Chapter 6 - THE FRIEND WHO SOLD HER LOYALTY
Cassandra appeared outside Ren's apartment on Thursday evening.
She looked exhausted.
Her hair was pulled into a messy bun.
Her eyes were swollen.
Ren stopped on the sidewalk.
“What are you doing here?”
Cassandra stepped forward.
“Please.”
Ren shook her head.
“No.”
“Just five minutes.”
Ren stared at the woman who had been her best friend since college.
They had shared apartments.
Birthdays.
Breakups.
Funerals.
And every important milestone of their adult lives.
Now Cassandra stood before her as a stranger.
Ren folded her arms.
“Five minutes.”
Cassandra swallowed.
“Derek told me the engagement was over.”
Ren laughed bitterly.
“While I was planning the wedding?”
“He said you were only going through with it because of your parents.”
Ren stared.
“And you believed him?”
Cassandra looked down.
“I wanted to.”
The honesty hurt more than another lie would have.
Ren stepped back.
“How long?”
Cassandra began crying.
“Four months.”
Ren closed her eyes.
Four months.
During dress fittings.
During bridal showers.
During late-night conversations about vows.
Cassandra whispered:
“I'm sorry.”
Ren looked at her.
“Did you know about the trust?”
Cassandra froze.
Ren's heart sank.
“You did.”
Cassandra shook her head.
“Not everything.”
“What did you know?”
“Derek said your grandfather left something valuable.”
Ren stared.
“And?”
“He said once you were married, he could help you manage it.”
Ren felt cold.
Cassandra continued.
“He asked me to keep you calm. To make sure you didn't question the paperwork.”
Ren looked at her.
“You weren't just sleeping with him.”
Cassandra began sobbing.
“You were helping him.”
Ren stepped away.
“I trusted you.”
Cassandra reached toward her.
“Ren—”
“No.”
Her voice broke.
“You don't get to use my name like we're still friends.”
Cassandra lowered her hand.
Ren walked past her.
Then stopped.
“Did Derek know about the documents in the shipyard?”
Cassandra hesitated.
“Yes.”
Ren turned.
“How?”
Cassandra looked terrified.
“His father told him.”
Ren stared.
Cassandra whispered:
“And Ren?”
May you like
“What?”
“Derek isn't the only one looking for them.”
