her with a smug smile that made Allie’s blood boil.

"Let me guess," Cher said, her tone dripping with faux concern, "you're furious with me for taking the credit you think you deserve."

Allie met her gaze, her voice sharp. "You think I hate you for that? No, Cher. I hate you because you're conniving and shameless."

Cher’s laugh was icy, her expression unapologetic. "Shameless? Oh, Allie, you’ve always been so righteous. You wouldn’t understand what it’s like to claw your way up from nothing. You were born with everything handed to you—looks, money, even Nick's love. Do you think I’m going to sit back and let life pass me by because I wasn’t born with a silver spoon?"

Allie’s fists clenched at the mention of Nick Lawson, her ex-boyfriend. "Your obsession with proving yourself is pathetic," she shot back. "Your bitterness blinds you to the fact that the world doesn’t owe you anything."

Cher’s eyes flared, her voice rising. "You don't get it, do you? While you were playing the angel, always so perfect, I had to fight for every scrap of attention and respect. People like you look at people like me with pity, but deep down, you think you’re better. Admit it."

Allie shook her head, disgusted. "Your insecurities are your own burden, Cher. Don’t project them onto me." She turned to leave, but Cher grabbed her arm, her nails digging into Allie's skin.

"Listen carefully, Allie," Cher hissed. "The interview with Liam Hart is mine. Don't even think about getting in my way."

Allie glared at her, her voice low and firm. "I don’t need to get in your way, Cher. Your own schemes will bring you down."

But Cher wasn’t done. "Even if you try, no one will believe you. Everyone sees me as the rising star and you as the jealous has-been. Nick’s love? Your perfect little future? They’ll all be mine eventually."

The mention of Nick felt like a slap, but Allie refused to let Cher see her pain. She straightened her back and replied coldly, "Good luck with your dreams, Cher. You'll need it."

Cher smirked triumphantly, as if she’d won some invisible battle. "Oh, don’t worry about me. By the time this day is over, the president’s position at the news agency will be mine. And honestly, I owe it all to you."

With that, Cher walked away, leaving Allie seething. She pulled out her phone, staring at the screen for a long moment before dialing a number.

By noon, Allie sat in the corner of the campus cafeteria, her appetite long gone. As she absently poked at her salad, her phone buzzed with an incoming call.

"Allie, it’s Ava," the voice on the other end said, her tone laced with urgency.

"What's wrong?" Allie asked, instantly alert.

"I just overheard something," Ava continued. "Apparently, the head of the news agency, Mr. Waverly, received a special request from Liam Hart himself. He wants you to conduct the interview. Not Cher."