Beyond The Lie

Chapter 18: The uninvited guest

Adeline.

My eyes blazed with fury as Ethan approached me, a charming smile spreading across his face. His presence was a slap in the face, a painful reminder of the past.

I'll never understand why you insist on torturing me. I thought, my mind racing.

He stopped in front of me, offering a red bouquet. The sweet scent of the flowers clashed with the bitter taste of his betrayal.

"Congrats, Bae!" he said, his tone dripping with familiarity.

My skin crawled at the endearment. I shot him a venomous glance, my disdain palpable. "What do you want, Ethan?" I spat, trying to keep my voice steady.

He smiled, oblivious to my loathing. "What do I mean? I wanted to see my girl hosting a fashion show and congratulate her. Is that a problem?"

I seethed with anger, my heart pounding in my chest. "I'm hosting the fashion show, not 'your girl.'" The words tasted bitter on my lips.

Ethan chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "As if there's a difference."

My stomach churned with disgust. I scanned the room, desperate to escape this toxic encounter. "You're not welcome here. Leave."

Ethan's grin persisted, his expression unnervingly calm. "Chill, sweet thing. I'm just here to watch you enjoy your great day like a crazy fan boy."

His words sent a shiver down my spine. I felt suffocated by his presence, trapped in a nightmare.

Before I could respond, Rachel called out to me.

"I'll be right there," I replied, turning back to Ethan. "You're acting like a stalker, a psychopath."

Ethan's smile was his only response. I glared at him, my eyes burning with anger and frustration.

Why can't he understand that I hate him?. I thought, exasperated.

***

I joined Rachel, grateful for the escape.

Here we go again. My mind reeled, disturbed by Ethan's presence.

I stormed over to Rachel, my anger still simmering. "What's he doing here?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

I shrugged, feeling frustrated. "How would I know?"

"Such a disaster!" I exclaimed.

Liv and Soph approached, their voices hushed. "Did you invite—" Liv began.

I cut her off, my defensiveness palpable. "Trust me, I'm not mental! I didn't. Why would I?"

Soph's calm demeanor was a balm to my frazzled nerves. "Relax, Addie. Don't get upset. Everything will be fine, hmm?" But her soothing words failed to penetrate my agitation.

"I ended things perfectly," I said, exasperation creeping in. "I don't know what's gotten into him to come here and do all this!"

Liv's eyes narrowed. "He did what?"

I sighed, reluctant to reveal the extent of Ethan's harassment. "He's been texting me for days."

Liv's expression turned stern. "Why didn't you tell us?"

I remained silent, and Liv sighed heavily, looking away.

Rachel intervened, her voice firm. "It's showtime. Cameras are rolling. Act like a professional. Media wants sensational news, not your success. They'll spin their own stories, so keep your cool."

Her words hit home. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the task ahead.

"Agreed," Liv and Soph chimed in unison.