Chapter Fifty Six

Tears welled up in my eyes, a mix of anger and hurt coursing through me. "No," I said firmly, my voice quivering with emotion. "Reuben and I share a deep and genuine connection. I refuse to believe that he would manipulate me or use me like that."

Rachel let out a bitter laugh, her eyes filled with scorn. "Oh, Naomi, you're just like I was when I first met him. Blinded by his charm and his promises. But trust me, he's not what he seems. He knows exactly how to play the game, to make you believe that you're the only one."

Her words cut through me like a knife, and I couldn't help but question my judgment. Had I been too naive, too trusting? I had thought that Reuben's words of love and commitment were genuine, but now I couldn't help but doubt them.

"No," I whispered, trying to push away the doubt that threatened to consume me. "I refuse to believe that I've been fooled. Reuben and I have shared something real, something meaningful."

Rachel's eyes softened slightly, and a hint of sympa