Liar's Lair

 

LIAR'S LAIR

by Ellen Pepper

 

Liam opens the email when he sees who the sender was.

"She told me everything. You lied."

Liam sits back in his ergonomic chair and inhales deeply.  

"I know about the relentless flirting. The joking. The affection. How you were falling in love with each other. I know everything."

Liam shudders, but reads on...

"While you told me that she meant nothing to you, you were telling her the opposite. She believed you. I believe her." 

Liam's hand shakes as he pulls the coffee cup to his lips. 

"I trusted you to be truthful. I was wrong to trust you. My gut was telling me that something was going on between the two of you. I asked you questions. You lied. It was easy for you to lie because my feelings didn't matter anymore after you'd found her."

Liam nods in agreement. 

"I'm not impressed. I'm revolted. I thought you had integrity. I was wrong about that, too. You'll be happy to know that I've lost interest in knowing you. It must be a relief to know that you'll never hear from me again. It's my parting gift to you."

Liam smiles, a long, slow grin.

"I've spoken to your brother about you and your atrocious behaviour. He was also unimpressed and apologized on behalf of your family."

For the first time, Liam stiffens his posture and sits upright. His jaw tenses. His brother is someone he idolizes. If he has lost respect for Liam, there may be no going back.  He grimaces.

"I've found someone new since you ghosted me. He's much better for my peace of mind than you ever were. He's more talented. Kinder. He's not someone that causes others to feel that they're walking on eggshells lest they set off his temper when they disagree with him. "

Liam thinks he knows who she is talking about. He clenches his fist. He doesn't want her but he doesn't want anyone else to have her, especially that man.  

"Oh, and the other woman that you used in order to have a reason to jettison me? Yeah, she's still suicidal after you ghosted her, too. She still asks daily, "Why did he desert me? Everything was fine the day before - we were laughing and flirting and carrying on having a fine friendship and then he vanished without a word! WHY? WHY? WHY? If I only knew why, I could make peace with it. He must have a good excuse. maybe he's had a relapse of his substance abuse? Maybe he had a mental breakdown? Why can't he just tell me?"

"This is what you've done to her. She's a good and decent person.  You, on the other hand, have shown yourself to be very cruel - lacking a conscience, seeing how much harm you've done. Karma is not on your side in this matter. "

Liam snarls at the monitor and swears under his breath.

"The only way for you to atone is to come clean with her. Apologize to her. There's no point in apologizing to me because I really don't give a shit anymore. You aren't the man I thought you were at all. I'm repulsed by your conduct. From now on, everything between us will be toxic. Your actions have poisoned any future contact."

Liam sits very still for a few potent moments.

Then he shouts in rage, banging his balled fist on his desk and shouts, "Nobody has ever fucking understood me!"

 

 ©Ellen Pepper 2025