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Fifteen-year-old Mary appears to have a bright and promising life, but beneath the surface, she battles inner turmoil. Haunted by guilt over a childhood incident with her younger brother, Mark, Mary struggles with self-harm as she faces the growing pressures of family conflict, academic decline, and bullying at school.

Mary's life takes a darker turn when a manipulative new student, Ryan, enters her world. Drawn in by his charm, she hopes he can help her escape her pain, only to be betrayed by his sinister motives. Together with Mona, a jealous classmate with a vendetta against Mary, Ryan's deceit leads Mary into an emotional and physical downward spiral.

As her family’s financial struggles and emotional distance worsen, Mary finds herself isolated from the few sources of light in her life, including her best friend, Sophie. The story builds to a devastating climax when Mary overdoses, sending her into a coma. From there, The Dark Side explores themes of guilt, betrayal, redemption, and recovery as Mary fights her way back to the surface.

The broken path

After Ryan's arrival at school, things began to change rapidly for Mary. At first, Ryan had shown interest in her. His kindness and attention made Mary feel special, something she had longed for. He noticed her in ways others didn't, and Mary, for the first time in a long while, felt valued. However, Mona, always lurking in the background with her jealousy and disdain for Mary, wasn't about to let that happen without making her move.

Mona, who had long resented Mary for her apparent perfect life, was quick to notice Ryan's growing affection for Mary. She saw this as a perfect opportunity—not to get along with Mary, but to take something from her. Mona set her sights on Ryan, and soon, her manipulative ways came into play. With subtle hints and calculated moves, Mona drew Ryan closer to her, making sure to cloud his judgment and keep him away from Mary.

Ryan, confused by the conflicting feelings he had, was slowly drawn into Mona's web. He no longer seemed to see Mary the way he once had. Mona knew exactly what to say and how to act to make Ryan feel needed, to make him feel like the center of her world. What had once been a budding connection between Mary and Ryan now started to unravel.

As Ryan and Mona spent more time together, Mary began to feel the sting of betrayal. She had never seen it coming—how Mona, her classmate and once a bully, could come between her and the one person who had made her feel seen. The shift was subtle at first, just a little coldness from Ryan, a look of familiarity shared between Mona and him that wasn't there before. But soon, it became undeniable. They were no longer the trio they once were.

Mona's cruelty, hidden behind the façade of friendship, had succeeded. Ryan and Mona's bond blossomed, and Mary, left behind, felt the sting of being replaced. Her once cherished connection with Ryan had faded into nothingness. Now, as she watched Mona and Ryan together, a sharp pang of disappointment and hurt settled in her chest. They were a couple, and Mary was left on the outside, watching as Ryan, the guy she once considered her friend, turned into something else entirely.

Meanwhile, Sophie noticed the growing distance and felt the pain Mary was going through. She could see it in Mary's eyes, the sadness and confusion that deepened every day. Sophie tried her best to be there for Mary, offering comfort and support.

Mona and Ryan's relationship became stronger with each passing day, and although their bond seemed real, there was something Mary couldn't shake. She had no idea what Mona was truly up to, but there was an eerie feeling that something bigger, something darker, was in the works. The cracks in her world were beginning to show, but the full truth hadn't yet come to light.

For now, Mary was left with the ache of a lost connection. She had trusted Ryan, and now she was watching him slip away—with Mona.

Chapter 17: Mona and Ryan’s New Bond