PROMOTED (MXM) ✔️

Chapter 29

HOPE

Liars.

All this time, they made me look like a fool.

Henerson was probably laughing at how naive I was while he and Mayvel pretended to be cousins. Not only that, but he even stayed at her place for two days and I agreed to it after he reassured me that there was nothing to worry about.

It all became so clear—why he was always in such a hurry to be by her side, even willing to drive us home the moment she called.

She's that important to him...

My eyes welled up again, and my lips trembled as I tried to keep quiet in the corner.

Did I really have to find out like this? I wiped away my tears and took a long drink from my mug of beer. I'm currently alone in a bar I found in an unknown alley, different from my usual spot.

Afraid that Henerson might find me like this. Pathetically crying over him.

I even accidentally left my phone at his place after his mother slapped the life out of me. And to make matters worse, I'm terribly sick right now.

I pushed my hair out of my face as I broke down in tears, catching the barista's glance as I cried my eyes out.

If only I had known this was how things would end, I should have gone through with my plan from the start. I can't believe I was swayed by his sweet words while he was already engaged to someone else.

But didn't I plan to leave him? I don't understand—why does this even matter? What difference does it make if he ends up with her?

Once I'm gone, none of it will matter anymore.

But why does it hurt so much? It wasn't supposed to be like this...

A hundred questions raced through my mind as the alcohol took hold of me.

Or was it all just a game? Now that I think about it, maybe everything was a lie. His confession that he liked me back in high school was probably a lie too.

Everything was a lie, and I believed it all.

How pathetic. And maybe right now, Mayvel, Henerson, and even his stupidass friends are laughing at me.

Pope has been fooled once again.

"You alone?" A gruff voice interrupted my thoughts. I wasn't sure if the question was directed at me, so I decided to ignore it and took another gulp of my beer.

"Hey?" The man's voice grew more insistent, but I made a face of disgust and continued drinking. Suddenly, a hand grabbed my collar and pulled me up.

"Hey, I'm talking to you! You have the nerve to ignore me?" My eyes widened in shock at how intimidating this guy looked. He was huge, all muscle, with a rough face, and a weird mustache.

I stared at him, terrified, before pushing his hand away.

Why am I being targeted now? Can't I just have some time alone? I've just been cheated on!

"Damn it..."

"What?" he snarled, and I stiffened again as I realized two more guys were leering at me from behind him. Did I stumble into a dangerous place? I-I didn't notice-

"How about you come with us? Let's settle this outside," he smirked, and I started to break out in a cold sweat.

"I have no business with you," I tried to sound tough, but my body was trembling in fear. My fever and the alcohol were working together to sap my strength, so I doubted I could escape.