ECHOES OF DECEPTION

t by her vanity, her fingers toying with a delicate pearl necklace as her thoughts raced. The events

y did she destroy her

she saw the cold resolve that had taken root deep within her. The truth was, Beverly hadn't always been this

the betrayal, before Francesca had stolen e

a painful clarity. It had been five years ago, on a night

p the darkest of days, whose laughter was the soundtrack of her happiest moments. They had made

t had changed

it corner of a bar, their heads closed, their hands touching in a way that left no ro

ge and hurt that consumed her. But he had only looked at her with pity, tellin

er heart breaking all over again. "

face. He loved Francesca, had loved her all along, even as he cou

ople she loved most. She had sworn that she would never allow herself to be vulnerabl

of charm and laughter, presenting a flawless image t

cold, dark place inside her that she couldn't escape. It was from this place that her cruelty towar

oul, but she couldn't stop herself. The anger, the jealousy, the overwhelming sense of bet

rly felt a pang of regret. But it was fleeting, quickly replaced b

meant destroying her sister's happiness, so be it. Beverly had spen

not let anyone-not even her own

n, her face drawn with worry. "Beverly, what have you done?"

unyielding. "What I had to do, Mama," she replied, he

ready shed all the tears she had in her, long ago. Now, all that was left

ificing her sister's h

the mirror. She stared at her reflection, the image of a woma

as something else-a burning fire, a ruthl

path, and she would wal

the one holding the knife than the one left bleeding. And she woul