Chapter 1 - Chapter 1 :T he betrayal

Chrysalie a girl with vibrant pink hair, sat at her desk , a small , triumphant smile playing on her lips .The city's daily newspaper lay open before her , and she traced a finger over the headline of a recent story . It was hers . A story she had poured her heart into, a story she believed would be her ticket to the police force . The acceptance email was still fresh in her mind , the words a promise of a future she had worked tirelessly for . Her best friend, Andrew leaned over her shoulder, a proud grin on his face . " I knew it, Chrysalie . I told you it was a winner". "I know " she whispered, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nerves . "Any minute now , the chief will announce it". A few minutes later , the office door swung open, and the chief stepped in , a rare smile gracing his usually stern face . " Listen up everyone! I have some good news ". Chrysalie 's breath hitched . This was it . The moment she had been waiting for. She sat up straight, her eyes fixed on the chief , her mind already picturing her new life as a police officer. But her dreams shattered into a thousand pieces when the chief's next words registered "Kendra here is joining the force ! Her story for the paper was truly expectional , and we're truly thrilled to have her on the team." The air in the room seemed to freeze. Chrysalie smile faltered , a cold knot forming in her stomach. Her gaze shifted to Kendra , a girl she barely knew, who was now beaming with a look of feigned humility. " That's my story ," Chrysalie said , her voice barely above a whisper , though it held a fierce undertone of disbelief " What are you talking about?" Kendra's eyes widened , a picture of pure innocence. "This is my work." " It's not !" Chrysalie's voice rose, desperation creeping in . "Andrew , tell him ! You saw me writing it !" Andrew stepped forward, his face a mask of outrage " It's true chief . Chrysalie wrote that story . I saw the drafts , the edits everything." But it was no use .Kendra had been meticulous. All the digital evidence had been tampered with ,the files on the shared server now bearing her name . The chief , a man who relied on facts and evidence, could only see what was Infront of him . " The evidence points to Kendra , Chrysalie. I'm sorry." Chrysalie's shoulders slumped . She looked at the chief then at Kendra , who was now dabbing at her eyes a perfect portrayal of a victim . A bitter hollow chuckle escaped Chrysalie's lips . The betrayal was a physical weight, pressing down her chest. Without a word , she reached for her employee ID , unclipped it from her collar, and placed it on her desk. " I quit ," she announced, the words ringing with a chilling finality . "Chrysalie no!" Andrew grabbed her arm , his eyes pleading . "Don't do this. " She shook her head , a tear rolling down her cheek. "I can't stay here. Not anymore ." She walked out of the office, leaving behind the pieces of her broken dream and lingering sense of a profound betrayal. The city , once a canvas of endless possibilities, now felt like a cage.