Once Upon a Lie

Chapter 4: Betrayal from Someone Nearby

Lena Martinez rose up with a headache, but she had a lingering premonition that something even more dreadful was on the horizon. The heaviness of the recent days lingered around her like a dark cloud, and despite her efforts to concentrate on the case, the disloyalty of her loved ones ate away at her inner being.

Sophie. Her closest friend. The individual who had supported her during the most difficult times, who had pledged constant allegiance, harbored undisclosed information.

Lena gazed at the message on her phone, which destroyed the remaining trust she had in those around her. One of their connections had been investigating Richard Dalton's personal life. The revelation hit like a blow to the stomach: Sophie and Dalton had a romantic relationship in the past.

The brief message, devoid of specifics, was sufficient to completely disrupt her world.

Sophie’s Secret

Lena wasted no time facing Sophie. She angrily entered Sophie's apartment, struggling to control the anger simmering within her.

"Sophie, I have something to tell you," Lena said, her voice quiet and threatening.

Sophie's eyes grew wide when she noticed Lena in the doorway. Lena's expression lacked warmth, showing no trace of the friendship they used to have. She took a step back, her face already filled with guilt.

"What is happening?" Sophie inquired carefully, yet Lena noticed her unease. Sophie was aware.

Lena lifted her phone, displaying the message. "You're going to deny that this is accurate." Are you going to deny any involvement with Richard Dalton?

Sophie's complexion turned ashen, and briefly, Lena entertained the idea that possibly - only possibly - there was additional information to the story. However, Sophie's shoulders drooped, and she let out a shaky breath.

"Many years have passed, Lena," she whispered softly. Back then, I was unaware of his true identity.

"Is that so?" Lena's tone escalated in utter disbelief. "Don't tell me you weren't aware?" You didn't see the need to inform me, your closest pal, that you were once involved with the man who falsely accused me of embezzlement?

Tears welled up in Sophie's eyes, but Lena remained indifferent.

Sophie said she didn't believe it was important, her voice breaking. "Many years passed before any of that took place." He... I believed I was in love with him, but I never imagined he had the capabilities to do the things he has done.

Lena experienced the pain of betrayal once more. "How can I trust you?" How can I trust that you were unaware? You've stayed with me the entire time, and you never brought this up. “No, never.”

Sophie extended her hand with a tremor. "Lena, if you wouldn't mind." I promise I had no idea about the embezzlement. I would never have hidden that from you. You must trust me.

However, Lena backed away and shook her head. Alex's betrayal had almost destroyed her emotionally five years ago. Now Sophie's betrayal seemed like the last straw in destroying her trust.

Lena muttered, "This is impossible." I no longer know who to trust. I have to solve this by myself.

Before Sophie had a chance to reply, Lena turned and exited the room, leaving her friend standing there. The door closed loudly, making Lena feel the echo in her chest.

The Chase Backfires

During Lena's struggle with the aftermath of Sophie's betrayal, Alex was dealing with a personal demon of his own, one that hit close to home.

Arriving at his disaffectionate father's doorstep, his hands tightened into fists. Years had passed without communication, but recent events forced him to make a decision. If anyone knew about Dalton's interactions with the police department, it was his father.

The door was opened by the elderly man, his face showing signs of both age and bitterness. "What are you doing here, Alex?" he snarled, although the strain in his voice was audible to Alex.

"I didn't come here for a reunion," Alex replied. I am here seeking solutions.

His father narrowed his eyes, yet he moved out of the way, letting Alex come in. The house was dark and cold, the silence between them thick with unresolved anger.

Alex made sure not to waste any time. “You knew about Dalton, didn’t you?” he inquired, his voice filled with accusation. "You concealed the scandal involving embezzlement." You assisted in setting up Lena.

His father's expression contorted with what looked like regret, yet his eyes displayed a sense of toughness. Alex, you lack understanding of how things work. There are agreements in this world that are greater than us.

"Negotiations?" Alex spoke with anger in his trembling voice. "You destroyed the lives of individuals." "You ruined Lena's life."

His father let out a sigh as he settled into a tattered armchair. I did what was necessary. I defended what belonged to me. Do you believe it was a simple task? Did you believe I desired to be a part of that chaos? Dalton possessed an advantage. "He consistently possesses."

Alex sensed the ground moving under him. His whole existence was founded on the belief that his father was a moral man, a trustworthy police officer. Now, the illusion has been completely destroyed.

Alex's voice broke as he accused, "You went against all your principles." "You allowed an innocent woman to be blamed for a crime she didn't do." "And you're questioning why I struggle with trust?"

His father's face became more stern. Alex, this world is not simply black and white. "Someday, you will come to understand that."

Alex couldn’t listen anymore. He turned and left without another word, slamming the door behind him. The revelations about his father burned inside him, and all he could think about was how he had projected those same doubts and mistrust onto Lena.

He had doubted her because he couldn’t face the truth about his own family.

Push-Pull Dynamic Intensifies

Later in the evening, Alex was outside Lena’s apartment, feeling guilty and regretful as his heart raced. He didn't desire to be here in his current condition, but he had no other options. It is Lena who realized that his world is collapsing and no one would notice it, except her.

He came and knocked the door and when she opened the door she looked at him with disbelief and mistrust.

“Why did you come here?” Lena asked with undue nervousness to let me know how her cousin was doing.

“I need to talk to you,” Alex said, his voice strained. “Please.”

Lena paused briefly, but in the end, she moved out of the way and allowed him to enter. The atmosphere was tense, their unaddressed emotions creating a heavy burden.

“I found out something today,” Alex began, struggling to find the right words. “My father… he was involved in the cover-up.”

Lena's facial expression changed from surprise to comprehension, and finally to rage. "Definitely," she said bitterly. “The whole system was in on it, Alex. Dalton, your father, all of them. That is the reason why I never had a possibility.

“I was not aware,” Alex said, his voice cracking. “I didn’t want to face the truth.”

Lena folded her arms, her gaze icy. “Is that supposed to make me feel better? Did you refuse to accept the truth? Alex, you still left. You left me alone to handle this by myself.

Alex confessed he was frightened, his voice sounding hoarse. I was raised in a family based on deceit, and I struggled to have trust in others. Not even you. I despise myself for that.

Lena gazed at him, the fury in her eyes slightly easing. She observed the agony evident in his expression, the sorrow burdening him, yet it didn't undo his actions.

Lena quietly stated that she didn't require any apologies from him. I require you to realize that this is not solely concerning you. Your doubts caused our downfall. You allowed them to ruin me.

Alex moved nearer, his words showing great distress. I am aware. And that is something I cannot change. However, I am present at this moment, and I promise, Lena, I will do everything necessary to correct this situation.

There was a long silence as neither of them said anything. Lena could sense the barriers she had constructed to shield herself from the pain he inflicted, creating a divide between them. However, at that instant, what she noticed was his vulnerability. His state of being broken.

And perhaps, just perhaps, they weren’t so different after all.

Lena murmured uncertainly, "I'm not sure if you can solve this." "I desire justice, Alex. And perhaps if you assist me in obtaining that, then possibly... maybe I can begin to pardon you.

Alex showed determination as he nodded. "We will obtain justice, Lena." Together.

While standing together, the burden of their history lingering, Lena's phone vibrated on the countertop. She grabbed it, her gaze moving over the display, and a chill ran down her spine.

The message was sent by Richard Dalton.

“If you don't step back, Lena, I will ensure that your career is over before you have another day in court.”

Lena’s hand tightened around the phone, her heart racing. The fight was far from over, and now it was personal.