This story contains mature themes including emotional trauma, mental health struggles, and strong language. Reader discretion is advised

CHAPTER 16 (Kara's POV)

I can’t stop shaking. My hood’s still damp from the rain, but it’s nothing compared to the storm inside my chest. 

By the time I reach the bungalow, I’m pounding the doorbell like my life depends on it. 

The door swings open. Charlie’s there, hair messy, eyes heavy with irritation. 
“What the fuck, Kara?” 

“Charlie—” My voice cracks. I sound like I’ve just sprinted for miles. 

“What?” His tone is sharp, impatient. 

I hesitate. The words are poison on my tongue. To say them means breaking something I can’t fix. But I saw it. I know I saw it. 

“It’s Gwen.” I step inside, closing the door behind me like I’m shutting out the whole world. 

“I just saw her—” My voice falters, breaks in two. 

“So?” He frowns. Confusion. A wall already building. 

I force the breath out. “She was kissing someone. And it wasn’t you.” 

For a moment, silence. Then I watch him harden. His fists clench. His jaw locks tight. 

“You know what?” he spits. “Just because you can’t find happiness being alone doesn’t mean you get to ruin what I have. Gwen means everything to me, and for you to lie—lie—and say she’s cheating? That’s sick.” 

The disgust in his eyes cuts deeper than any blade. 
“I can’t believe you. What kind of sister says that?” 

It knocks the air out of me. 
“I’m not lyi—” 

“Get out of my sight.” 

“Charlie—” 

“GET OUT!” 

The words are final. Sharp. Shattering. 

I don’t fight back. I don’t argue. I just leave, the slam of the door echoing in my chest louder than the rain outside. 

And I walk. For hours. Nowhere, everywhere. The night swallows me whole. 

Charlie doesn’t believe me. 

He hates me. 

And the worst part is — I don’t blame him.