At times, the individuals who ought to love us the most are the ones who are the most cruel. I had never imagined that someone could be so cruel to someone they professed to love or care for. After my best friend went on a business trip, she requested me to keep an eye on her house while she was gone. Despite the fact that I was unaware that I would learn about her husband’s affair and his cunning scheme to steal everything from her, I reluctantly accepted. However, when I told her the truth, she did not express gratitude to me. Instead, she placed the responsibility on me.
One could say that friends are the family that you choose. In the past, I was absolutely convinced of that. I had known Tess since we were in college, and despite the passage of so many years, we continued to have a close relationship.
We had shared laughs, tears, and virtually everything with one another. Nevertheless, the day I met Cal, Tess’s husband, my gut had never shouted louder than it did at that moment. Something about him seemed strange to me.
With a phony smile, my eyes were icy. Like someone who is trying to appear kind but is actually concealing something negative. At that time, I did not like him. I liked him even less than I did before.
On a certain day, Tess and I were sitting on her porch, just like we had done a million hundred times before.
While her cat, Muffin, was laid out on the sunlight tiles, one of her paws was twitching in a dream. The air was warm with the heat of late spring, but it was not sticky.
It was a leisurely and silent process as Tess swirled sugar into her tea. With that guilty little smile that I knew all too well, she gazed up at me. It was the kind of expression she used when she wanted something but shuddered at the thought of asking for it.
Tess stated, “I am in need of a favor.” She spoke in a low tone, as if she was aware that I would not appreciate it.
The chair I was sitting in was reclined back, and I crossed my arms. “In what way is this a favor?”
Her gaze shifted away. One week from now, I will be heading to Chicago. A significant gathering at work. I will be absent for a few days.”
I bided my time. To this day, she had not posed any genuine questions.
“Would you be able to check with the house?” As she put it. “I need you to feed Muffin, water the plants, and possibly get the mail.” Just make sure it doesn’t appear to be empty.
An eyebrow was raised by me. Who is your husband, then? What exactly is he up to when you are far away?
She was fixated on her cup of tea. His statement was that it is not really his thing.
I blinked my eyes. “What is it that he does not enjoy doing?”
Regarding the upkeep of the house. The cat is being fed. According to him, it is not a job for men.
I chuckled, but not in a friendly manner. In other words, he is able to sell properties and wear nice outfits, but a can of cat food is considered excessive?
Her expression became more tense. “Cal is simply not interested in house stuff. “That is the way he is.”
Then I leaned in closer. “I love you, Tess,” she said. I am aware of that. However, you are doing it once more.”
She wore a frown. How are you doing?
Justifications being made for him. Once more. Although he is not very helpful, you continue to protect him. “Why?”
Her tone became more caustic. “You have never shown any interest in him. From the very beginning. You never stop looking for justifications to despise him.
“Tess, I had a few reasons. Even now, I do. As soon as I met him, my instinct told me to say no.
She indicated that she was pointing at me. “Kalia, you are not in a relationship. Furthermore, that is not his fault.
Even though it hurt, I managed to keep my voice calm. Do you believe that I am envious? Do you believe that I am interested in your life?
Her arms were crossed as she stood up. A chance was never given to him by you. You came to the conclusion that you did not like him before he had even finished speaking.
My response was interrupted by the opening of the sliding door. Cal walked out of the room as if he were the new owner. A very nice tee. Unblemished hair. Hand on the phone, typing with the thumbs.
There is a lot of talk about what? It was said by him. “Me once more?”
I spoke up and said, “It’s just your refusal to feed the cat.”
I detested the smug smile that he gave me. “I leave that kind of thing to the professionals. It’s referred to as “being smart.”
“Tess,” I turned to her. Although he is on that phone, he has not looked up. To whom is he sending so many texts?
Her response was, “It’s work.” “He has a lot of loyal customers. For sale of homes”
My eyes were fixed on his screen. It sounds like it’s going to be a really talkative affair.
A loud slam was heard from Tess’s glass. “That’s enough. It is possible that you should not assist him if you are going to continue to pick on him.
I did a sigh. As I promised, I shall carry out my promise. Due to you. And not him.”
Cal raised his head. “Try to avoid making a mess of the place.”
I cracked a grin. Wouldn’t want to bring down your castle, would you?
In spite of this, I had already made up my mind to keep my eyes open.
I parked into Tess’s driveway in the late afternoon. It was a late afternoon. Dark clouds crept slowly over the sky, and the air felt heavy, as if something terrible was about to happen. The sky appeared strange.
