Chapter Two
855 Words
That night, Tony didn’t come home.
Lisa sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the clock, listening for every car that passed. Each time she heard one, she rushed to the window—hoping. But he never came.
He had never stayed out this late before. Not without telling her.
She kept calling, desperate. Each ring that went unanswered tightened the knot in her chest.
Finally, he picked up.
"Tony! I want us to talk about this. Please come home so we can sort things out. Our marriage can't just end like this," she pleaded.
His voice was sharp. "Lisa, move on. I don't want you in my life anymore. You're bothering me right now. I'm busy!"
"Busy? With what? That slut I saw you with?!" she snapped, tears brimming.
"I don’t have time for your childishness. If you want to talk, speak to my lawyer."
He hung up.
"Lawyer?" Lisa stared at the phone. Her knees gave way, and she sank onto the floor.
Tears streamed down her face. The man I loved since high school… now treats me like trash.
She cried until sleep claimed her.
---
It was nearly noon when she heard a knock on the door. She groaned, barely awake.
Another knock—louder this time.
She sprang up, nearly falling over. Tony?
"T-Tony, is that—"
The door opened, and her smile faded. It was Alice.
Her best friend stood in the doorway with a worried half-smile.
"Girl, are you okay? You don’t look so good! Your eyes are puffy and you’ve got serious bags. Wait… have you been crying?" Alice asked, rushing over and gently cupping Lisa’s face.
"It’s nothing," Lisa muttered, grief thick in her voice. She took Alice’s hands off gently and sat back on the bed.
"No way. Something’s wrong. Did Tony say something hurtful to you?" Alice asked, her tone growing serious.
"I don't want to talk about it," Lisa murmured into the pillow.
"I’m your best friend, and I’m not letting you suffer in silence."
Alice sat beside her, pulling her close. That small gesture broke Lisa’s fragile resolve. She sobbed into her friend’s shoulder.
"Oh Alice… you should’ve seen how he treated me after his business trip to France. He… he asked for a divorce. Just like that. Like none of it ever mattered."
Alice’s eyes widened. "What? No. That can't be. He loves you!"
"I thought so too. But last night I followed him… and I saw him with another woman. They looked… close. I couldn’t see her face clearly, but something felt off." She sniffled. "Then my car broke down... and if that wasn’t enough, I was almost attacked by two goons."
Alice gasped. "What?!"
Lisa nodded, wiping her face. "A man saved me. A stranger. Tall, handsome, mysterious. I didn’t even get his number. But he protected me. I owe him my life."
Alice placed a hand over Lisa’s. "I’m so sorry you went through that alone. You should have called me."
"I couldn’t. I just… didn’t know how."
Alice gave her a gentle smile. "Well, you’re safe now. But you need to decide—are you going to fight for this marriage, or are you ready to let go?"
Lisa looked at her, unsure. Her heart said one thing; her dignity another.
Alice’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen. "It’s my sister—Melanie. She just came back into town yesterday, and I’m kinda her babysitter now." She smiled apologetically and stepped out to answer.
Lisa nodded. "Okay."
---
In the hallway, Alice picked up the call.
"Melanie, what’s up?"
"You’ll never believe who I ran into last night—Tony Williams!"
Alice froze. "What?! Tony? He’s married to my best friend!"
"Not anymore. He told me they’re done. We’ve rekindled things—just like old times. He’s even staying here at the hotel with me."
"Melanie, you said you were never into him! And now you’re saying you’re with Tony—Lisa’s husband?!"
"Ex-husband," Melanie corrected. "We reconnected in France. And get this—he’s a millionaire now! I’ll tell you everything when we meet. Byeee!"
Alice stood frozen, phone in hand. Her stomach churned. How do I tell Lisa this?
She walked slowly back toward the bedroom.
Lisa sat curled up on the bed, tears still in her eyes.
Alice paused at the door, watching her.
How can I break this to her? But Melanie trusted me...
"Did you say something?" Lisa asked, wiping her eyes and turning to face her.
"Uh—no. I was just thinking…" Alice forced a smile. "Why don’t we go bake our favorite chocolate cake? It always lifts your mood."
Lisa hesitated. "I guess... yeah. Crying won't fix anything, right?" She gave a half-laugh, a tear escaping again.
Alice laughed nervously. "Yeah, exactly."
As they headed toward the kitchen, Lisa asked, "By the way… how’s Melanie?"
Alice froze for a beat too long.
"Oh, her? She’s, uh... she’s fine. Just settling in."
She forced another smile, but her heart pounded in her chest.
Should I protect my sister—or tell my best friend the truth?
- Writer
