The campus library was a cathedral of silence that night, rows of books standing like sentinels in the dim glow of amber lamps.
I had come to distract myself, to drown my thoughts in literature.
But even as my eyes traced the words on the page, my mind lingered on Adrian's shifting smiles, on Maya's trembling hands.
I wasn't looking for proof. But proof found and chose me.
Half past nine, I decided to leave.
My footsteps echoed against the marble floor as I passed the quiet aisles.
And that's when I heard it, two voices, hushed but urgent, tucked between the shelves near the back.
I froze to their voices and listened.
The first voice was unmistakable Adrian's, low and restless.
Maya, can you please calm down! You're going to break down if you keep acting like this.
Remember we agreed on our promise to keep it together. I just need you to abide by it.
Maya's reply was sharp and trembling.
I can't keep lying to her, Adrian. She trusts me more than anyone.
"She's more like a sister to me. Every time I see her face, I…"
Her words fractured, trailing off into a choked breath.
My blood turned to ice. I couldn't believe what I just heard.
"A friend betrayal and a poisonous relationship backstabber".
Adrian's tone hardened.
We've come this far. You need to hold it together. She can't know about us, Not now and not yet.
My heart slammed against my ribs, each beat echoing in my ears.
I pressed myself against the bookshelf, breath shallow, terrified they might hear me.
But the universe was merciless.
Maya suddenly stepped into view, clutching her bag, eyes glistening as though she'd been crying.
Adrian followed a step behind, his hand reaching for her arm.
The way he touched her, it wasn't casual. It was intimate. Very Familiar.
They've journey into this part long enough for me to notice.
I ducked back before they could see me.
Body trembling. My knees wanted to buckle beneath me, but adrenaline held me upright.
When they finally left, their voices faded into the night, but the words carved themselves into me:
"She can't know."
Clearly, they had been talking about me.
Back in my dorm, I stared at the ceiling in the dark, thinking of my last discussion with Daniel's quiet wisdom, looping in my head.
"Because honesty is heavier than lies."
Now I knew for certain, Adrian and Maya were carrying something too heavy.
And I was the one paying the price for their silence.
I clenched the bed sheet in my fists, tears burning my eyes, but beneath the pain, a sharper feeling rose.
Not just hurt. Not just betrayal. It's envy.
For a second, I didn't believe my best friend could cheat with my boyfriend.
Someone I trusted like a sister and shared everything only to realize that Adrian, my Adrian had given someone else the kisses that belonged to me.
The next morning, Adrian found me outside class.
He smiled like nothing had change as he walked down to me, like the world wasn't rotting beneath his perfect grin.
He kissed me hello, warm and lingering. But for the first time, I didn't close my eyes.
I kept them open, watching him, tasting the lie on his lips.
It was right there, bitter and undeniable. The kiss tasted like betrayal.