Chapter 47: Shadows of Deceit
687 Words
“Allie, you just don’t get it,” Cher sneered, her tone dripping with venom. “You’ve never had to crawl your way up from the dirt, so you wouldn’t understand. Kindness is a weakness for people like us—those who started at the bottom. It’s the quickest way to get crushed.”
Allie narrowed her eyes, her voice steady but cold. “Maybe I don’t understand your struggles, Cher. But I do know one thing—no matter how little I have, I’d never resort to hurting others to get what I want.”
Cher laughed, the sound hollow and cruel. “How noble of you, Allie. But that’s why I’ll always win. You see the world in black and white. People like me? We live in the gray. And guess what? That’s where the power lies. If I didn’t do what I’ve done, I wouldn’t be standing here today. I wouldn’t have Nick’s attention, nor would I be so close to getting everything I’ve ever wanted.”
Allie’s stomach churned. Cher’s words, her confidence, her ruthlessness—it was overwhelming. “If that’s what it takes to succeed, then I’d rather walk alone on my single-plank bridge than be part of your twisted path. I hope you get everything you want, Cher. But don’t expect me to help you climb higher.”
Cher smirked, her expression triumphant. “Oh, but Allie,” she purred, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “you are going to help me. Whether you like it or not.”
Allie’s patience snapped. “I don’t have that kind of power, and I sure as hell wouldn’t use it for you.”
Cher’s gaze turned icy, her smile sharp as a knife. “Oh, you don’t realize it yet, but you’ve already played your part.”
Before Allie could respond, Cher staggered back suddenly, her movements deliberate yet chaotic. They were standing at the edge of the basketball bleachers, the steep staircase looming beside them. Allie reached out instinctively, but Cher let out a piercing scream and tumbled down the steps, her body crumpling at the bottom.
“Ahhh! My baby!” Cher wailed, clutching her stomach. Blood seeped through her white sweater, staining it crimson.
Her voice, filled with anguish, cut through the stunned silence. “Allie! Why? Why would you do this? My baby! You killed my baby!”
Allie’s breath caught in her throat. Her mind reeled. What just happened?
In the distance, a figure sprinted toward them. It was Nick. His expression morphed from confusion to horror as he took in the scene. Cher’s cries grew louder, her words more pointed. “Nick! She pushed me! She wanted to kill our baby!”
Nick dropped to his knees beside Cher, his face ashen. “Cher, hold on. I’ll get you to the hospital.” His voice trembled with panic.
He lifted her into his arms, his jaw set as he turned to Allie. His gaze, dark and piercing, held nothing but fury. “What the hell is wrong with you, Allie?”
Allie opened her mouth to protest, but no words came. Her heart pounded as Nick carried Cher away, her accusations echoing in the air.
For a long moment, Allie stood frozen, the evening sun casting long shadows across the empty bleachers. This is what Cher meant—she had planned it all, down to the last detail. She had orchestrated the perfect scene, sacrificing even the life growing inside her, just to destroy Allie in Nick’s eyes.
As darkness fell, Allie’s legs felt like lead as she made her way down the steps. Her mind raced, replaying the horrifying moment over and over. How could someone be so cruel, so calculated?
Despite her instincts, Allie found herself heading toward Ruian Hospital. It was the closest hospital to their school, and she knew Nick would have taken Cher there. She didn’t know what she would do when she got there or what she could possibly say.
But one thing was certain: Cher’s deceit wasn’t over yet, and Allie wasn’t going to let her win.
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