**Deception Unleashed**

I stood up, my eyes locked on Lillian's, and tossed some cash on the table. "Thanks," I said, my voice laced with sarcasm. I didn't wait for a response, just turned and walked away. The sound of her voice, the look on her face, it was all just an act. I wasn't buying it. As I stepped out into the bright sunlight, I pulled out my phone and scrolled through Instagram. My eyes scanned the feeds until I saw it - a picture of Lillian and Ryder, smiling and laughing together. My heart sank, and anger flared up inside me. How could she? How could he? I quickly typed out a text to Ryder. "Consider our bond done. I will not return to your home." I hesitated for a moment before hitting send. I didn't care if it was childish, I was done. I was done with the lies, the deceit, the charade. I took a deep breath and continued walking, my feet carrying me on autopilot. I didn't know where I was going, but I knew I had to get out of there. I couldn't stay in a place where people I trusted were lying to my face. As I walked, my mind replayed the conversation with Lillian. So many questions swirled in my head. Who was Ryder, really? What was his relationship with Lillian? And what was the truth about his past? I stopped in front of a park and sat down on a bench, trying to process everything. The cool breeze on my face did little to calm the storm brewing inside me. I felt betrayed, used, and angry. I pulled out my phone again and stared at the screen, wondering if I should call Ryder, confront him about the lies. But what would be the point? I already knew the answer. He had lied to me, and I had been stupid enough to believe him. The sound of a bird chirping broke the silence, and I looked up, watching as it flitted between the trees. Freedom. That's what I needed. Freedom from the lies, the deception, and the heartache. I stood up, a newfound determination burning within me. I would move on, and I would do it without Ryder and his lies. I took a deep breath, and with a newfound sense of purpose, I started walking, leaving the heartache behind.