The Architect's Vengeance: Empire Falls

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aughter, my smile frozen. I couldn' t play this role any lon

I announced, pushing back m

wn. "Nonsense, Caden! Stay for another round! Allisson's a big girl, she can get a cab.

They're right. I'll be fine." I gave h

away, my stride firm, unyielding. I didn't look bac

ading behind me. My hand brushed against the seat beside me, and I felt somethin

This is it. "Driver, turn back," I command

one already out, probably live-streaming her grand arrival. My blood ran cold, but a

witness. I watched as Brittaney breezed past the bouncer, her smi

round him. He kissed her back, a deep, passionate kiss that left no room for doubt. His friends, far from being surprised,

a million pieces at lunch. Now, it simply hardened. T

ottle of tequila. "Time for some real fun! Let

yes gleaming. They all gathered, forming a tight circle. The game starte

ottle point

"Tell us, when was the last time you... spent a truly

breath, eyes fixed on Caden. Brittaney giggled, snuggl

twinkling. "Oh, that's easy," he drawled, his voice laced with a dark satis

buried her face in his shoulder, pretending to be shy,

e, details!"

one to hear. "Let's just say it was... memorable. She made sur

his mistress, all reveling in my humiliation. They were celebra

r know. She's... too innocent for this kind of thing." He paused, a strange, possessive look in his eyes. "And she better not

re sealed!" "Yeah, what happens on boy's night, stays on boy's nig

d. I swayed, the room spinning. I was a ghost, invisible, watching my own death. I turned, bli

"Miss! Are you alright?" He started to open his mouth, p

hoarse. "Don't take me home.

ker of understanding in

constructed world, built on trust and love, had imploded. The man I had loved, the man I

joke, a public spectacle, a weapon