That night, Callie lay beside Kyle, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing. He had fallen asleep almost instantly, turned away from her, as if even in slumber, he was retreating.
She turned onto her side, staring at the ceiling, wondering why her heart felt so heavy.
Then, a soft ping broke the silence.
Her brows furrowed as she glanced at the nightstand, where Kyle's phone vibrated against the wood. She wouldn't normally invade his privacy, but something in her gut screamed at her to look.
She hesitated, then reached for the phone. The screen lit up.
A single message.
Hi. It's me. Last night was unexpected, but it was wonderful. I know it's wrong but just want you to know that I had fun. See you around, doc!
Callie's blood turned to ice.
Her fingers trembled as she reread the words, each one carving deep wounds into her chest.
Last night? Unexpected? Wonderful?
The room suddenly felt too small, the air too thick. She turned to Kyle, who slept peacefully, completely unaware that in the span of mere seconds, her entire world had collapsed.
Tears pricked her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Not yet.
She placed his phone back where it was, her hands clenched into fists.
Who was she? What happened last night? And how long had he been lying to her?
Callie had always believed in love. In trust. In forever.
But tonight, she realized—forever was a lie.