It hurt her heart, but it had to be done. Catherine couldn’t lose her best friend, and maybe, as impossible as it felt, Phoenix and she could stay in each other’s lives? Maybe they could learn to be just friends. Molly’s response came through almost immediately.

Molly: Seriously? You’ll end it? You mean it?

Catherine: Yes, for you I’ll do anything.

Molly: Hm okay, well…I’ll believe it when I see it.

Molly: But it’s a start. Thank you.

Catherine: It’s okay, I’m sorry for the slap. I don’t want to fight—you’re my best friend.

Molly: I’m sorry too.

Molly: Ps, you really do slap like my grandma lol.

Catherine: Well, I’ll take that as a compliment.

Molly: I also get to slap you once, so we’re even.

Molly: Since I can’t sleep with Phoenix lol I just need to settle for hitting you back lol Catherine: I’ll take it like a champ

Molly: Okay, deal

It was settled. Catherine had to end things with Phoenix to keep her best friend in her life. She had to end things with Phoenix so she didn’t lose Molly forever, but she didn’t think she could do it to his face. As horrible as it sounded, as nasty as it would be to read in digital font, she couldn’t—she wouldn’t be able to end it if she were in person with him. If she were looking at his eyes, face, or lips, she’d be too tempted to kiss him.

It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t just. But Catherine supposed life wasn’t fair or just. So, as much as she hated it, she decided to cut the cord and get it over and done with via text. Besides, this way she could screenshot the conversation and show it to Molly as evidence—not that she felt she needed evidence, but Molly likely did after Catherine hadn’t told her about Phoenix and her.

Regretfully, Catherine texted Phoenix, “I am sorry, I can’t do this anymore. I love you, but I just can’t. I hope you understand.”

As she hit send, her eyes brimmed with tears, and the moment it said “read,” she felt her chest tighten. She expected him to text back, but instantly, he phoned. Catherine could feel her heart squeeze inside her chest as she answered, “Hello?”

“What do you mean you can’t do this?” he asked, his voice heavy with concern. “Is it because of the soul thing? The curse?”

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“No, no. Baby, no,” Catherine replied softly, her voice trembling. “It’s Molly. She, um… this is awkward, and I don’t quite know how to tell you this, but she has a crush on you—or has, for many, many years, and she wanted me to set you up with her, but instead I—”

“But I don’t want her,” Phoenix interrupted, his tone firm yet tender. “I want you. I’ve fallen for you. Molly is nice and everything, but even without you in the picture, she’s just not my type. I’m not attracted to her.”

“I know, I know.” Catherine sighed, the weight of her decision pressing heavily on her. “I can tell, but… she thinks it’s because of me and thinks I’m a bad friend for sleeping with her crush and breaking her trust. I didn’t tell her…”

“We agreed to keep it a secret,” Phoenix said, trying to reason with her. “It’s safer for everyone—”

“I know that, but she doesn’t get it. She doesn’t understand. All she sees is her friend who betrayed her and slept with the man she’s been crushing on for over a decade.”

“She doesn’t actually want me, Catherine. It’s the curse. If I didn’t sell my soul, she wouldn’t look twice—it’s the fame and power.”

“I know that,” Catherine replied, her voice cracking under the emotional strain.

“Well, did you explain to her that we aren’t just sleeping together? That we’ve fallen in love?”

“I tried. It didn’t help.”

“Is there anything I can do or say to help make her see reason?” Phoenix asked, desperation creeping into his voice.

“No, I don’t think so. She’s quite upset with me. I’m sorry.”

“So that’s it?” His voice broke a little, and it made Catherine’s heart squeeze even tighter. “So we’re just—over? Just like that? Because your friend is upset I didn’t want her and wanted you?”

“Phoenix, I don’t want this—I love you. I love you so, so much. I just don’t see any other way. I’m sorry.”

“Catherine, please. We don’t have to break up, we can find a way to—”

“Phoenix, don’t make this any harder than it has to be. Please? I love you. In time, we will be friends, but right now I need to focus on mending my broken friendship with Molly. She’s like a sister to me. I just need some time to get over this.”

“Catherine—”

“I just need some time. Please don’t call me or text me. I don’t want any contact with you. It will only make moving forward even harder. Know that I love you, that I will always love you, but I can’t see you if it means hurting my best friend and breaking apart our friendship.”

“Catherine—”

“Take care of yourself, Phoenix.” Catherine hung up and immediately broke down crying. It was horrible, feeling like this. Her entire body hurt. Her heart hurt. And she didn’t think there was anything in this world that could make it better. Aside from making up with him, which was impossible right now because of her best friend Molly.

Catherine's body shook with uncontrollable sobs as she curled up on her bed, clutching her phone to her chest. The finality of what she'd just done crashed over her in waves, each one threatening to drown her in regret and sorrow. She had chosen her friendship over the man she loved, the man who understood her in ways no one else ever had. The irony wasn't lost on her – she'd hurt Phoenix to avoid hurting Molly, but in doing so, she'd shattered her own heart into a million pieces.

As the night wore on, Catherine found herself caught in a loop of second-guessing and what-ifs. She replayed every moment with Phoenix in her mind, from their first meeting to their last kiss. Each memory was a bittersweet reminder of what she'd given up. She wondered if she'd made the right choice, if sacrificing her chance at true love was worth preserving a friendship that now felt tainted by ultimatums and resentment. But even as doubt gnawed at her, she knew she couldn't go back on her word to Molly. The damage was done, and all she could do now was hope that someday, somehow, the pain would lessen and she'd find a way to live with the choices she'd made.