After the first night of passion with Zia, Ron and Zia grew even closer. He began staying at her place whenever her husband was away, slipping in quietly before or after tuition classes. Sometimes he arrived early in the morning, just as the sun rose, and they would share coffee on the balcony, her head resting on his shoulder.

Other times, he came after classes, when the house was empty and silent.

Zia blossomed with newfound joy. She became chirpier, happier than she had been in years. It was as if she felt like a young wife again, rediscovering the spark of life that had dimmed over decades of routine and loneliness. She started buying new dresses, vibrant colors, flattering cuts that hugged her curves in ways she hadn't dared in years. Ron went shopping with her, his eyes lighting up at every try-on in the fitting room. He would whisper compliments that made her blush like a teenager: "You look stunning in red," or "This one shows off your legs perfectly."

When her husband was home, they stole moments at love hotels, discreet, dimly lit places with heart-shaped beds and mirrored ceilings. They savored every touch, every laugh, every stolen hour, their bodies entwined in passion that made time stand still. Ron was living his best life, his long-held dream finally fulfilled.

One weekend, Zia received word that she had to visit a relative who was expecting a baby. The relative lived a few hours away, and Zia felt obligated to go, especially since it was a first grandchild for the family. Ron was left with a free couple of days. Lily, ever the food enthusiast, had been raving about a newly opened restaurant downtown. It had glowing reviews, trendy decor, fusion cuisine, and a dessert menu that made her eyes sparkle just talking about it. She planned a trip and invited Ron along, texting him with emojis and excitement. Meg was not thrilled. The restaurant was near her old school, a place she had buried deep in her mind, along with all the painful memories it held. She had no desire to stir up those ghosts. But seeing Lily's eagerness, her face lit up like a child on festival day, bouncing with anticipation to try the truffle pasta and chocolate lava cake, Meg agreed with a sigh. "Fine, I'll come. But only for the food."

Ron joined them. The restaurant was shiny and neat, with polished wooden tables, soft ambient lighting, and the faint hum of jazz in the background. They settled into a corner booth, menus open, chatting idly about classes and the latest gossip from tuition. Lily was already planning her order: "Appetizer, main, dessert, maybe two desserts."

Meg managed a small smile, trying to focus on the present.

A few minutes later, a group of three boys burst in, laughing loudly and drawing eyes from nearby tables. They were loud, confident, the kind who owned any space they entered. Meg glanced up casually and froze. Cold sweat broke out on her skin. Her heart pounded. She grabbed the menu with trembling hands, trying to hide her face behind it, shrinking into the booth.

Ron noticed her panic immediately. He leaned in, voice low and concerned. "Meg, you okay? You look pale."

Before she could answer, one of the boys spotted her and yelled from behind, his voice cutting through the restaurant noise. "Oh look, who's over there!"

They sauntered over like predators, smirking. The first boy, the leader, leaned down with a mocking grin. "Huh, never thought I'd see that plain face of yours again." He glanced at Ron and Lily, sizing them up. "You made friends, huh? So nice."

He turned to Ron with a creepy, overly friendly smile. "Hello, I'm her friend. Nice to meet you."

Ron said nothing, his jaw tight, eyes narrowing. Meg looked like she wanted to vanish into the floor, her hands clutching the menu so hard the edges crumpled.

The boy leaned closer to Meg, his voice dripping with fake sweetness. "Looks like you finally listened to my advice on how to make friends."

Ron frowned, his voice sharp. "What do you mean?"

The boy chuckled, a low, ugly sound. "You don't have to pretend, my guy. With the creepy personality she has, zero appeal in her body, she always stayed alone in school. Well, as a generous being, I told her I could clear her loneliness. Of course, with a price. She had to become my slut. Back then, she was too naive and rejected my offer. But I guess she got some brains now and finally made the right decision."

Meg started crying quietly, tears slipping down her cheeks. Lily looked visibly creeped out, her face twisting in disgust. Ron's face darkened with anger, his fists clenching under the table.

The boy sneered, leaning in even closer. "Why are you crying? There's nothing wrong with being a whore. It suits people like you. No ass or tits. At least you have a pussy." He reached out to touch her face, his fingers inches away.

Ron grabbed his hand hard, twisting it back. "You talk way too much for a hideous cockroach."

The boy blinked, caught off guard. "Huh?"

Ron snatched the water glass from the table, full, cold, and smashed it into the boy's face with a sharp crack. Glass shattered across the table. "Aaggghhh!" The boy staggered back, a cut opening on his cheek, blood trickling down.

Ron stood slowly, his voice low and deadly. "She is way too good and beautiful for you fuckers."

Meg looked at him with teary eyes, shocked. Lily whispered under her breath, "Oh shit."

The other two boys lunged forward, rage in their eyes. Ron grabbed a fork from the table, the metal cool in his grip, and dropped into a fighting stance, knees bent, weight balanced. One boy jabbed a fist at his face. Ron dodged fluidly and raked the fork down the boy's arm in one swift motion, leaving a long, jagged scratch and light bleeding that stained his sleeve.

"You motherfucker!" the second boy yelled, clutching his arm.

