One day, they were having lunch together, and Robert kept trying to call Victoria. She didn’t answer. He set the phone on the table, lost in thought. Lana had a pretty good idea of where his girlfriend was—or rather, with whom. She was tempted to open his eyes and free him from that toxic relationship. But betraying her closest friend wasn’t something she could do lightly. Excusing herself, she left the table and went to the ladies’ room. At the sink, she looked at herself in the mirror, breathing heavily, thinking. There was no doubt—she had fallen in love with Robert. With all her soul and body. And if you really thought about it—they were a great match in every way. They worked together. They could build a beautiful future. There was a house, and a running business! But what about him and Victoria? Happiness? Marriage? Kids? Unlikely. Most likely, in a couple of months, they’d tire of each other and break up. Someone would end up with a broken heart. And if it was Victoria—then Lana’s chances of earning his trust, as a woman, would shrink. If it was the other way around—it would be even harder to start anything with him, knowing the tears her friend had shed. Right now—before they crossed that line where people start to grow into each other, bone to bone—there was still a chance. A tiny one, but It existed.
But not later—not after everything…
“Did you get through?” she asked, returning to the table.
“Not yet. Maybe she left her phone somewhere. Maybe she’s busy with work,” he said with a shrug, sipping from his glass.
“Busy, yeah… just not with work,” Lana said, looking him in the eyes.
Robert locked his piercing gaze onto hers.
“What are you trying to say?”
“Nothing. You’ll find out soon enough,” she replied quietly, turning to head back to her seat.
But he grabbed her hand and demanded,
“No, finish what you started.”
Lana hesitated. His firm tone and hint of jealousy shook her confidence.
“She’s my friend. I can’t,” she stammered.
“That doesn’t matter anymore. I won’t let it go until I know.”
“I don’t want to be a traitor.” What am I doing? What am I doing?!
“She won’t hear the truth from me. Say it,” Robert insisted.
Lana stood there, staring at him, unable to speak. He tightened his grip on her hand.
“She has someone. Someone powerful. He’s been supporting her all along. They meet in secret. Before him, there was someone else. And then another. And another. And sometimes… just guys for fun,” she said, then covered her face with both hands and began to tremble.
He stared at her for a moment—then simply stood up and walked away.
“Can I see your phone?” Robert asked. It was evening—they were lying in bed together, holding each other, in the apartment he had rented after being intimate.
“What for?” Victoria asked, surprised.
“You’re my girlfriend, aren’t you?” he said calmly, staring directly into her eyes.
She reached for her purse, which was on the bedside table, pulled out her phone, and handed it to him. He began to go through it. Opened her messages, scrolled through them—nothing special. Then photos—no men. Then contacts. Victoria rested one hand on his stomach, closed her eyes, and relaxed. Eventually, she drifted off to sleep.
He sighed in relief and thought of Lana, trying to understand her motives. Was it jealousy? Still, doubt gnawed at him. So, just to be sure, he installed tracking software on Victoria’s phone—something he had prepared in advance. He hid it well and deleted all traces. Now, without her knowing, he could track her location at any time—and confirm whether her best friend’s warning had been true. If Lana had lied, he would quit this job, no matter the prospects. He’d leave the company and get far away from this strange girl. And maybe… maybe he’d propose to Victoria. Why not? She had everything his heart and soul desired. Feeling a growing tenderness, Robert gently rolled her onto her back and began kissing her, chasing away her sleep.
