Shadows of deceit

14.

(this chapter involves bits of domestic violence, I'll mark it so you can skip it if you need to)

Branch had always been perceptive, attuned to the subtle shifts in Poppy's demeanor that spoke volumes beyond her words. Since their lunch together, he had noticed a change in her—a delicate dance of emotions veiled behind a facade of composure. He respected her boundaries, never pushing beyond what she was willing to share. Instead, he became a pillar of support, offering quiet strength and unwavering understanding.

Their conversations deepened, weaving threads of vulnerability into the fabric of their friendship. Poppy found solace in confiding her innermost thoughts to Branch, unraveling the complexities of her marriage with Creek and the enduring ache for what could have been. Branch, in turn, shared his struggles, creating a bond forged in mutual empathy and shared experiences.

Yet, as their connection grew, so did the tension with Creek. He sensed the shift in dynamics, the unspoken understanding that existed between Poppy and Branch. It gnawed at him, stirring jealousy and insecurity that manifested in subtle but palpable ways. Creek's once casual inquiries about Poppy's day turned into probing questions, laced with suspicion. His attempts to control her whereabouts and activities became more pronounced, leaving Poppy feeling stifled and resentful.

One evening, as Poppy sat in her study, poring over work documents, her phone buzzed with a message from Branch. It was a simple check-in, a gesture of friendship that brought a brief smile to her lips. However, Creek's sudden appearance at her door shattered the fragile peace she had managed to find.

"Poppy," he greeted, his voice tight with restrained emotion. She looked up, masking her surprise with a neutral expression.

"Creek," she replied evenly, closing the folder in front of her. She could feel his gaze on her, probing and searching for signs of betrayal that weren't there.

"I noticed you've been spending a lot of time with Branch," he remarked, his tone accusatory. "More than usual."

Poppy sighed inwardly, bracing herself for the familiar dance of deflection and half-truths. "He's been a good friend," she replied carefully, keeping her tone neutral.

"A friend," Creek echoed, his voice tinged with skepticism. "Is that all he is to you?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. Poppy met Creek's gaze squarely, her own emotions a turbulent storm beneath the surface. She wanted to tell him about the depth of her feelings for Branch, about the longing that gnawed at her heart whenever she thought of him. But the fear of Creek's reaction held her back, anchoring her in silence.

"He's a friend, Creek," she repeated, her voice steady but tinged with weariness. "Nothing more."

"even after everything? al the comments he's made? everything he's said about us? you still want to associate yourself with him?" Creek asked. "he called me a shitty husband, poppy. and you're still going to stand by him?"

"Sometimes you are," Poppy said under her breath

"What was that?" Creek asked in a stern tone

Poppy hesitated, the weight of Creek's accusation hanging heavily in the air. She met his gaze, her expression a mix of frustration and defiance.

"Sometimes... sometimes you are difficult, Creek," she replied, her voice steady but tinged with weariness. "Branch and I... we've been friends for a long time. He's seen us through a lot."

Creek's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he processed her words. "That doesn't give him the right to disrespect me," he retorted sharply. "Or to undermine our marriage."