The third hung back cautiously, circling. But as Ron focused forward, the first boy, still bleeding, grabbed a shard of broken glass from the table and slashed at him wildly. Ron blocked with his forearm, but the edge sliced deep into his skin, blood welling instantly.

Ron didn't flinch. He stabbed the fork into the first boy's shoulder with precision. "Aaarrh fuck!" The boy screamed, dropping to his knees.

The third charged now, fists raised. Lily, acting on instinct, splashed water from her glass straight into his face. "Shit!" he sputtered, blinded momentarily.

Ron punched his chin hard, the impact jarring, but it glanced off. He followed with a kick to unbalance him. As the boy stumbled, Ron stomped his face with full force, boot connecting with a sickening thud.

He spun to check the others. The first was whimpering on the floor, the fork still embedded in his shoulder, blood pooling. The second raged forward again, eyes wild. Lily yelled, "Ron, get aside!" She hurled her glass at the boy's legs. It hit true, shattering against his shin. He yelped, hopping in pain.

Staff rushed in, shouting. Chaos erupted. Ron grabbed Lily and Meg's hands, firm, urgent. "Run!"

They bolted from the restaurant, hearts pounding, adrenaline surging. Ron's arm bled steadily now, a dark stain spreading on his sleeve. Lily and Meg fussed over him as they hurried down the street, finally stopping at a nearby infirmary. They told the nurse he fell off a bike, simple, believable.

Inside, Meg started crying again, harder this time. Lily hugged her tight, rubbing her back. "It's my fault. Because of me, he got hurt."

Lily patted her back gently. "Nah, it's fine. He's just impulsive like that."

Meg blinked through tears. "Huh?"

They sat on a worn bench outside the treatment room. Lily grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "Don't worry. I wanted to punch that guy too. Shame Ron took all the glory. Though I did get a good hit on his leg. No one says mean things to my friends."

Meg sniffled, wiping her eyes. "I'm sorry I caused you and him to get into this."

Lily sighed, her voice softening. "You know Ron. He acts like he's not attached to anyone, but he'll go to any length for the people he cares about. Extreme, maybe. But that's one reason I like him."

Meg saw the smile on Lily's face. It was not her usual cheerful, bubbly grin. It was softer, pleasing, comforting, like a quiet warmth that came from deep inside. Meg knew Lily had a crush on Ron, but this smile made her believe Lily was truly, deeply in love with him.

Some time later, Ron emerged from the treatment room with a fresh bandage wrapped around his arm. Meg felt a wave of guilt and approached to apologize, her voice small.

But Ron asked first, his eyes searching hers. "You alright?"

Meg nodded slowly. "I'm fine. I was used to that kind of thing back in school. Just couldn't handle it in front of you both."

Ron looked serious, his voice steady. "Meg, Lily and I both know you're beautiful and a great person. You don't need to tolerate any of that."

Lily chimed in, nodding firmly. "He's right. You're our friend. Trust us too."

Meg's eyes widened, tears of joy threatening to spill. She had never heard words like that before, direct, sincere, unconditional. Lily initiated the hug, pulling them both in, and the three of them embraced tightly, a silent promise in the air.

Zia's relative conceived a healthy baby boy. The delivery went smoothly, and when Zia held him in the hospital, tiny, warm, his little fingers wrapping around hers, she found him utterly adorable. His soft coos, the way he blinked up at her with wide eyes, melted her heart. Staring at the infant, a sudden thought slipped into her mind: how would a baby with Ron look? Would he have Ron's sharp features, her smile? She blushed instantly at the idea, heat rising to her cheeks. She scolded herself inwardly, she was acting like a young wife again, giddy and dreamy. But she was old; a baby was out of the question anyway. Still, the thought lingered, warm and secret.

It had been three days since she last saw Ron. She missed him terribly, his touch, his voice, the way he made her feel seen and desired. She wanted to rush back, to watch him eagerly as he smiled at her. At home, her husband was still there in the evening, watching TV. She could not call Ron openly. Instead, she messaged: Can I come to your house? He replied quickly: Yes, alone here.

She hurried over, heart racing. The door opened, and she hugged him immediately, burying her face in his chest. "Oh, Ron, I missed you so much."

He smiled and hugged back, arms tight around her. Then Zia noticed the bandage on his arm. Panic surged. "Ron, what happened?" She checked it gently, fingers trembling.

"Ah, nothing. Just fell from the bike."

"Oh, Ron, be careful." Her face was full of concern, eyes wide with worry. It made him smile; he could not resist her any longer. He kissed her lips, soft at first, then deeper.

"I missed you too. You know how hard it was to pass days without your kisses and cuddles." He caressed her face tenderly, then scooped her up like a princess, effortless, strong, and carried her straight to the bedroom.

They stripped quickly, clothes falling to the floor in a rush. They lost themselves in lovemaking, slow at first, then urgent, bodies moving in perfect sync, moans filling the room.

A few moments earlier, Meg had baked cookies as a thank-you for that day at the restaurant. She invited Lily over to taste them, chocolate chip, still warm from the oven. Lily, true to form, overate, devouring handfuls until she was stuffed. "I can't move an inch," she groaned, sprawled on the couch. Meg decided to take some to Ron herself. It was her first time visiting his place. She arrived with a small tin, nervous but grateful.

