Chapter Two-Betrayed

Annie stumbled out of the hotel, her heart shattered into a thousand pieces. She could hardly believe what she had just seen — Cam and Samantha, her best friend, tangled in bed together. The betrayal stung deeper than anything she had ever felt. Her chest tightened, and she gasped for air, trying to steady herself.

She wasn't thinking. She didn't even look as she crossed the road. A car's horn blared as it screeched to a stop just inches away from her.

The driver leaned out, shouting, "Are you crazy?!"

Annie didn't even register the words. She just stood there, barely aware of her surroundings, consumed by the image of Cam and Samantha that kept playing in her mind.

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Back at the Bar

The Velvet Lounge was bustling with activity as people came in to unwind after a long day. Music thumped from the speakers, and glasses clinked together. The atmosphere was lively, but Mary, the owner of the bar, stood behind the counter, glancing at her wristwatch.

"Where is Annie?" Mary muttered to herself, looking toward the door, expecting her employee. Annie was never late, but tonight she was nowhere to be seen.

After a few more minutes of waiting, the door finally swung open, and Annie stepped in, her face pale and her eyes red from crying. She was a mess, but she didn't care. She walked in with the weight of betrayal pressing down on her shoulders.

"Annie! What happened?" Mary asked, concern evident in her voice.

Annie wiped her eyes quickly, trying to cover the evidence of her tears. "Sorry I'm late," she mumbled, avoiding eye contact. "Had a little... something to deal with."

Mary didn't press further. She could tell it was more than just a "little something," but she knew Annie wasn't ready to after her night shift,shewalked past the bustling crowd and went straight to the back where the drinks were stored. She grabbed two bottles — vodka and rum — and made her way to a quiet corner table. She didn't want to be around anyone, didn't want anyone asking questions she didn't have the answers to.

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A Long Night

The bottles were opened, and Annie poured herself a drink. She took one, then another, each sip numbing the pain just a little more. The world around her blurred as the alcohol began to take effect. The noise of the bar faded into the background as she sat there, staring into her glass, her mind racing.

Hours passed, and by now, she was tipsy, the alcohol beginning to take its toll on her. She could barely keep her thoughts straight.

That's when three men walked up to her table. They eyed her like vultures, clearly noticing how drunk she was.

"Hey, beautiful," one of them said with a grin. "You look like you could use some company."

Another man slid into the chair across from her. "Come on, let's get out of here. We'll have some real fun."

Annie tried to push them away, slurring her words, but she was too far gone to resist properly. She could feel herself being pulled into a haze, but just as things seemed like they were spiraling out of control, a deep voice broke through.

"Stop."

The three men froze, looking over their shoulders.

Who could that be?

---

The tension in the air shifted as they looked toward the voice, unsure of what was happening next. The man who had spoken wasn't anyone they recognized, but his tone was commanding, his presence unsettling.

Annie couldn't even focus on the stranger, her mind still fogged from the alcohol and her emotions. But whoever he was, his voice had made the men hesitate.

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