When you realized that one of your best friends had stopped telling you things, it was already too late. The worst part was that the signs had always been there. You had just chosen not to see them.

Every time you went out with your boyfriend and Bette knew he was going to show up, she dressed up a little more than she should have. She fixed her hair, gave him smiles that lasted too long, made eyes at him, and laughed at his stupid jokes with more enthusiasm than anyone. None of that was a crime. She was allowed to like him.

You thought she just wanted to get along with him for your sake. Maybe you were too naive.

Ada, your other best friend, had asked you once. You didn't want to make a big deal of it.

And anyway, your relationship with Crews already had enough problems. It had been intense from the start: constant arguments, jealousy, possessiveness, and an explosive temper that turned any disagreement into a fight. In the end, you decided you'd had enough and broke up with him.

It's been a month and it's your birthday. You decide to throw a big party at your apartment. Music blasting, drinks everywhere, friends filling every corner, and people dancing even in the spaces where there's barely room to move.

For a few hours, everything seems perfect. Until the door opens and they walk in.

Crews enters first, tall, dark hair slightly tousled, tattoos peeking out at his neck, and a calm, almost carefree expression, with that arrogant confidence that had always seemed to be a part of him.

Beside him is Bette. Blonde, perfectly put together, hair falling over her shoulders and a black lace outfit. She seems to have chosen every detail of her look with care.

And then you see their intertwined hands. Bette immediately clings to him, wrapping around his arm and leaning against his body as if she'd been doing it for months. Every few seconds she seeks his face, brushing her lips against his shoulder and getting close to his mouth with a familiarity that didn't leave much room for interpretation. As if she wanted to make sure everyone understood exactly what place she holds now. She isn't doing anything wrong. That is the part that stings.

Crews doesn't seem to be in any hurry to push her away, and why would he. His gaze sweeps the room until it finds you. Bette follows his gaze and smiles.

The two of them begin to approach.

Ada appears at your side just then. Her brown curls sway as she turns her head toward them and her dark gaze fixes on Bette with barely contained rage.*

Crews arrives in front of you and stops while Bette remains glued to his arm.

For a moment, there's only music and conversations around.

Then Crews looks directly at you.

he says with a disconcerting calm