"Every time I said 'I love you,' I was hiding the truth behind a mask I didn't even know you wore too."
Cheryl Blossom (pov)
The sterile environment of my office was a stark contrast to the chaotic storm of emotions whirling inside me.
I was sitting at my desk, wincing as the medic applied a fresh bandage to my wounds—wounds inflicted by someone who should have been on my side.
The office phone buzzed sharply, pulling me from my thoughts. The call was from Father, my boss. I took a deep breath before answering.
CHERYL
Father
I was striving to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil.
FATHER
If you've been discovered, you know what must be done. Ensure the witness is eliminated
CHERYL
Yes, Father. I promise the witness will be gone
My voice betraying none of my inner dread.
After hanging up, I turned to Betty
CHERYL
Can you pull up the security footage again? I need to analyze it closely
Betty nodded, and soon the screen flickered to life with the footage of the attack. I watched the video intently, my eyes searching for any detail that might give me a clue about the shooter's identity.
The footage was grainy, but I noticed something—a small, seemingly insignificant gesture made by the shooter right after he peed.
I replayed the footage over and over, my heart pounding as I recognized that peculiar movement. It was a gesture I had seen countless times before. The realization hit me like a jolt.
The man on the screen was Toni.
It was Toni who had fired the rocket launcher at me. The very person I had shared my life with, the man who knew all my secrets, was now my enemy.
I had to stay ahead of him, find out his plans before he could make his next move.
As I absorbed this devastating truth, Betty called out to me.
BETTY
Cheryl, Toni just called. He asked what time dinner is
Without looking away from the screen, I answered,
CHERYL
It's at 7. And make sure he knows it's a special occasion
Toni Topaz (pov)
The drive home was fraught with tension. I kept my eyes peeled, glancing around as I parked in the driveway.
The feeling of paranoia was nearly overwhelming, but I knew I had to keep my wits about me. I slipped my wedding ring back on, a gesture that felt increasingly hollow.
Inside the house, I saw no sign of Cheryl. I took off my jacket and walked cautiously through the rooms. As I rounded the corner into the kitchen,
Cheryl appeared in front of me, holding two glasses of wine.
CHERYL
Just in time
A smile playing at her lips.
TONI
As always
I replied, taking one of the glasses. I noted how her eyes remained locked on me, and I held her gaze.
It was a strange, electric moment, filled with unspoken tension.
TONI
This is a nice surprise
I was trying to sound genuine as hell
CHERYL
I hope so
Her tone cool and measured
CHERYL
You're home early
TONI
I missed you
Our eyes never leaving each other's.
CHERYL
I missed you too
Her voice softening. She gestured toward the dining area
CHERYL
Shall we
TONI
Yes
I answered, following her. As we moved into the dining room, I spotted a bottle of bleach on the kitchen counter.
I watched Cheryl's movements closely and, pretending to casually discard my drink, I poured the liquid into the plant beside me.
Cheryl seemed oblivious as she pulled out my chair. Before sitting, I commented on the fancy dishes she had set out
TONI
I thought you only used these for special occasions
CHERYL
It is a special occasion
she said, a smile tugging at her lips.
I took a seat, watching her closely as she moved behind me. Her acrylic nails grazed my neck, her touch sending shivers down my spine.
As she leaned in, she left soft, lingering kisses on my neck, each touch both comforting and chilling. It was a gesture so intimate, yet now it felt so laden with hidden menace.
She then walked around me, took the olives from my glass, and ate them.
TONI THOUGHTS
fucking dummy
I cursed silently to myself for wasting a good drink. Cheryl went to the kitchen to fetch the main course. I used the opportunity to scan the room, checking even under the table.
Finding a butter knife, I discreetly pocketed it.
When Cheryl returned with my favorite dish—steak—I forced a smile.
TONI
Steak, my favorite
She beamed at me, then pulled out a large knife. My heart raced as I quickly got up and gently took the knife from her hand.
TONI
Allow me, sweetheart. You've been working so hard
Cheryl thanked me, moving to the other side of the table. She pulled out another knife from her apron to cut the bread.
I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Her calm demeanor seemed too practiced, too perfect.
As I sat back down, I kept the knife close.
TONI
How was work
CHERYL
We had some trouble and it caused a lot of problems to happen today
I could tell she was lying. Cheryl walked over to me, offering me carrots.
CHERYL
want some
TONI
No i'm good
CHERYL
you're getting some
Returning to the table, Cheryl licked her fingers, a gesture that made my skin crawl.
TONI
Well Im sure it will go away soon
She smiled at me and said
CHERYL
It hasn't been resolved yet, but it will
As she settled back into her seat, I couldn't shake the feeling of dread. The house felt like a trap, and I was caught in the web of deceit spun by the one person I had trusted the most.
