THE DOOR I CHOSE TO CLOSE

Chapter 2- THE TRUTH HURTS

I didn't go home that night.

I drove to my aunt's house and stayed there until morning. I needed somewhere I could breathe without seeing Daniel's face or thinking about Cynthia.

By sunrise, my phone was filled with missed calls.

Daniel had called twelve times.

Cynthia had sent even more messages.

I ignored every one.

Around noon, there was a knock at the door.

My aunt opened it and called my name.

“Veronica, someone is here to see you.”

I already knew who it was.

Daniel stood outside.

“I just want five minutes,” he said.

I almost told him to leave, but something inside me wanted answers.

We sat on the veranda.

“How long has this been happening?” I asked.

He looked away.

“About three months.”

I felt my chest tighten.

Three months.

He had looked me in the eyes every day during that time and pretended everything was normal.

“Did Cynthia come after you?”

“No.”

“Then who started it?”

Daniel remained silent.

That answer told me enough.

I stood up.

“You don't have to protect her anymore. You both made your choice.”

“Veronica, I was confused.”

I shook my head.

“Confusion doesn't make you betray someone you claim to love.”

He reached for my hand, but I stepped back.

“I don't want your excuses. I want you to leave me alone.”

His eyes filled with regret.

“I know I don't deserve another chance.”

“No, you don't.”

He nodded and walked away.

I watched him disappear down the road.

For the first time since discovering the betrayal, I didn't cry.

I simply stood there, realizing that the man I had planned my future with had become a stranger.

Then my phone rang.

It was Cynthia.

I answered.

Her voice was trembling.

“Veronica, there's something else you need to know.”

My stomach tightened.

“What?”

She took a shaky breath.

“Daniel hasn't told you everything.”

I froze.

“What are you talking about?”

There was a long silence.

Then she whispered,

“Meet me alone. Please.”

The call ended.

I stared at the screen, wondering what could possibly be worse than what I had already discovered.

Apparently, I was about to find out.

TO BE CONTINUED....