**PRESENT**
After storming out of Sophie's house, my feet moved automatically, taking me far from the betrayal I’d just uncovered. I collapsed onto a bench on a nearby street, the cold metal biting into my legs as my mind spun. My thoughts crashed and tangled like waves in a storm. Why? Why did it have to be him? My ex, in her house? Naked?
How long have they been together? Are they even together?
The questions spiraled relentlessly, gnawing at my sanity, each one twisting the knife deeper. I tried to lose myself in the passing crowds, hoping that watching the ebb and flow of people might soothe the turmoil inside me. But it didn’t help.
"Jessica!" Sophie's voice shattered my stillness. She jogged over, breathless, her eyes wide with worry as she plopped down beside me on the bench.
"
