---

Chapter 18: Confrontation and Truth

Phil’s heart pounded as he walked toward Lily, each step heavy with dread. He and Nick had made the difficult decision to tell her everything about Alex. But as they approached, Phil felt the fear gnaw at him. What would she think? Would she believe him?

He took a deep breath. “Lily, we… we need to tell you something,” he began, his voice trembling.

Lily glanced at him, concern etched on her face. “Yeah, Phil, what is it?”

Phil looked down, gathering the courage to continue. “It’s about Alex… he’s cheating on you. I saw him myself.”

The words hung in the air like a dark cloud. Lily’s expression shifted from confusion to disbelief, and then to anger. She shook her head, almost in denial. “Phil, really? I thought we were friends. Are you doing this again? Why, Phil? Why?”

Nick stepped forward, his tone steady. “Lily, we’re only telling you the truth. You can do whatever you want with it. But you deserve to know.”

Phil nodded, his gaze unwavering. “I just felt you should know, Lily. I’m not trying to come between you and Alex.”

For a moment, Lily’s face softened, and her anger wavered. But then fear crept in, a hint of guilt flashing across her eyes. What if they were telling the truth? What if Alex really was cheating on her?

As Phil and Nick turned to leave, her voice stopped them, barely a whisper. “Phil… what should I do?”

Phil turned back, his eyes gentle. “Lily, you should do what feels right. Listen to what your inner self says.”

Taking in his words, Lily straightened her shoulders. She was ready to face the truth, whatever it might be. Together, they went to confront Alex.

When they found him, he seemed calm, almost amused. But when Phil spoke up, his smirk vanished.

“Alex,” Phil said firmly, “we know what you’ve been doing behind Lily’s back.”

Alex’s expression turned cold, his gaze darting to Lily. “Lily, are you really letting Phil manipulate you again? They’re lying to you. He’s just jealous that we’re together.”

Nick stepped forward, his hands clenched into fists. He grabbed Alex by the collar, his face inches from his. “We all know who’s lying here, you piece of shit.”

Lily stood frozen, her mind swirling with confusion. She looked between Alex, Phil, and Nick, unsure of who to believe. “I don’t know… I don’t know who to trust,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

Phil pointed subtly toward the entrance of the café. “Look, Lily. That’s the girl. She’s coming in now.”

As Alex spotted her, his face went pale, and his confidence cracked. The girl walked up to him, unaware of the tension, and smiled. “Hey, Alex,” she greeted, leaning in and kissing him on the cheek.

The kiss was the final blow. Lily’s heart shattered, and the look of betrayal in her eyes cut deeper than any words could. She turned to Alex, her voice shaking with anger. “You lied to me,” she said, tears welling up in her eyes. “All this time…”

Realizing he was losing control, Alex grabbed her hand in desperation. “Lily, don’t be stupid. You can’t live without me. You need me,” he growled, his grip tightening, his voice filled with a mix of anger and desperation.

Phil couldn’t stand it any longer. He stepped in, his jaw set. “Let her go, Alex.” Without another word, he threw a punch, hitting Alex square in the jaw and sending him staggering back.

Alex released Lily, clutching his face in shock. Phil’s eyes burned with anger. “Stay away from her,” he warned.

Lily stood there, watching as Alex stumbled back. She felt a mixture of heartbreak, anger, and relief. Tears streamed down her face as she turned to Phil. “Phil, I’m so sorry. You were always looking out for me, and I didn’t believe you.”

Phil softened, offering her a gentle smile. “I did it because I care about you, Lily. You deserve better.”

As she wiped her tears, a weight lifted from her heart. The truth had been painful, but it was freeing. She was finally ready to let go.

And as they walked away, she knew she had friends by her side who would always have her back.

Hey readers hope you likes the chapter