Page 110 of F*ckboys

"Did you think I wouldn't find out?" My accusation slices through her, sharp as a knife, and she looks up at me with surprise.

She jerks back as if struck, glancing at my hand that's holding the photo. "Find out what? I have no idea what you're talking about. What is that you're holding?"

I scoff, disgust twisting my lips. "Don't play dumb with me, Mia. I know you've been undermining me here at the office. And I know what else you've been doing as well! Screwing Aksel behind my back, you home wrecking snake bitch!"

Her eyes grow wide and her jaw drops. "What? No, that's ridiculous!" I can see the outrage and hurt war within her. "How could you think so little of me, Fallon? I've been nothing but loyal to you. I would never do something like that."

"Oh, really?" I slam the photo on the boardroom table in front of her.

Mia grabs it from the table and her face pales, her eyes large and her hand trembling. "I didn't do this. I didn't do any of what you’re saying," she rasps. "You have to believe me."

"I don't believe a word you say," I yell. "You've always been jealous of me, Mia, waiting to stab me in the back at the first opportunity. So now you're coming for my business and my man."

"That's not true!" Mia cries out, desperation cracking her voice. "Fallon, please listen to me. I don't know what you're talking about. I would never do anything to hurt you or your business. And as for Aksel, I promise I never—"

"Save your lies for someone who hasn't known you as long as I have." I jab a finger at her, accusation dripping from every word. "You’re doing your best to destroy me, but your pathetic attempt at sabotage won't work. Everyone knows you're just riding on my coattails, and that without me you're nothing."

I pause, my eyes narrowing.

Mia looks like she's been slapped.

"I don't believe anything that comes out of your lying mouth." I lean over the table, eyes burning with fury. "You're a snake, waiting to strike when people least expect it. You'll do anything for your fifteen minutes of fame and a fat paycheck. Isn't thatright? Next thing I know, you'll be selling stories about your 'relationship' with Aksel to the tabloids. You make me sick!"

Mia staggers back as if struck. "Fame? And losing our friendship over money? After everything I've done for you, Fallon, really?! How dare you?!"

"If I hadn't given you a job when you were desperate, you'd have nothing. No career, no success, no life. I made you, Mia, and I can destroy you just as easily."

The words taste bitter on my tongue, but I can't stop them from spilling out in a toxic flood. Our friendship is shattered beyond repair, and if hurting Mia is the only way I can find closure, so be it. She deserves this.

Rage replaces the hurt on Mia's face, white-hot and venomous. "How dare you say such hateful, untrue things? I've sacrificed everything for you, Fallon. I've devoted years of my life to helping you achieve your dreams, and this is the thanks I get?" She surges forward until we're toe to toe, uncharacteristically aggressive, our harsh breaths mingling. "The only one destroying things here is you, Fallon. But go ahead, keep telling yourself I'm the villain if it makes you feel better about throwing our friendship away over baseless rumors."

My eyes narrow, a muscle in my jaw twitching. "Get out of my sight before I do something we'll both regret."

Mia gives a bitter laugh, the sound jagged in her throat. "You've already done that, Fallon. And when your little empire comes crumbling down around you with no one left to pick up the pieces, I hope the knowledge of what you lost today brings you comfort."

With that parting shot, she turns on her heel.

"Get out," I spit, even though she's already on her way out. "Get out of my building right now. And you are fired." Our friendship is over, the future we've planned for so long torn toshreds, but Mia will come to regret the day she turned against me.

I glare at her, chest heaving, and she looks over her shoulder at me. For a long moment we remain locked in confrontation, the air between us simmering with tension.

Finally Mia straightens, smoothing a hand over her jacket. "With pleasure," she sneers. "I never want to see your face again."

The door slams behind her with a note of finality, sealing the end of our friendship forever.

Returning to my office, I sink into my chair, head in my hands. How did it come to this? Mia and I have been through so much together, a partnership forged in the fires of childhood dreams, and adult ambition and grit. Now everything lies in ruins, destroyed by mistrust and betrayal.

On her way out, Mia stops by my office, her belongings in hand. Her voice is low and sad. "The worst part is, I didn't do anything bad behind your back. I would never do something underhanded to sabotage the reputation of the company you've worked so hard to build. And I certainly didn't cheat with Aksel. But I guess you'll never believe me now."

She's right. Our friendship is shattered beyond repair, the damage done. Her true colors are shining loud and unmissable, professionally and personally.

Anger simmers in my gut, bile and regret churning into a toxic mix. I trusted Mia with my life, stood by her side through failures and triumphs, and this is how she repays my loyalty? Betraying me like this?

"Spare me the lies, Mia."

"I'm done, Fallon, I mean it. I stayed because I cared about you, but now..." She trails off with a shake of her head. "You'veshown me what I really mean to you. It's time I moved on to bigger and better things. You can say you fired me, or you can say that I quit. I honestly don't care anymore, as long as I don't have to be here any longer. With you." With that, she turns and walks out the door.

As her heels click down the hallway and out of the building, I bury my head in my hands again. I'm trembling, rage and grief warring for dominance. How am I supposed to move on from this? Mia has been my anchor for as long as I can remember, her presence a constant in my tumultuous world. Now she's gone, our relationship left in ruins, and the future looms before me, empty and uncertain. Clearly, she's not the person I thought she was. And clearly, neither was Aksel.

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