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My stomach dropped straight through the floor.
I knew that tattoo. I’d held that hand when it was first inked during our wild weekend in Vegas when we were 22. I’d been there for every major moment of her life, and she’d been there for mine.
“Not her. Anyone but HER.”
But the evidence stared back at me without mercy, and the truth was undeniable. This was Madison, my best friend of 20 years, my confidante, the godmother to my youngest child, and the woman who’d helped me plan my wedding to Daniel.
This betrayal cut deeper than I knew pain could go.
“You want to play games?” I said to the mirror, wiping away my tears.
“Let’s play.”
The next evening, I invited them both for dinner. My voice was steady and cheerful as I made the calls. “Maddy, I want to celebrate how smoothly everything went while I was away.
Can you come over tomorrow? Daniel will be here too.”
“Of course, sweetie! I can’t wait to hear all about your trip.”
I cooked Daniel’s favorite meal, set the table with our wedding china, lit candles, and poured expensive wine until every detail was perfect for what was about to unfold.
They sat across from me making small talk, acting like they hadn’t just destroyed my entire life.
Madison complimented my cooking. Daniel talked about work. Such good actors, both of them.
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