Secrets of a Hidden Marriage

Chapter 33: Unveiling Betrayals

Allie Brooks was in a stormy mood, her mind churning with anger and resentment. She didn't seek accolades, but watching Cher Waverly bask in the glory that wasn’t hers felt like a bitter pill to swallow.

The last lecture of the morning dragged on as Allie’s thoughts raced. Sitting in the same classroom as Cher, she couldn’t shake off the confrontation looming ahead. Once the class ended and the room emptied, Cher sauntered toward her with a smug smile that made Allie’s blood boil.

"Let me guess," Cher said, her tone dripping with faux concern, "you're furious with me for taking the credit you think you deserve."

Allie met her gaze, her voice sharp. "You think I hate you for that? No, Cher. I hate you because you're conniving and shameless."

Cher’s laugh was icy, her expression unapologetic. "Shameless? Oh, Allie, you’ve always been so righteous. You wouldn’t understand what it’s like to claw your way up from nothing. You were born with everything handed to you—looks, money, even Nick's love. Do you think I’m going to sit back and let life pass me by because I wasn’t born with a silver spoon?"

Allie’s fists clenched at the mention of Nick Lawson, her ex-boyfriend. "Your obsession with proving yourself is pathetic," she shot back. "Your bitterness blinds you to the fact that the world doesn’t owe you anything."

Cher’s eyes flared, her voice rising. "You don't get it, do you? While you were playing the angel, always so perfect, I had to fight for every scrap of attention and respect. People like you look at people like me with pity, but deep down, you think you’re better. Admit it."

Allie shook her head, disgusted. "Your insecurities are your own burden, Cher. Don’t project them onto me." She turned to leave, but Cher grabbed her arm, her nails digging into Allie's skin.

"Listen carefully, Allie," Cher hissed. "The interview with Liam Hart is mine. Don't even think about getting in my way."

Allie glared at her, her voice low and firm. "I don’t need to get in your way, Cher. Your own schemes will bring you down."

But Cher wasn’t done. "Even if you try, no one will believe you. Everyone sees me as the rising star and you as the jealous has-been. Nick’s love? Your perfect little future? They’ll all be mine eventually."

The mention of Nick felt like a slap, but Allie refused to let Cher see her pain. She straightened her back and replied coldly, "Good luck with your dreams, Cher. You'll need it."

Cher smirked triumphantly, as if she’d won some invisible battle. "Oh, don’t worry about me. By the time this day is over, the president’s position at the news agency will be mine. And honestly, I owe it all to you."

With that, Cher walked away, leaving Allie seething. She pulled out her phone, staring at the screen for a long moment before dialing a number.

By noon, Allie sat in the corner of the campus cafeteria, her appetite long gone. As she absently poked at her salad, her phone buzzed with an incoming call.

"Allie, it’s Ava," the voice on the other end said, her tone laced with urgency.

"What's wrong?" Allie asked, instantly alert.

"I just overheard something," Ava continued. "Apparently, the head of the news agency, Mr. Waverly, received a special request from Liam Hart himself. He wants you to conduct the interview. Not Cher."