Betrayal.

Sarah's plan was set in motion. She invited Melissa for dinner at her house, hoping that the relaxed atmosphere would make Melissa more open and vulnerable. Sarah knew that alcohol could lower inhibitions, and she intended to use that to her advantage.

As Melissa arrived at Sarah's house, she seemed slightly hesitant but ultimately agreed to come inside. Sarah had prepared a delicious meal and had a bottle of wine ready on the table. She poured generous glasses for both of them, hoping that the alcohol would loosen Melissa's tongue.

Throughout the evening, Sarah engaged in light conversation, trying to make Melissa feel comfortable. She asked about Melissa's childhood, her family, and her interests. Melissa answered politely but kept her responses vague, not revealing much about herself.

As the night progressed, Sarah subtly encouraged Melissa to drink more, refilling her glass whenever it was empty. She knew that Melissa had a low tolerance for alcohol and hoped that it would eventually lead to her letting her guard down.

As Melissa's speech began to slur and her inhibitions faded, Sarah saw her opportunity. She leaned in closer, her voice low and conspiratorial. "Melissa, I can tell that there's something you're not telling me. Something about your past, about your intentions with Richard. I need to know the truth."

Melissa's eyes widened, and she tried to compose herself. "Sarah, I don't know what you're talking about. I've been honest with you and Richard from the beginning."

Sarah shook her head, a determined glint in her eyes. "No, Melissa. There's something off about you. I can feel it. And I won't stop until I uncover the truth."

Melissa's face turned pale, and she looked visibly shaken. "Sarah, please, I've done nothing wrong. I care about Richard, and I would never do anything to hurt him."

Sarah leaned back, studying Melissa's reaction carefully. She could see the fear in her eyes, but she wasn't convinced. She needed more.

"Melissa, if you truly care about Richard, then you'll understand why I need to know everything. I won't let you hurt him, not again."

Melissa's voice trembled as she spoke. "Sarah, I swear to you, I have no hidden agenda. I love Richard, and I want to build a future with him. Please, trust me."

Sarah's frustration grew, and she felt a mix of anger and desperation. She had hoped that Melissa would crack under the influence of alcohol, but it seemed like she was holding her ground.

"Fine, Melissa. If you won't tell me the truth willingly, then I'll find another way to uncover it. I won't let you deceive Richard any longer."

Melissa's eyes filled with tears, and she pleaded with Sarah. "Please, Sarah, don't do anything rash. I've been honest with you both. I understand your concerns, but I promise you, there's nothing more to tell."

Sarah's frustration grew as Melissa continued to deny any wrongdoing. She couldn't shake the feeling that Melissa was hiding something, but her attempts to get the truth out of her had been unsuccessful so far. Determined to uncover the truth, Sarah decided to push further.

Pouring another glass of wine for Melissa, Sarah hoped that the alcohol would finally break down her defenses. As Melissa took a sip, Sarah watched her closely, waiting for any sign of vulnerability.

But just as Sarah was about to press Melissa further, she noticed a change in her demeanor. Melissa's eyes seemed to clear, and her speech became more coherent. It was as if the alcohol had suddenly lost its effect.

Sarah's heart sank as she realized that Melissa was sobering up. She had missed her chance to get the truth out of her. Panic and frustration washed over her, unsure of what to do next.

Melissa looked at Sarah, her expression filled with confusion and concern. "Sarah, are you okay? You seem upset."

Sarah took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She couldn't let Melissa see her disappointment. "I'm fine, Melissa. I just... I thought that maybe with a few drinks, you would feel more comfortable opening up to me."

Melissa's brow furrowed. "Sarah, I've told you everything I can. I don't know what else you want from me."

Sarah's mind raced, searching for a way to salvage the situation. She couldn't let Melissa slip away without getting the answers she needed. She had come too far to give up now.

"Melissa, please. I can't shake this feeling that there's something you're not telling me. Something that could hurt Richard. I just want to protect him."

Melissa's eyes softened, and she reached out to grasp Sarah's hand. "Sarah, I understand your concern for Richard, but I promise you, there's nothing more to tell. I love him, and I would never do anything to hurt him."

Sarah felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her. Doubt, frustration, and a lingering sense of suspicion. She wanted to believe Melissa, but her instincts told her otherwise.

"I want to believe you, Melissa. I really do. But there are just too many unanswered questions. I can't let this go."

Melissa sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "Sarah, I don't know what else I can say to convince you. I've been honest with you and Richard. If you can't trust me, then maybe it's best if we end this."

Sarah's heart sank at Melissa's words. She hadn't wanted it to come to this, but she couldn't ignore her gut feeling. She had to protect Richard, even if it meant losing Melissa.

"I'm sorry, Melissa. I just can't let this go. I need to find the truth, no matter the cost."

Melissa nodded sadly, tears welling up in her eyes. "I understand, Sarah. Just know that I never wanted to hurt anyone. I hope one day you'll see that."

With those final words, Melissa stood up and walked towards the door. Sarah watched her go, a heavy feeling of regret settling in her chest. She had pushed too hard, and now she had lost Melissa.

As the door closed behind Melissa, Sarah was left alone with her thoughts. She knew that she had to continue her search for the truth, but she couldn't help but wonder if she had made a mistake.