I parked my car and then marched up the stairs. My hand felt heated as I held the key to the back door. After unlocking it, I went inside and entered.
Almost immediately, Muffin was there, rubbing against my leg and purring loudly like she almost usually does. He had no idea what was going on front him.
Getting down on my knees, I scratched his ears. I hushed, “Hey, buddy,” as I did so. Let’s go get you some dinner, shall we?
Following the addition of water, I proceeded to wander about the kitchen while filling his bowl. Both the mail on the counter and the plants that were by the window were examined by me. Everything appeared to be in order. Overly typical. After that, I became aware of it.
Laughter is heard.
It was a man’s voice, Cal. Following then, a woman’s laugh could be heard.
I remained motionless at the bottom of the stairs. My heart was beating quite fast. With as little noise as possible, I moved slowly. There was a small gap in the door of the bedroom. After moving closer, I had a peak inside.
Cal was lying down on the bed. His shirt was just partially open. Next to him was a woman who was dressed in Tess’s robe and was drinking from her preferred glass as if she were a resident of the place.
According to Cal, “I told you that it would work.” After raising his glass, he took a drink from it. She did not look at it before signing it. Not even a single question was asked. You simply trusted me like you always have.”
A woman laughed out loud. “Are you certain that this will give you the house?”
By leaning back on the pillows, Cal relaxed. It’s true. Everything will be finished on Friday, when I have it notarized. She believes that it is nothing more than financial stuff. It has something to do with lending. I made sure to keep things straightforward.”
The lady took a tour of the area. “And what about her belongings? What about clothes? What about books?
He gestured with his hand. All that we do not want will be thrown away. Perhaps you could sell some items. A few boxes have already been packed by me. Most of it is worthless. We have also lost the cat.
In response, she arched her brow. “Wow. ” She is going to be devastated by this news.
Cal gave a smirk. “She won’t give a damn. We won’t be around long enough for her to find it out. Currently, I am looking into condos in the Miami area. As well as a gym and a pool. Because by the time she returns, this property will have been sold.
I had a terrible feeling. I would no longer be able to listen. The edge of the staircase was brushed upon by my foot. One or two squeaks.
Cal’s head suddenly jerked up. A sharp question came out of his mouth: “What was that?”
Neither did I wait. I made a dash. Take the stairs down. Leaving through the back door. Enter my vehicle. As I reached for my phone, my hands began to shake. I called Tess on the phone.
“Kalia?” she asked. The response came from her. “What’s the matter?”
“A woman is currently present in your home. And with Cal. I was able to see them. All of it was heard by me. He got you to sign documents by using deception. It is he who is snatching your house.
However, she did not respond immediately.
After that, she remarked, “You are lying.”
“No, I’m not. Would you kindly believe me, Tess?
“You’ve had a deep-seated hatred for him. We have been waiting for you to destroy us. I am envious of you. On top of that, you are now fabricating stories.
Not at all; I’m attempting to save you. I am attempting to be of assistance to you.
Suddenly, her tone became icy. “Please do not call me again.”
Make a click. When the line was cut off.
My doorbell rang later that evening a little later. I have opened it. He was standing there. Stable. Put his hands in his pockets.
It was said by him that “she told me everything.” In reference to your little narrative.
I tried not to blink. “I have no fear of you,” she said.
He took a step of closer. “You ought to be. There is going to be someone who gets wounded if you continue to push.
I had a feeling that Tess wouldn’t listen to me unless she seen it for herself. Words will not be sufficient. The mere act of crying would not sway her decision. Tess’s devotion for him was excessive. Her loyalty was excessive. Far too obstinate.
She would not depart without having substantial evidence. Something she was able to observe. Something that she was unable to disregard.
I did something that I detested, something that seemed cruel and terrible, but was also necessary. This is the reason why I did it.
It was a fraudulent telephone app that I downloaded. I arranged things so that it appeared as though the hospital was calling her.
I was involved in a car accident, according to the message. It made it clear that I was in the emergency room and that I was not awake.
Although I was aware that it was inappropriate to frighten her in such a manner, it was the only way to quickly get her back.
This was successful.
It was six hours later when I heard someone knocking on my door. It was Tess who stood there, gasping for air. Her hair looked rather unkempt. Her pupils were very large. She appeared to have been crying for some time.
Are you feeling okay? With a hasty entrance, Tess inquired. Her complexion was pallid, and she was deeply inhaling and exhaling.
“I’m OK,” I said to myself. There was no smashing sound. Neither am I hurt. It was a fabrication on my part.”
