Chapter 5 The Message

POV: Liza

It was nearly midnight when Liza's phone buzzed.

Unknown Number: Hi. Drew's really drunk. Can you pick him up? He's at the Blue Room Bar.

Her chest tightened. No greeting. No name.

She called him first. No answer.

"Maybe it's one of his friends," she whispered, grabbing her keys.

She changed out of her pajamas, tied her hair up, and drove through the quiet streets.

Her heart thudded with worry.

But something inside her... also whispered:

Something isn't right.

POV: Brie

She watched Drew stumble onto the couch in the private booth, dazed from too many drinks. His hair was a mess, shirt half-buttoned, lips stained with wine and lipstick.

She smirked.

"He said he'd never be this guy," she said to herself, sipping her drink.

"Look at you now."

She picked up his phone from the table. Liza's number was still pinned.

With a few quick taps, she sent the message. Short. Sweet.

Let's see how loyal your good little bride still is after tonight.

POV: Liza

The bar was dim and loud. She asked the bartender where the private booths were. He pointed silently.

When she found the right hallway, she paused.

Liza heard voices. His voice. And... a woman's.

Her heart froze.

She stepped closer.

POV: Brie

"You think she suspects?" Brie asked, resting her legs on Drew's lap.

He groaned. "Nah. Liza's... too trusting."

Brie chuckled. "That's not a compliment, you know."

Drew blinked slowly. "She's always been the good girl. Never rushed things. Never asked too much. Never... tempted."

Brie leaned in closer. "And me?"

He gave a lazy grin. "You're everything she's not."

"Fierce. Wild. Willing."

Brie ran a finger along his chest. "So why marry her?"

Drew muttered, "Because she's safe. Stable. She's the one I'm supposed to build a life with."

"But you're still here. With me."

"I know," he said, eyes closing. "I guess I just wanted to enjoy... before I settle down."

Brie laughed bitterly. "And what if you keep enjoying after you settle?"

"As long as she doesn't find out..."

They both laughed.

POV: Liza

She stood frozen behind the door.

The words hit her like knives.

"I guess I just wanted to enjoy..."

"She's too trusting."

"As long as she doesn't find out..."

She didn't cry. Not yet. Her hands shook, but her face was calm. Controlled.

She waited a beat. Then knocked.

POV: Drew

The door swung open. He jolted upright. His blood ran cold.

"Liza?!"

She stood there, her expression unreadable. Calm. Too calm.

"I got your message," she said, as if nothing had happened.

He stood up. "I-I didn't send anything-"

"You were drunk. It's okay." Her voice was steady. Gentle.

Brie gave a smug smile behind him, lounging like a predator who'd already claimed her prey.

Liza's eyes flickered toward her, then back to Drew.

"I'll drive you home."

She turned before he could answer.

POV: Liza (Later That Night)

He was passed out in the passenger seat.

She drove in silence.

No screaming. No accusations. Just silence.

But her mind raced.

He made his choice.

So now, I'll make mine.

That night, she packed her wedding dress back into its box.

The next morning, she submitted her official confirmation for the Singapore transfer.

Departure Date: June 15-the same day she was supposed to say "I do."