Beyond The Lie

chapter 1: Face to face

Present day~

Adeline.

"Come on, Addie, come out! You've been in there for 20 minutes!" Olivia's voice echoed from outside the bathroom, laced with a hint of impatience.

I groaned, my exhaustion palpable as I emerged from the bathroom. The music and laughter from the party seemed to fade into the background as I trudged past Olivia, my eyes fixed on the mirror. I rested my hand on the counter, my gaze drifting over my reflection.

"This is boring, Liv," I said, my voice laced with disinterest.

Olivia crossed her arms, her expression stern. "Oh well, my mistake for bringing an anti-party girl to a party! But come on, Addie, you're not going to let him ruin your night, are you?"

I shrugged, my shoulders barely rising off the counter. "Why should I let him ruin my day?" The question was more to myself than Olivia.

"It's not like it's new, though," I continued, my voice monotone. "Him rubbing against those girls..." I shrugged again, my apathy evident.

Olivia stepped beside me, her eyes locked on mine. "Why did you even like him in the first place, Ads?"

I shot her a sarcastic smile. "Wow, guess who's actually trying to ruin my mood?"

Olivia sighed, her shoulders sagging. "I'm not saying anything, just come out and at least pretend to be vibing the party. Otherwise, he'll think you still can't tolerate other girls flirting with him..."

I felt a wave of disinterest wash over me. "He can think whatever he wants. I know what's true, and that's not going to change because of his stupid mouth and thoughts."

Olivia nodded, her expression resigned. "Okay, okay... let's go."

She walked out, and after a few seconds, I followed, my feet heavy with reluctance.

I trudged towards the corner and collapsed onto the couch, feeling out of place. Why was I even here, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, with only a few familiar ones scattered around? It was Liv's friend's party, and I'd only talked to the host once or twice. But in Liv's world, that constituted a lifelong friendship. When the invitation arrived, I was unlucky enough to be within earshot, and now here I was.

I had no idea how Ethan ended up here, and I didn't want to know. But as I thought about him, my eyes drifted to the spot where I last saw him. And of course, he was there, dancing with a group of girls while clutching a drink. Our eyes met suddenly, and I felt a jolt of discomfort.
Shoot me.

I didn't look away quickly enough, because I knew he'd think I was secretly admiring him. Duh.

I slowly looked away, my face a mask of disinterest. But I could see him walking towards me out of the corner of my eye, his presence drawing closer like a dark cloud.
Ethan plopped down beside me on the couch, his voice slurred. "Baby..."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "What do you want, Ethan?"

He offered me his glass, his smile annoyingly charming. "Want a drink?"

I declined, turning away. "No, thanks."

He set his drink on the table, his hand brushing against mine. "Baby, listen..."

His words were barely coherent, his eyes struggling to stay open. "I messed up, I know... and I'm so sorry..."

He paused, searching for words. "I've been thinking about you nonstop... even today... couldn't stop thinking of you..."

I rolled my eyes, unimpressed. "Yeah, that was so obvious."

Ethan shook his head, his eyes drooping. "No, baby... trust me... I miss you..."

His head lolled back against the couch, his words trailing off into incoherent mumbling.

I sighed, standing up. I spotted Liv dancing in the corner and made my way over to her. I tapped her hand to get her attention. "I'm leaving... I'm out of mood."

Liv nodded understandingly. "Text me when you get home, okay? I'll be late... call an Uber..."

I shook my head. "I'll walk... I need some fresh air.. need to make some purchases."

I pushed through the crowded house, desperate to escape the suffocating air. A quick stop at the convenience store for snacks would be a welcome respite before heading home.

As I turned onto the deserted street, the dim streetlights casting long shadows, I stumbled upon a scene that made my blood run cold.

A figure slammed against the wall, slumped and motionless. At first, I thought he was just another drunk partygoer, but the bruises on his face told a darker story.

Then, he emerged - a towering figure with eyes that blazed with intensity.

With ruthless efficiency, he pummeled the unconscious victim, each blow landing with a sickening thud.

I froze, paralyzed by fear.

My phone slipped from my grasp, shattering the silence. The loud clang drew his attention.

His gaze snapped up, locking onto mine. His eyes burned with a fierce intensity.

I grabbed my phone and turned to run, my heart racing.

I frantically tried to dial the cops, but before I could hit send, the Man appeared out of nowhere, his eyes wild and unhinged. He grabbed me, his grip like a vice, and spun me around. "Leave me!" I struggled, trying to break free, but he held tight. He snatched my phone from my hand, his fingers closing around it like a trap. "Hey!" I protested, but he just leaned in, his hot breath on my face.

"You shouldn't have seen that!"