With a shout, she asked, “You lied to me?” Her voice was shaking. What exactly is the matter with you, Kalia? Who would do something like that?
I responded by saying, “Because you refused to listen.” “I’m sure you wouldn’t hear me. I had to bring you back to me. It was essential that you see it for yourself.
While she looked at me, her eyes were filled with pain. I had a fleeting moment of concern that she could strike me. However, after taking a few deep breaths, she then commented, “Okay. “Show it to me.”
We made our way to her residence. Both of us remained silent. The void of sound was oppressive.
After we arrived at her street, I parked a few homes down from where we were. When we got out, we walked very slowly. After stopping at her window, we went inside to take a look.
On the couch, Cal was spending time with the same woman. As if they didn’t have a care in the world, they were passionately kissing each other.
Tess said nothing at all. Taking out her phone, she opened it. While her hands were shaking, she continued to take photo after image. Her jaw became more tense.
“I would like to go inside,” she asserted.
It was a stroll to the entrance. It was made available.
Internally, everything had a distinct sensation. The aroma of her most beloved candle was no longer present.
The corridor was chilly and somewhat silent. There were black garbage bags lining the wall. There were stacks of boxes.
They were emblazoned with harsh terms, like “JUNK,” Both “DONATE” and “TRASH” The entirety of her existence was being stowed away as if it were nothing.
It was as if Tess’s voice was a blade that sliced through the air. Oh, Cal!
He quickly turned around, his eyes widening. “Tess? ” What are you doing in this location?
An advance was made by her. She had a really loud voice. She had her hands squeezed into fists before her. “Why am I even in this place? Are you joking around? My dear liar! You betray me! You are disrespecting my life by treating it as if it were rubbish!
The woman who was sitting on the couch suddenly stood up. After grabbing her purse, she started walking in the direction of the exit. “All I’ll do is—”
“Take a seat!” Tess lost her temper. “I’m not finished yet.”
Cal extended both of his hands. “Tess, stay with me. This is not what it appears to be about.”
Despite the fact that she chuckled, her tone was icy and brisk. “Is it not what it appears to be? While you are in my home, you are kissing another woman! The robe that I wore is on her. Taking a drink from my glassful. You disposed of my belongings by placing them in garbage bags. Is that what you mean when you say that my house is now yours?
Cal appeared to be anxious. The documents were signed by you. It’s not even clear that you read them.
Tess remarked, “You have deceived me.” At this point, her voice was shaking. You mentioned that it was about a loan. While you were standing there, you lied to my face.
He made a shrugs. It makes no difference. I have signed it. It is within the law. It has been completed. You made a complete mess of everything.”
He then turned his attention to me and pointed. “She is to blame for this. This is Kalia. From the very beginning, she has been opposed to me. The fact that she turned you against me
To get closer to him, Tess made one step. “Sorry, Cal. You are the one who did this. It was Kalia who was honest. Do you believe that you can defeat me? Are you under the impression that you may acquire everything I possess and leave me with nothing?
She motioned with her head. “It will be you who is left with nothing,” she said. Simply your own ego. And that won’t be of any assistance to you at this time.”
The expression on Cal’s face changed. You will come to regret this.
“No,” Tess responded. Her tone had become more relaxed. “Oh, you will.”
She indicated the entrance to the room. Please leave. You two together. Both of you are not welcome to return to this house under any circumstances.
The woman was the first to go. She did not turn around to look back. At that moment, Cal continued to stand there.
He had a constricted jaw. He was clenching his hands. After that, he turned around and went out of the room. Behind him, he slammed the door of the room.
She did not move at all. She did not shed any tears. Neither of them yelled. All she did was stand there. There is complete silence.
Her gaze caught mine. You have a very calm demeanor.
She shifted her attention to me. “Since I was already aware of it. Recently, I’ve been experiencing it. His dishonesty was obvious to me. I observed the peculiar papers. But I just couldn’t get myself to believe it. “I required evidence.”
My response was, “You could have told me.”
She stated, “I didn’t want it to feel like it was fake.” “I needed him to believe that I still was able to trust him. And I required you to behave in a normal manner. “You did it.”
I gave a slight nod. So… you made use of me?
She motioned with her head. It is not. I had faith in you. Even when I pretended that I didn’t have it. You were there for me.”
“I definitely will,” I responded.
A tiniest smile appeared on her face. Following that, she had a peek at the boxes and bags. “Clean up this mess, shall we? I have a life that has to be reconstructed.
