The Devil's Good Girl
Chapter 94: Snake

Chapter 94: Snake

How could a person console another, all the while knowing they were the ones hurting them the most?

It was a mystery Fil couldn’t wrap her head around in the beginning.

She had known Marianne even before graduating from the university. They had been good friends since then, watching each other make it in life. They knew each other’s secrets — big or small. Fil trusted Marianne with all her heart and soul, knowing Marianne would always be there for her as her best friend.

Yet, while consoling Fil, hugging her so warmly and gently, Marianne had been holding a knife on her back. No wonder people called it backstabbing.

If this wasn’t called evil, Fil didn’t know what to call it.

"Fil." Marianne slowly released Fil, cradling the latter’s hand. "I’m sorry this happened."

"Why are you sorry? It’s not like you’re the reason for our breakup."

"I know, but I still feel sorry."

Fil smiled bitterly, wiping her tears. "I just wanted to vent. I’ve been acting fine all this time, but I’m not." She sniffed, wiping more tears as she couldn’t stop her eyes.

"I’m not fine. It hurts."

"Fil," Marianne called, squeezing Fil’s hand. "I don’t know what to tell you."

"It’s fine. All I want is for someone to listen. I can’t tell others about it."

"I’m your best friend for a reason." Marianne nodded reassuringly. "Do you want me to talk to Vincent?"

"For what?" Fil huffed. "It’s not like I want him back."

"You don’t want him back?"

"You know I only trust one time, Anne," Fil stressed, reminding her best friend she only gives one chance to people. "Break it or treasure it. That’s up to you and to everyone I trust. But it’s up to me if I want them in my life again. You know me."

Marianne rocked her head, unable to disagree with Fil. Fil might be a very nice person, emphatic, and has long patience. However, she still had a few non-negotiable things she upheld. First on the list was trust.

"Just what is Vincent thinking?" Marianne sighed heavily. "He must have lost his mind."

Fil shrugged while smiling bitterly.

"So... you’re not going to get back together?" Marianne inquired, making Fil’s ear flap. "What if he comes to you and begs you for forgiveness?"

"Then he should be ready to beg for the rest of his life."

"Isn’t that a little too much?"

"Accusing me of cheating with his friend... isn’t too much?"

"What?"

"What would you feel if I accused you of sleeping with Vincent, Anne?" Fil continued, this time more aggressively. "Wouldn’t you feel insulted? Angry? Hurt? Even if it’s true, it’s still humiliating."

For a moment, Marianne was rendered speechless. She opened and closed her mouth like a fish, clearing her throat to recover from Fil’s last statements.

"He thought I was meeting his friend behind his back," Fil calmed down a bit. "I don’t know what’s wrong with Vincent, but what he did is just wrong. He wouldn’t appreciate it if I was the one who did what he had done."

"Who is this friend he thinks you’re cheating with?"

Fil slid her eyes to the corner. "Does it matter?"

"No, but..." Marianne trailed off, more curious than concerned. "... you’re right. It’s not important."

"It’s Marcus," Fil confessed, watching Marianne’s eyes go wide. "For some reason, Marcus accidentally sent a message while I was dining with Vin. Vincent then started accusing me. Only when I showed him our message log did he believe me."

Another deep exhale escaped Fil, shaking her head. "How ridiculous."

"It’s indeed ridiculous." Marianne nodded, convinced Vincent was wrong this time.

There was no way Marcus would go after Fil. She knew them just as much as Fil does. Marcus might be pretentious, but he would never cross Vincent over a woman. That was their bro code — unless, of course, they put a bet on it. Even so, that was just a sick game they were playing and not serious.

"So, you won’t... give Vincent a second chance?" Marianne asked after another moment. "Even if he begs you? Brought you a flower? Ice creams?"

"Do you think flowers and ice cream can buy my pain?"

"Well, I think ice cream is a good bribe."

"You’re being mean now." Fil pouted while Marianne chuckled. However, Fil’s mood lightened up a little at the humor Marianne threw out of nowhere. "I don’t know yet. Right now, I’m angry at Vincent and I don’t want to see him. If I do, it’ll just make me angry because seeing him will remind me of the reason we broke up."

"It’s okay." Marianne squeezed Fil’s hand, nodding at her reassuringly. "Take your time, Fil. No need to rush things. He screwed up. It’s his fault, so he has to suck it up."

Both women stared at each other, like good friends who would always be there during good and bad times. It would have made Fil genuinely happy if that was the case. But alas, this... was nothing but an illusion. An illusion she was made to believe was real.

Behind that beautiful smile, understanding tone, and gentle touch lies a snake.

The only question now was, between the two of them, who was the real, venomous snake?

********

Hours later, in Regal Palazzo Hotel...

[The number you have dialed is unavailable...]

Sitting on the large couch alone, Vincent hissed after hearing the automated message for the umpteenth time. He was urged to throw his phone in frustration, but alas, he ended up chugging down the glass of whiskey in his other hand.

"Damn it, Fil," he grumbled, dialing his ex-fiancee’s number once again. But alas, she was still out of reach. "Did she seriously block me?"

Vincent clicked his tongue in irritation, pouring himself another drink to ease his building frustration. He wanted to give Fil some time to think about her decision. She made a rash decision and was expecting her to mellow down after reconsidering. But alas, not only did she not contact him, but she even blocked his number!

"This can’t continue." He spat out, chugging down a mouthful of whiskey before getting up from the couch. He carried his phone and then picked up his jacket that was draped over the couch to see her.

At this point, he was convinced time wouldn’t change her mind. If anything, it might make her believe she made the right call. He wouldn’t allow that. With that thought in mind, Vincent marched toward the entrance like a raging bull. However, his steps halted when he opened the door.

There, the person was standing outside with her hand about to press the doorbell, flinched. When she looked up, a subtle smile appeared on her face.

"Anne?"

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