Chapter 1

Cassandra's pov

"Meet me at the groove restaurant, 8 o'clock sharp." a smile graced my lips as I read the note Theo placed ontop of a box which held a sparkly red dress and black heels.

Excitement buzzed through me as I slipped into the dress and stared at my reflection in the mirror.

Tonight was the night, Theo was finally going to propose and we would start out our life together.

I let out a shaky breath as I made my way towards the restaurant.

I had awaited my twentieth birthday for so long and I just knew this was going to be my best birthday yet and I couldn't wait.

****

"Right this way." The woman confirmed my reservation with a polite smile and directed me into the restaurant.

A soft gasp left me as I walked into the dimly lit restaurant, the place was beautiful beyond my imagination.

"Cassie, you look ravishing." Theo grinned at me and stood as I approached the table.

My heart beat loudly in my chest as I stared into his sparkling blue eyes. Theo was devastatingly handsome.

"You don't look too bad yourself." I blushed as he pecked my cheek.

From where we sat, we had a perfect view of the ocean outside, everything was perfect.

"This place is beautiful Theo." I commented, tearing my gaze away from the scenery to gaze at him.

"Happy birthday my love." He held out a single rose to me and I gently took it.

"Thank you." I whispered.

This was my Theo, sweet and ever romantic.

We placed our orders and enjoyed dinner, talking about everything and anything.

As the night slowly drew to a close, an awareness and anticipation settled within me.

I noticed Theo's guarded eyes as he frequently gazed at his phone.

He seemed to be nervous and I wondered why? He had to know I would accept his proposal without hesitation.

"Cassandra-"

"Yes?" I peered up at him expectantly.

This was it, Theo was about to propose.

As he opened his mouth to speak his phone pinged and he scrambled to get it.

"I'll be right back." He announced before rising and walking away after dropping a quick peck to my lips.

I sat patiently and waited for him to return.

A ping from the table alerted me that he left his phone and despite myself I couldn't resist the temptation to peek.

He would never know and I wouldn't ruin his suprise.

With one last glance behind me to ensure he wasn't coming, I picked up the phone.

'Have you ditched her? I'm waiting for you across the road and if you are quick about it, I just might suprise you.' The message read and it was from a Lizzy with a heart emoji.

My heart beat loudly in my chest as I stared at his phone screen in confusion.

No, it couldn't be...there had to be a logical explanation as to why my childhood best friend who told me she would be out of town for my birthday was sending my boyfriend a message.

With a shaky breath I made my way out of the restaurant.

Once I stepped out of the restaurant I faltered in my step and came to a stop.

My brain raced to process the scene in front of me and for a moment I thought it was a figment of my imagination.

There stood Theo in a passionate lip lock with my childhood best friend, Lizzy.

This had to be some sick joke.

I stood numb for what felt like forever, watching as they lost themselves in their passion oblivious to the world around them.

"You forgot your phone" I called out to them and they sprung away from each other in shock.

"Cassie, what are you doing here?" Lizzy looked from the phone I held out to me.

"Really Liz, that's all you have to say?" I quirked a brow at her.

"I told you I was coming back." Theo stepped forward and took his phone from me.

"You were clearly busy." I bit out.

I waited for an explanation, an apology...just anything but they both remained silent and my heart dropped.

"What's going on Theo?" I asked in a small voice.

Theo and Lizzy look between themselves, seemingly communicating with their eyes and my irritation spiked.

"I've been meaning to tell you-" Theo began and I let out a dry laugh.

"You've been meaning to tell me?" I looked at him in disbelief.

"It just happened Cassie, we never meant to hurt you." Lizzy spoke up and I looked at her in disbelief.

"Never meant to hurt me? What happened to not liking Theo and always urging me to break up with him. You made me doubt my relationship several times and it was because you just wanted him for yourself all this while." I accused her, my eyes burning with hatred.

"Don't talk to her that way." Theo's nostrils flared and I reeled back almost as if he slapped me.

"You are meant to be defending me, I am your girlfriend. Theo please just tell me this is some sick joke." A sob raked through me as I pleaded.

"Come on Cassie, if we are being honest it was over between us years ago." Thoe said.

All my dreams, dreams of starting a family with Theo now stared at me in mockery.

How stupid I must look to them.

"How could you both do this to me? I trusted both of you." A slap a hand over my mouth to keep from breaking into sobs.

"I'm sorry Cassie but Theo and I fell in love and I couldn't resist it, believe me I tried." Lizzy placed a well manicured hand on Theo's chest and I snapped.

I lunged towards her, scratching her arms and wishing she would feel as much pain as she had caused me but before I could do any serious damage Theo ripped me off her as I kicked and screamed to be let go.

"Have you gone mad?" His voice boomed and I slapped him.

Everywhere was dead silent, save for the plattering of rain onto the floor around us and I could tell even he was shocked I would do such a thing.

"I hate you, both of you." I screamed at them.

"Enough." Theo gritted out.

"I loved you. I loved you with everything I had Theo and I thought you felt the same." I cried out.

"You are both rotten and you both deserve each other. I hope you both go to hell." I spat before I turned on my heels and walked away.

The rain fell in heavy angry drops now but I didn't care and I didn't bother to take shelter.

The loud clapping of thunder echoed into the night and It reflected exactly how I felt.

Angry, outraged and then silent.

I kicked off my stupid heels that dug into the mud as I wandered around aimlessly, wondering what would become of my life now.