He called her the "one" for a night? My dice made sure he paid with his life

Crushed But Goodbye by Austen 2 Summary In Chapter 2 of "Crushed But Goodbye," the atmosphere at the table shifts dramatically as tensions rise between Tessa, Garrett, and Piper. Tessa feels increasingly out of place and scrutinized, particularly under Garrett's intense gaze, which makes her heart race and fills her with anxiety. The playful banter among the group, particularly Piper's mocking remarks, highlights Tessa's discomfort and isolation, as she struggles to fit in while trying to participate in the game.

As the dice game unfolds, Tessa's nervousness becomes palpable when it's her turn to roll. Her poor luck leads to laughter at her expense, further heightening her embarrassment. Despite the jovial atmosphere, Garrett's cold demeanor contrasts sharply with Piper's playful affection, creating a sense of unease. Tessa's feelings of inadequacy are compounded when she is forced to drink and give away the diamond earrings Garrett had once bought for her, a painful reminder of their past connection.

The situation escalates when Garrett rolls a perfect score and allows Piper to choose any item from the table. Piper's choice of Tessa's grandmother's cherished bracelet sends shockwaves through the group, revealing the emotional stakes involved. Tessa's shock and desire to defend her precious keepsake are met with Garrett's icy insistence on following the rules, leaving her feeling betrayed and cornered. The chapter closes with an intense confrontation, underscoring the shifting dynamics in their relationships and Tessa's growing sense of loss and frustration.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **TITLE: Crushed But Goodbye by Austen 2** **CONTENT: Chapter 2** A sudden hush fell over the table, as if the air itself had been sucked out of the room. Garrett's grip on Piper's waist tightened, his jaw set in a tense line as he shot me a glance that was a jarring blend of irritation and a silent warning. It was as if he were silently daring me to challenge him, to step out of my place. Piper blinked rapidly, then released a laugh that felt more rehearsed than genuine, nudging Garrett playfully as if to diffuse the tension. "Oh, how sweet!

Tessa wants to join the fun too. Well, we'd better roll out the red carpet for her," she teased, her voice dripping with mock enthusiasm. Cole, ever the peacemaker, jumped into the fray, eager to lighten the mood. "Yeah, yeah, let's keep this light and entertaining! The rules are pretty straightforward, Tessa. You roll low, you drink, and then you pick something from the pot to gift the high roller as a wedding present." He gestured toward the pile of sparkling watches and glimmering jewelry that caught the dim club lights, casting tiny rainbows across the table.

"Of course, if you're not feeling particularly generous, you can always just drink and skip the gift. But honestly, where's the fun in that?" I nodded, trying to absorb everything. I understood the game now, or at least, I thought I did. Dice cups were passed around, the sound of them clinking together barely audible over the pulsating music. Piper shook her cup with a practiced flair, the dice rattling inside with a sharp, confident sound that echoed her self-assured demeanor.

Garrett, on the other hand, barely seemed to care, giving his cup a lazy shake before slamming it down on the table with a thud that seemed to reverberate through the air. Yet, his eyes? They remained locked on me, a burning intensity that made my heart race and my stomach churn. I quickly averted my gaze, desperate to escape that piercing stare. I picked up my cup, feeling clumsy and out of place, clearly out of my depth in this game. Between the beats of the music, I could hear the whispers swirling around me, sharp and cutting. "Why's Tessa even here?

She's such a buzzkill." "She's trying to mark her territory, but Garrett's not even giving her the time of day." My face flushed, a wave of embarrassment washing over me. Piper let out a soft, mocking laugh, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Aww, Tessa, do you want me to show you how to hold it properly?" I ignored her jibe, simply mimicking the motions I had observed and gave the cup a few shaky rattles. Then, I set it down gently, my heart pounding in my chest. "Let's go," I managed to say, trying to sound more confident than I felt. The cups were opened one by one.

Piper rolled a five and a six. Eleven. Garrett rolled two fives. Ten. The others had a mixed bag of results, laughter and cheers filling the air. Finally, it was my turn. I lifted the cup, my palms sweaty and clammy. One dot. Two dots. Three total. The table erupted in laughter, the sound ringing in my ears. "Three! Hahaha, dead last!" "Tessa, that luck though..." Cole fought back a grin, sliding a glass of liquor toward me. "Rules are rules. Drink up. And..." His gaze flickered to the diamond studs resting on the table, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Garrett finally spoke, his voice icy and unyielding. "If you don't know how to play, don't force it. Just drink." Piper snuggled deeper into his arms, all smiles and affection. "Ohhh, smallest roll on the first round? Looks like Tessa's gonna be treating us tonight. These earrings are gorgeous, by the way. Don't mind if I do~" I stared at the drink in front of me, then at the earrings. The pink diamond studs Garrett had bought for me at an auction last year, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he dropped a fortune without a second thought.

