Chapter 5: Villain Era Begins

She did it—drugged him. Because of course she did. That’s just so... Lily.

It was reckless, dangerous, and so very Lily. She always did whatever it took to get what she wanted.

But she hadn’t expected me to take it by mistake.

Fate has a twisted sense of humor. One minute, I was reaching for a drink; the next, my whole world was spinning.

And that’s how we ended up in this mess.

It was almost funny, if it hadn’t hurt so damn much.

No wonder.

Looking back, it all made sense. I was always the supporting character, never the star.

Turns out, I’m just the unlikable side character.

The realization was bitter, but freeing in a way. Maybe it was time to write my own story.

And Duane and Lily are destined to be together.

That’s what everyone wanted, wasn’t it? The golden couple, reunited at last. I was just the obstacle to be overcome.

In the club, my whole body was burning, an aching emptiness and itch taking over my body and mind.

The drug was relentless, making my skin crawl and my thoughts scatter. I pressed my fists to my thighs, trying to keep it together.

Thinking of the comments just now, a wave of grief and anger surged inside me.

Why did I have to be the one left behind? Why did my pain never matter?

Reunited after years? Sparks flying?

It sounded so romantic—until you were the one getting burned.

Her thighs all marked up from his so-called passion?

I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. Was that really all anyone cared about?

So what does that make my three years of living like a nun?

I’d waited, hoped, believed. And for what? To be the punchline in someone else’s story?

I grabbed my phone and quickly messaged my best friend, asking her to send over three male dancers. Yeah, I know—male dancers. Don’t judge me.

If I was going to be the villain, I might as well go out with a bang. I typed out the message, hands shaking but determined.

Bestie: U sure? 3??

I could picture her face—eyebrows raised, phone in hand, ready to drop everything for me. That’s what real friends do.

Me: Girl, I got dosed and cheated on.

The words felt cathartic, like admitting the truth made it hurt less.

Bestie: ...Lily?

She didn’t need details. She knew the score.

Me: Yup.

I could almost hear her sigh on the other end of the line.

Bestie: Ugh. On it.

She always knew what to say, even when there were no words.

Soon, she sent me an OK emoji.

The little icon made me smile, just a little. It was the kind of thing only your best friend would do.

Bestie: All your type. They’ll be there in an hour. I’ll pick you up after.

She always had my back, no matter how ridiculous my requests. I knew I could count on her.

At times like this, only your best friend has your back.

It’s the American way—when love lets you down, your friends pick up the slack. I hugged my phone to my chest, grateful for her.

I closed my eyes and cried in silence.

The tears came fast and hot, soaking the blanket. I let myself feel it all—the anger, the hurt, the betrayal. For once, I didn’t try to hold it in.

Reddit threads would be blowing up:

[Whoa, is the supporting girl switching sides?]

[Is she trying to piss off the lead with this move?]

[Meh, the lead probably won’t care.]

I could almost hear the snark in their voices, the way they dismissed my pain as just another plot twist.

The drug was spreading through my body, making my mouth dry and my body ache with a shameful craving. I didn’t have the energy to pay attention to the comments anymore.

My thoughts grew fuzzy, my limbs heavy. I let myself sink into the sofa, waiting for something—anything—to change.

My blood felt like it was boiling, my whole body burning and desperate for someone with abs to cool me down.

I laughed, a little hysterically. Was this really my life? Was I really about to hook up with a stranger just to forget him?