Chapter 2

The screen share. He'd forgotten.

He was so arrogant, so careless, he'd exposed his entire rotten plan.

Sarah stared at the glowing monitor, the voices from Discord a venomous soundtrack to her world shattering.

Her loyalty. Pathetic.

Useful.

She thought of all the times she'd sacrificed her own plays, her own desire to frag, to set Ethan up for glory.

All the late nights reviewing VODs, crafting strategies he'd later claim as his own.

All the public praise he soaked up, while she stood slightly behind him, the reliable support.

His girlfriend.

A wave of nausea washed over her.

She wanted to scream, to smash something, but a cold fury began to solidify in her chest.

This wasn't just about a game anymore.

This was about her life, her trust, her future.

He'd mocked her dedication, her dream of winning a championship with him.

With him.

The thought was repulsive now.

She had to see him.

Not to beg, not to cry.

To confront.

The drive to the Alpha Squad team house was a blur.

It was nearly 2 AM, but lights were still on.

She used her key, the click of the lock echoing in the silent entryway.

Music drifted from the lounge.

She followed the sound, her heart a cold, hard knot.

There, on the couch, was Ethan.

And Tiffy.

They weren't just talking.

Tiffy was draped over him, his arm around her, her laughter echoing Ethan's earlier cruelty.

They looked up, startled, as Sarah stepped into the doorway.

Ethan's eyes widened, a flicker of something – panic? – before his usual arrogance settled back in.

"Sarah? What are you doing here?"

Tiffy just smirked, a deliberate, knowing look.

"I heard everything, Ethan," Sarah's voice was surprisingly steady, devoid of the tears she'd fought back.

"Heard what? You're being crazy," Ethan said, trying to disentangle himself from Tiffy, who made no effort to move.

He stood up, taking a step towards Sarah. "Look, whatever you think you heard, you're overreacting. You're just jealous."

Gaslighting. Of course.

"Jealous?" Sarah let out a short, bitter laugh. "No, Ethan. I'm done."

She looked him straight in the eye. "I quit Alpha Squad. And we're over."

Ethan's face changed. The arrogance wavered. "What? Don't be ridiculous. You can't quit. The Champions League is next month."

"Your problem, not mine," Sarah said. She looked at Tiffy, still lounging on the couch. "Good luck with your new support player."

She turned to leave.

"Sarah, wait!" Ethan grabbed her arm.

She pulled away, a spark of her old fire igniting. "Don't touch me."

His eyes narrowed. "You'll regret this. You're nothing without me, without this team."

Sarah paused at the door, looking back at the boy she thought she loved, now a stranger.

"We'll see about that."