He had told me he wanted to give me the best of everything, to shower me with love and luxury. A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I pushed the earrings to the center of the table, offering them up like a sacrifice. Toward Piper. "Fair's fair." I lifted my gaze, my voice flat and devoid of emotion. "Wedding gift. All yours." Garrett's expression darkened, shadows crossing his features as if I had struck a nerve. Piper giggled, scooping up the earrings and holding them up to the light like a prize. "Thanks, Tessa! So pretty~" Cole clapped his hands together, eager to keep the momentum going.

"Alright, alright, round two! Let's keep this rolling!" The game continued, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Piper rolled a nine. Not bad. But Garrett? He rolled a perfect twelve. Unbeatable. "Babe, you're amazing, hubby!" Piper squealed, her voice filled with delight. Cheers erupted around the table, the energy electric. Cole explained with a grin, clearly enjoying the moment. "Perfect roll means you can pick anything on the table. Anything you want." Garrett didn't even glance in my direction. He simply pulled Piper closer, his affection for her palpable. "I'll let my wife pick.

What do you want, babe?" Piper's gaze swept across the table before landing on my wrist, fixating on the thin platinum bracelet I wore-the one I never took off. "I like that bracelet Tessa's wearing. It's cute. I'll take that." My hand, which had been holding the glass, froze for just a moment, a wave of shock washing over me. That bracelet was my grandmother's, the only keepsake I had left of her. Garrett was fully aware of its significance. The table fell silent, the atmosphere shifting as if a storm were brewing. But Piper pressed on, oblivious to the tension she was creating. "What?

Didn't we say anything on the table's fair game? Tessa, you're not going to be a sore loser, are you? Or is it that..." I opened my mouth to respond, to defend my cherished possession. But Garrett cut me off, his voice cold as ice, leaving no room for argument. "Table rules. You agreed to play. Tessa, hand it over." I snapped my head up, the weight of his words crashing down on me. Conclusion The evening had spiraled into a whirlwind of emotions, each moment a sharp reminder of the fragile bonds that tethered us together.

As I relinquished my grandmother's bracelet, a piece of my heart felt like it was being stripped away, leaving behind a hollow ache. Garrett's icy demeanor cut deeper than any words could convey, revealing a chasm between us that seemed insurmountable. The laughter and cheers around the table blurred into a distant hum, overshadowed by the realization that I was not just an outsider in this game, but in their lives. The warmth I once felt in Garrett's presence had transformed into a cold, suffocating weight, and I was left grappling with the bitter taste of betrayal and loss.

Yet, beneath the turmoil, a flicker of resilience ignited within me. I had come to understand that this moment, as painful as it was, could not define me. I was more than just a pawn in their game. I would reclaim my narrative, even if it meant walking away from the glittering facade of their world. With every laugh that echoed around the table, I felt a growing determination to rise above the mockery and the pain. This was not the end, but rather a painful goodbye to the illusions I had clung to.

With the bracelet-a symbol of her grandmother's love-now a target in this twisted game, Tessa must confront not only her feelings of betrayal but also the growing animosity between her and Piper. Will she stand her ground and reclaim her precious heirloom, or will she succumb to the pressures of the group, further entrenching her sense of isolation? As the game progresses, the atmosphere thickens with unspoken rivalry and simmering resentment, particularly from Garrett, whose loyalty seems to sway dangerously toward Piper.

The dynamics of their friendship will be tested, and Tessa's resolve will be crucial in navigating this treacherous terrain. Expect dramatic confrontations, unexpected alliances, and perhaps a revelation or two that could change everything. With each roll of the dice, the stakes rise, and Tessa's journey toward self-discovery and empowerment takes center stage. Will she find the courage to reclaim her identity, or will she remain a pawn in a game that threatens to crush her spirit?

Dex Morgan Dex Morgan works to elevate each story with clean writing, emotional balance, and thoughtful flow for readers.