TIMEOUT

The ringing in my ears was unbearable, drowning out every rational thought. For the first time in years, I felt the sting of tears welling up, and before I could stop it, they flowed freely, burning down my cheeks. The pain wrecked my body, my chest tightening with each sob. I gripped the steering wheel tighter, knuckles turning white, but it did nothing to ease the ache. How could I have been such a fool?

"Laurene... you lied to me," I whispered, my voice hoarse and broken.

Shock and disbelief coursed through me, like poison seeping into every vein. How could I have trusted her? Of all people, Laurene? The woman I thought would be by my side for life, the one person I believed would never betray me. And yet, she had. She had hidden the truth—no, she would *destroy* it.