Chapter 194
It’s the hundredth time I’ve heard her say that. Sierra has said it too. Over and over, and I’ve never understood a damn thing either of them meant. 1
For years, they claimed Brook and Chloe did terrible things to Sierra. But what terrible things? As far as I knew, from what I was told by Chloe and Brook, it was the opposite. Sierra was the one who picked on them. Sierra was the one who spread rumors, threatened them, and sabotaged friendships. Sierra was the problem. Sierra was always the problem.
Do you really believe that? Especially after Brook framed Sierra twice.
Everything in me goes still as I think about it.
For years, I believed Chloe and Brook without question. Every time they complained about Sierra, I took their word as truth. Every time Chloe and I broke up, and I slipped back toward Sierra like some pathetic boomerang, I was reminded of who Sierra supposedly was: a bitch, a cold and ruthless woman who was selfish, greedy and loved tearing others down. 4
But fuck, what if I’ve been wrong this whole time?
What if Brook and Chloe twisted everything, shaping the narrative until Sierra looked like the villain? 2
A sick, heavy weight settles in my chest. My stomach drops. And my heart? my fucking heart refuses to accept it. Because accepting it means accepting that I’ve hated the wrong person for years. That I hurt the wrong person. That every cold shoulder, every cruel word, every moment I made Sierra feel like she was beneath me was built on lies. 1
It fucking hurts, more than I want to admit.
“Noah?” Lilly’s voice cuts through the spiral.
I drag in a breath. “What did you mean when you said ‘a lot of shit Brook did to Sierra p>
She gives me a look full of disbelief, then anger. “What do I mean? I’ve been telling you for years that Brook is a snake, and you never listened. And Chloe?” she scoffs bitterly, “she wasn’t half as innocent as you thought she was p>
“I wasn’t listening,” I grit out, “but I am now p>
“You’re an idiot,” she sighs, rubbing her temples. “You would’ve ended up with Sierra if you hadn’t eaten up the lies Chloe and Brook fed you p>
I frown. “What are you talking about p>
“Oh, please.” She rolls her eyes. “Don’t think I didn’t notice it. Don’t think any of us didn’t notice it. You had feelings for Sierra back then. Sure, you hated her when we were kids, but that hate eventually weaned out and you stopped finding her annoying when you were around fourteen p>
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The words leave too fast.
“Who are you trying to fool?” she shoots back. “We all saw it. Including Chloe. Sierra was growing on you, and you would’ve eventually asked her out if Chloe hadn’t started whispering in your ear p>
My pulse stutters.
“And you want to know why she did that?” Lilly continues, voice dropping. “Because she wanted you all to herself. And the only way to get you to see her was to push Sierra out of your heart. Permanently. If she made you hate Sierra, then you’d be free for her to claim p>
“You’re insane,” I mutter, though the words land in my chest like lead.
“Am I?” she counters. “Or is it that you don’t want to hear the truth p>
Silence fills the space between us.
Her voice softens into something more dangerous. “Ask yourself if you ever truly loved Chloe.” (3)
“Stop,” I growl. “Of course I loved her. Chloe was the love of my life p>
“Was she?” Lilly steps closer, eyes sharp, unflinching. “Then answer me this: when did that love start? How did it start? Did you actually fall for her or were you manipulated into loving her? Because I know the truth, Noah. I’ve known it for years.” 2
My heart pounds so hard it hurts.
“I know who owns your heart, cousin,” she whispers. “And it was never Chloe.” 4
Evelyn M.M
Author
Hi Loves, I’m back and I’m feeling more like myself. Thank you all for your understanding, well wishes and for being patient. I’ll post only one chapter today, but from tomorrow, it’ll be two chapters.
Have a wonderful week and lots of love p>