The Unshackled Queen: Never Say Never

With a slight smile, Melina responded, “I heard you weren’t really defending me last night, but rather trying to charm Bryson.

”

“Don’t believe them, Melina.

I confronted that witch, Hannah, for you.

I didn’t do anything else.

” Ryleigh persisted in her denial, saying, “I did it all for you.

Why do you misunderstand me like this?”

“How have I misunderstood you?”

Melina twirled her freshly polished nails casually.

“Aren’t you also vying with Hannah for the role of Mrs.

Mitchell?”

Melina eyed Ryleigh and scoffed, “I thought you were a true friend.

I didn’t expect you to betray me.

”

‘s BunnyBookery

“What are you talking about, Melina?”

“Do you really think your so-called friends wouldn’t betray you and tell me about last night?”

“I didn’t…”

Melina rose slowly, towering over Ryleigh, and said deliberately, “You know whether it’s true or not.

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She paused, then added, “Since you’ve played me for a fool, don’t be surprised when I turn my back on you.

We’re done being friends.

”

In a panic, Ryleigh grabbed Melina’s arm.

“Please, don’t end our friendship.

”

“Fuck off!” Melina forcefully shook off Ryleigh’s grip.

Ryleigh lost her balance and fell, her knees scraping and bleeding on the floor.

“Melina!” Despite the pain, Ryleigh tried desperately to reach out to Melina.

“I confess, I’ve had my own agenda.

I do find myself attracted to Mr.

Bryson Mitchell, but… I really do value our friendship…”

Then, Ryleigh’s voice softened to a whisper, saying, “Aren’t you with Tyshawn now? As your friend, I thought it better for me than someone else with Bryson.

But…” Suddenly, Ryleigh looked up earnestly at Melina.

“I truly did want to help you teach Hannah a lesson.

You have to believe me.

”

“Really?” Melina asked sarcastically.

“Yes,”

Melina scoffed, “If you were really honest with me, you wouldn’t have gossiped to those friends before about why I should be the one beside Bryson.

Now, I’m stuck with Tyshawn.

You’re actually pleased about that, aren’t you? Why keep up the act with me?”

Ryleigh went pale.

“You… How did you find out?”

Melina sneered, “Did you think I was oblivious?”

Ryleigh shuddered and looked at Melina, her eyes wide with shock.

Melina said, “I just acted like I was clueless.

We were close once, so it’s only right that I was aware of your actions.

”

With a smile more painful than tears, Ryleigh croaked, ” I used to be jealous of you, but I truly valued our friendship.

”

“Forget about sincerity.

I’ve seen too many betrayals,” Melina replied.