ThE LIE BETWEEN US

Chapter 4: Some I trusted

George's POV

I watched Kayla walk away.

Part of me wanted to call her back.

I wanted her to stay and explain everything one more time.

But I was too angry to do that.

How could she do this to me?

I had known Kayla for years. From the beginning, she had always been good to me. She was someone I trusted without thinking twice.

So why would she betray me now?

I sat down slowly, trying to control the anger building inside me.

The guests around us had started whispering.

I didn't care.

I didn't want anyone asking questions, and I definitely didn't want them seeing how badly the whole situation had affected me.

I kept staring at the door Kayla had walked through.

She was gone.

"Sir..."

I raised my head.

Tessa was standing in front of me.

"I'm sorry about what happened."

I said nothing.

She continued.

"She thought she wouldn't get caught, but I made sure I found out what was really going on. I wanted you to see the truth for yourself before anything got worse."

I didn't look at her.

I wasn't in the mood for another conversation.

Tessa seemed to notice.

She stayed beside me for a while without saying anything.

A few minutes later, my phone rang.

One of the waiters walked over.

"Sir, you have a call."

"Bring it to me."

He handed me the phone.

I answered.

"Good evening. Who am I speaking with?"

"It's Victor."

I immediately recognized his voice.

"Victor? How have you been? It's been a while."

"I've been good. I just got back from the States."

"Welcome back."

"Thank you. I'm actually in town now. I was thinking we could meet tomorrow at your place. It's already late tonight, so I didn't want to disturb you."

"Of course. Tomorrow is fine."

"Great. I'll see you then."

"Goodnight, Victor."

"Goodnight."

The call ended.

By then, most of the guests had started leaving.

The waiters moved around the hall, clearing the tables and putting everything back in order.

I looked around the room.

Only a few people were left.

"John!"

"Yes, sir."

"Get the car ready."

"Yes, sir."

John walked away.

I stayed where I was for a moment.

My mind was still on Kayla.

I hated that I was thinking about her after everything that had happened.

But I couldn't help it.

I had trusted her.

That was what made it hurt so much.

A few minutes later, John returned.

I got into the car and we drove home.

When I arrived, the staff had already prepared everything.

I went straight upstairs and took a shower.

Afterward, I changed into something comfortable and went to my room.

A knock came at the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's Grace, sir."

"What is it?"

"Your food is ready."

"I'm not hungry."

There was a short pause.

"You can leave it."

"Okay, sir."

Her footsteps faded away.

I walked over to my bed and lay down.

The room was quiet.

Too quiet.

I stared at the ceiling.

The whole night kept playing in my head.

Kayla standing there.

The messages.

Tessa.

The way Kayla kept insisting that she knew nothing about them.

I turned to the other side and punched the mattress.

I was angry.

But underneath the anger was something else.

Disappointment.

I kept telling myself that I had done the right thing.

The evidence was there.

What else was I supposed to believe?

But if I had made the right decision...

Why did I feel so terrible about it?

I closed my eyes.

I remembered how Kayla had looked at me when I told her to leave.

She looked hurt.

Really hurt.

I opened my eyes again.

"No."

I sat up.

I couldn't start doubting myself now.

The evidence was too clear.

Her number was on the messages.

Everything pointed to her.

Still, something didn't sit right with me.

I reached for my phone and checked the time.

3:00 a.m.

I sighed.

"Well..."

I dropped the phone beside me.

I had to sleep.

Tomorrow was another day.

I lay back down and eventually closed my eyes.

The Next Morning

Ring.

Ring.

Ring.

My alarm went off.

I opened my eyes and reached for my phone.

8:00 a.m.

I sat up.

For a few seconds, I had completely forgotten what happened the night before.

Then everything came rushing back.

Kayla.

The messages.

Tessa.

I rubbed my face and got out of bed.

After taking my bath and having breakfast, I started wondering whether I should even go to work.

I had no interest in dealing with anyone.

Then I remembered my appointment with Victor.

I couldn't cancel.

"John."

"Yes, sir?"

"Take me to work."

"Yes, sir."

I picked up my things and headed outside.

John was already waiting by the car.

I got in and we drove to the office.

When I arrived, I went straight to my office and settled into my chair.

I had barely gotten comfortable when someone knocked.

"Come in."

The door opened.

"Sir, there's a man outside asking to see you."

"Who?"

"His name is Victor."

A smile finally appeared on my face.

"Let him in."

"Alright, sir."

The assistant left.

A few seconds later, the door opened again.

"George!"

I stood up immediately.

"Victor!"

We shook hands before pulling each other into a quick hug.

"My CEO!" he joked.

I laughed.

"Welcome back."

"Thank you."

He looked around the office before sitting down.

"It's really been a long time."

"It has."

I sat across from him.

"You look good."

"So do you."

I smiled.

"How has life been in the States?"

"Busy."

He laughed.

"I've been working on a few investments. Nothing too crazy, but you know how it is."

"That's good."

He nodded.

"And you? How are things at Carlos Hotel?"

"Everything is going well."

"My personal CEO. The best CEO in Spain."

He teased.

I shook my head.

"You're still the same."

He laughed.

But after a few seconds, my smile disappeared.

He had noticed something.

"George?"

"Yes?"

"Is everything okay?"

"I'm fine."

It didn't look convinced.

"No, you're not." He said.

I looked at him.

"It's nothing."

"Tell me."

He hesitated.

Victor had known me for years. He could tell when something was wrong even when I didn't say anything.

So I finally told him.

I explained everything that had happened at the hotel the night before.

I told him about Tessa.

I told him about the messages.

Then I showed him the conversation.

Victor looked at the screen carefully.

His expression changed.

"Isn't this Kayla Bernie?"

"Yes."

"The same girl you helped back then?"

I nodded.

"Yes."

He looked at the messages again.

"I honestly can't believe she did this."

I didn't respond.

Victor stood up and walked over to my desk.

He placed a hand on my shoulder.

"George, I've known you for years."

He paused.

"I've never seen you this affected by something before."

I looked away.

"The evidence is right there."

"I know it hurts, but you can't keep blaming yourself for what she did."

I stayed quiet.

"You deserve someone you can trust."

His words made me think.

He was right.

At least, that's what I wanted to believe.

Victor continued.

"Maybe Kayla isn't the person you thought she was."

I nodded slowly.

"I guess I never really knew her."

"Sometimes people show you a side of themselves you never expected."

He gave my shoulder a light squeeze.

"Don't let this destroy you."

"Thanks."

He nodded.

"That's what friends are for."

He returned to his seat for a moment before standing again.

"I'll let you get back to work."

"Alright."

He walked toward the door.

"Take care of yourself, George."

"I will."

He left.

I watched the door close behind him.

For the first time since last night, I didn't feel completely alone.

But his words had also left me thinking.

I looked down at my phone.

The messages were still there.

Yet one question wouldn't leave my mind.

If Kayla was telling the truth...

Then who sent those messages?