My Best Friend Planned My Death to Steal My Man

The world spun in slow motion as metal crunched against metal. My head snapped forward then back, the seatbelt cutting into my chest. Glass shattered somewhere nearby, and then... darkness.

I floated in and out of consciousness, catching fragments of conversation around me.

"Severe internal bleeding... emergency procedure... save her life..."

The antiseptic smell of hospital disinfectant burned my nostrils as I struggled to open my eyes. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

"She needs an immediate hysterectomy," a male voice said, sounding official. "The trauma has compromised her reproductive organs."

My blood ran cold. No. This couldn't be happening.

"I've already signed the consent forms," a familiar voice replied—Iris's voice, sweet as poison. "As her closest friend, I'm authorized to make medical decisions."

Friend? Ninety-nine times she'd tried to hurt me, and now this?

"Very well," the doctor said. "We'll prep her immediately."

Footsteps retreated, and I heard the door close. I forced my eyes open just as someone rushed into the room.

"Scarlett!" Darren's voice, panicked and breathless.

I wanted to reach for him, to feel his arms around me, to hear that everything would be okay. But something kept me frozen—a sixth sense that had saved me before.

"Baby, I'm here," he whispered, taking my hand. "You're going to be fine."

I kept my eyes closed, my breathing steady. The door opened again, and Darren stepped outside.

"How is she?" Someone asked—not a doctor's voice.

"She's stable," Darren replied, his voice dropping lower. "The doctor says she'll pull through."

"And the inheritance?"

"Mom, I've got it handled. The Watson deal closes next week. Scarlett just needs to stay alive long enough for me to secure the Gardner inheritance."

My heart stopped.

"You know how these things work," he continued. "I need her alive, not necessarily... whole."

A bitter laugh escaped him. "She's just a pawn anyway. Always has been. Ninety-nine times Iris tried to get rid of her, and now we're finally close."

The door closed again, and I heard his footsteps return. I kept my eyes shut, tears silently tracking down my cheeks.

---

Two days later, I stood in our apartment, my hands trembling as I stuffed clothes into a duffel bag. The hospital bracelet still circled my wrist—a reminder of how close I'd come to losing everything.

The sound of heels clicking on hardwood froze me in place.

"Well, look who's awake," Iris's voice dripped with false concern. She lounged against the doorframe, wearing one of Darren's shirts that hung to her mid-thigh.

I straightened, clutching my bag like armor. "You tried to kill me."

"Ninety-nine times," she confirmed with a smile, stepping closer. "And soon, there won't be a need for a hundredth."

"Why?" My voice cracked.

"Because you're in the way." She examined her manicure. "Darren never loved you. He loves me. He always has."

"He wouldn't—"

"Oh, but he would." She laughed. "He's been using you to make me jealous while securing his inheritance. Poor little Scarlett, so devoted, so pathetic."

I lunged for the door, but she blocked my path.

"Going somewhere?" She shoved me backward. "You should have stayed in the hospital."

We struggled, her nails raking across my face as she tried to push me down the stairs. I twisted away, escaping into the rainy night with nothing but the clothes on my back.

---

Two days later, I huddled in a dingy motel room, staring at my phone. The screen glowed with images of Darren and Iris's engagement party at the Gardner estate. Champagne flutes clinked, diamonds sparkled, and their smiles were radiant.

I had nothing left—no money, no friends, no future. But I had truth.

The security guard barely glanced at me as I slipped past, my worn clothes blending with the catering staff. The party was in full swing when I found Darren holding court near the pool.

"Darren," I called, my voice stronger than I felt.

The crowd parted as I approached. Whispers rippled through the guests.

"Well, look who crawled back," he said, his eyes cold despite his smile. "I was wondering when you'd show up."

"I heard congratulations are in order," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady.

"Security," he called, never breaking eye contact with me. "Miss Watson seems confused about where she belongs."

Two men materialized beside me, gripping my arms.

"This is a private event," Darren announced to the murmuring crowd. "Scarlett was just leaving."

"No," I protested as they dragged me toward the exit. "Darren, please—"

He followed us to the poolside, addressing the guests. "Many of you know Scarlett as my... charity case. I've been supporting her for years out of pity."

Laughter rippled through the crowd as Iris appeared at his side, her hand possessively on his arm.

"But even my generosity has limits," he continued. "And I've reached mine with Miss Watson."

With a sudden movement, he broke free from the security guards and grabbed my arm. Before I could react, he dragged me to the pool's edge.

"Darren, don't!" I gasped.

"I'm tired of feeding strays," he said, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

Then he pushed me forward. The world tilted, and suddenly I was airborne, my scream silenced as I plunged into the icy water below.