The door was ajar. She hesitated, thinking of leaving a note. But then she heard noises from inside, soft at first, then clearer. Moans. Gasps. The sounds grew louder as she stepped in quietly, curiosity pulling her forward. She could tell what they were, even before seeing. The voices felt familiar, achingly so. She could not dare peek into the room. If she did, everything would change, the friendship, the trust, the fragile peace she had found.

But she gathered all her courage and looked.

Horror confirmed what she feared: Zia, her teacher, was being fucked by Ron, her friend, Lily's love. Zia's head was thrown back in ecstasy, Ron above her, moving with intensity.

Meg's mind went blank. She wanted to deny it, scream it was a bad dream. But the truth stared back, undeniable. Respect for Ron shattered like glass. This betrayal hit harder than any before, deeper, more personal. She slipped out in utter silence, tin of cookies forgotten on the floor.

Ron caught a shadow from the corner of his eye mid-thrust. "Zia, we'll continue later."

"Is something wrong, Ron?" Zia panted, concerned.

"No, nothing. I just have to go to the gym. Keeping fit, you know."

Zia smiled, catching her breath. "Okay, don't worry." She kissed him softly. He dressed quickly and stepped out. The hallway was empty, but he was sure someone had been there, a prickle on his skin.

Meg left Ron's house with a bewildered, disgusted look on her face. Too many things clashed in her mind: Was it all a facade? What would she tell Lily? How would Lily manage after hearing this? Why was she stupid enough to think someone like her could have real friends? The restaurant boy's words started ringing in her ears, that people would only befriend her if she were a whore. Memories of her school life, locked away for so long, rushed back like a flood, making her incapable of thinking any logical solution. She walked without noticing, stepping into the road until a car horn blared.

"Meg, huh?"

A strong pull. Her face smashed into Ron's chest. He grabbed her tightly. "Meg, what are you doing?"

Seeing him again replayed the fresh memory. Rage surged. She pushed him away hard. "Stay away!" She cried, voice breaking.

People around started looking their way, murmuring. "Meg, please calm down." Tears finally flowed freely; she could barely control her emotions.

"You liar! I thought you would be any different, but no, everyone is the same." She broke down in tears, sobbing. "How could you?"

Ron understood immediately, she had seen everything. He tried to calm her, voice soft. "Meg, please-"

But Meg's mental state was fucked. She was a mess, shaking. "What do you want to explain? How you and my teacher are sleeping together? How you are making a fool out of me and Lily? You guys feel great when you make girls your playthings, don't you? Like they are items and objects you just want to flex. Fishing compliments on how great you are. I really thought you would be a good guy and was extremely happy to have such good friends. But how much of an idiot I was. Of course, nobody will be my friend until I offer them anything, right? So is that why you were complimenting me the other day, because of this disgusting motive? Is the only reason you are friends with me and Lily to just sleep with us?"

Ron shook his head, pained. "Meg, that's not it. I genuinely care for you. You both are my friends."

Meg stood abruptly and turned to leave. "I don't want to talk to you anymore. And I will tell Lily about everything."

Ron's eyes widened in panic. "Meg, please, at least listen to me one time."

She started walking away, but Ron stepped in front of her, blocking the path. "Please, just listen one time. You can hate me all you want after, but just one time, for Lily, please listen."

She saw his eyes getting teary, voice cracking. Something in her softened, just enough. "Fine. Just one time. Then we are cutting any ties."

They moved to a quieter spot, a small park nearby, benches empty. During the walk, both were silent, tension thick in the air like a storm about to break. Meg tried to calm herself, breathing deeply, convincing herself maybe Ron was manipulated by Zia, or maybe there was a mistake, some explanation.

Finally, she spoke, voice steady but strained. "Ron, tell me why you did it. And please don't lie. I can't handle any more lies."

Ron looked at her with a solemn look on his face. "Meg, I love Zia."

She stared. "Huh?! Are you serious?"

"I am. I really do love Zia, and Zia feels the same about me."

"Ron, are you drunk or what? She is your teacher. She is a married woman in her fifties with a son. How can you even say this type of thing?"

"I know all of these things, Meg. And it's not an overnight feeling. I felt this for her for a long time."

Meg shook her head. "I am leaving. There is no point to this conversation."

Ron gently held her hand to stop her. "Maybe I did get greedy, wanting Zia and not losing you and Lily. But the truth is, I really don't want to lose you two. But I love Zia way too much."

She heard a voice crack in his tone. Then, to her shock, Ron got on his knees, head bowed to the ground, begging. "Meg, I will never go near Lily or you, so please don't tell Lily about this. My mind will break if she starts hating me. So please, Meg, I beg you to not tell her. Please." He cried openly, shoulders shaking.

Meg looked at him with sympathetic eyes. She had never seen Ron, who was always confident, caring, unbreakable, begging in front of her like this. Watching him break down made her heart heavy, a lump in her throat. But she still stood her ground. "Okay. I will not tell her." She turned around and left, walking away without looking...