Chapter 4: Guilt and Deception

As the days went by, our secret affair continued to blossom. We'd meet in hidden corners of campus, exchange sweet messages, and steal kisses whenever we could. But with every passing moment, the guilt and deception began to eat away at me.

I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was betraying Rachel, who was oblivious to our affair. I'd see her around campus, smiling and laughing with her friends, and I'd feel a pang of guilt. I knew that I was contributing to her unhappiness, even if she didn't know it yet.

Alex, on the other hand, seemed to be struggling with his own demons. He'd often talk about how trapped he felt in his relationship with Rachel, how he wanted to break free but didn't know how. I'd listen to him, trying to offer words of comfort, but deep down, I knew that I was enabling his deception.

One night, as we were walking back to our dorms, we ran into Rachel and her friends. Alex quickly dropped my hand, and I felt a surge of humiliation. We exchanged awkward smiles, and Rachel invited us to join them for a party. Alex agreed, and I knew that I had to decline.

As I watched them walk away, I felt a wave of sadness wash over me. I knew that I couldn't keep living this lie, that I had to find a way to escape the guilt and deception that was consuming me.

But as I turned to walk away, I felt Alex's hand on my shoulder. "Hey, I'll call you later," he whispered, his eyes locked on mine. "I promise."

I nodded, feeling a flutter in my chest. I knew that I was trapped in this affair, but a part of me didn't want to escape. A part of me wanted to see it through, to see where this twisted game of love and deception would lead us.