Scarlett’s emotional state continues to deteriorate as her suspicions about Josh consume her thoughts. After a tense night and an unsettling confrontation she feels compelled to face, a growing sense of dread settles in as you become increasingly worried that something may be wrong.
Disclaimer - this chapter contains depictions of domestic violence, physical assault, emotional distress, alcohol abuse, and other potentially triggering themes. reader discretion is advised.
** BASED OFF ‘NO BODY, NO CRIME’ BY TAYLOR SWIFT **
No Body, No Crime Masterpost
Over the following weeks, Scarlett began to spiral.
Every Tuesday, you’d sit across from her in the little restaurant downtown and watch her slip further away from herself. She’d ramble endlessly about the transaction, the late nights, the tiny details she couldn’t stop replaying in her head. The obsession had rooted itself deep inside her, and you had no idea how to keep her from sinking even further into it.
“He had fucking lipstick on his mouth.” Her words came out slurred, her eyes red and swollen from crying. “Lipstick!” She snatched up the nearly empty bottle of wine and poured herself another glass.
You wanted to say something, to stop her, but the last time you had, you and Scarlett hadn’t spoken for an entire month. Scarlett was passionate and hopelessly in love, a dangerous combination.
“I’m gonna do it.” She dropped the empty bottle into the ice bucket, nearly spilling her drink as she picked up her glass. A splash of wine landed on the table. “I’m gonna confront him. I won’t be—”
You watched in alarm as she abruptly set the glass down and reached for her purse and keys, like she fully intended to leave.
“Whoa.” You stood quickly, moving beside her. “Okay, hang on a second…”
“I won’t be made to look stupid! He can’t do this to me!”
“Hey, okay. Scarlett, I can’t let you drive home like this.” You gently took her hands, trying to steady her. “You’re upset, and you’ve had almost three bottles of wine by yourself. I’ll drive you.”
“I can drive!”
“No, you can’t,” you said firmly. “Please, just let me take you home.”
The drive to Scarlett’s was unsettlingly quiet. Both front windows were cracked open, allowing a cool breeze to drift through the car. Scarlett rested her head against the glass, her hair blowing across her face as you cruised down the highway. Her purse sat clutched tightly in her lap, and short, shaky breaths escaped her lips as she fought to calm herself.
Meanwhile, you lightly tapped your index fingers against the steering wheel. You could practically feel the anger radiating from the passenger seat. Part of you wanted to say something, anything to break the oppressive silence but no words came to mind. Or rather, none of the right ones.
As you reached the exit, the car rolled to a stop at a red light. The steady clicking of the right turn signal was the only sound between you. Then, without warning, the piercing wail of a siren shattered the silence. Bright flashing lights streaked past as an ambulance sped through the intersection beside you, causing both of you to jump.
Your heart lurched in your chest as you watched the emergency vehicle disappear into the distance. A moment later, the traffic light turned green.
Not long after, you pulled into Scarlett’s driveway. Josh’s truck sat right in the middle, a clear sign that he was home. You shifted the car into park and glanced over at your best friend.
She didn’t reach for her seatbelt. She didn’t move at all.
She simply stared at Josh’s truck.
“I can go in with you,” you offered softly. “If you want.”
Scarlett finally turned to look at you. Her expression was eerily blank, though she managed to force a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“I think I have to do this alone,” she said, releasing a long, shaky breath. “But afterward, I’ll probably need you to come pick me up… and maybe a few of my things.” A sad, humorless chuckle slipped from her lips.
You reached across the center console and took her hand in yours.
“Hey…” you said gently. “Call me the second you’re ready, okay?”
She nodded, and a tear rolled down her cheek.
“Thank you,” she whispered, giving your hand a squeeze.
You nodded back, offering her a small, reassuring smile.
“Always.”
You watched as Scarlett climbed out of your car and slowly made her way up the walkway to the front door. Before going inside, she turned and gave you one last wave. You returned it with a small smile, then watched her disappear into the house.
Once inside, Scarlett froze.
The living room was empty, and for a moment she wondered if Josh had already gone to bed. But the sound of his voice drifting from the kitchen made her head snap in that direction.
“Was that Y/n who drove you home?” he called. “Where’s your car? Did you get into an accident?”
Scarlett wandered into the kitchen, stopping just inside the doorway. Josh had already changed out of his work clothes. He stood there in a white T-shirt and a pair of boxers. Judging by his appearance, he’d either been home for hours or wanted her to believe he had.
“Honey?” he asked again, concern creeping into his voice. “Did you have an accident? Why did Y/n drive you home?”
Without answering, Scarlett stepped farther into the room and set her purse and keys down on the kitchen island.
“Are you having an affair?”
The question stunned both of them.
She hadn’t really planned on confronting him tonight. Not when she was tipsy and emotionally exhausted. Truthfully, she’d intended to go upstairs, wash her face, and sleep off the wine. But the alcohol had loosened her tongue before she could stop herself.
“What?” Josh asked, blinking.
“Don’t play stupid, Josh. I’m speaking loud and clear.”
“Are you?” He pushed away from the table and approached her. “Because from the smell of it, you’ve had one too many glasses of wine.” He folded his arms across his chest, looking more like a disappointed parent than husband. “Is that why you needed a ride home?”
“Would you forget about the fucking ride?!” Scarlett shouted. “I know about the necklace,” she slurred, taking another unsteady step toward him. “And don’t think I didn’t notice the lipstick on your mouth a few days ago.”
Josh let out a tired sigh and rolled his eyes, but Scarlett barreled on.
“After all these years, Josh. Everything we’ve built together. Planning our future…” Her voice cracked. “How could you?”
“I’m not having an affair,” Josh said far too calmly.
“Oh, bullshit! Okay?!” Scarlett shouted, fury practically radiating off of her. “You did it! You had an affair! The least you owe me is the fucking truth!” She glared at her husband, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “Is it someone from work? Huh? Or did you meet this slut out—”
“DON’T YOU DARE CALL HER THAT!”
Josh’s voice thundered through the house, making Scarlett flinch. But the shock lasted only a second before her anger surged right back.
“Oh, so now you’re defending your little mistress?”
Instead of arguing, Josh simply turned and headed for the stairs.
“You are the biggest piece of shit!” Scarlett yelled, following close behind. “I loved you! I gave you everything!” She trailed him onto the second floor. “Was she fucking worth it? You coward! You couldn’t even ask for a divorce before finding yourself someone else?!”
Josh kept walking.
“I’m talking to you!” she screamed, grabbing his arm.
What happened next unfolded in an instant.
Josh whipped around, his face twisted with rage. Before Scarlett could react, his hand shot out and closed around her throat, pinning her against the wall. Shock flashed across her face as the air left her lungs, the argument suddenly taking a terrifying turn.
Scarlett only had a moment to register her shock before she shoved Josh away, narrowly avoiding the fist aimed at her. Adrenaline surged through her as she bolted down the stairs, desperate to put distance between them, but Josh was right behind her. She rounded the corner toward the kitchen, only for him to lunge forward and grab her by the ankles. With a terrified scream, she crashed to the floor. Ignoring her cries, Josh dragged her back toward him while she frantically reached for anything within arm’s length. The small table against the kitchen wall scraped loudly across the floor, and the items resting on it tumbled off, shattering on impact.
Josh flipped her onto her back and bent down, grabbing a fistful of her hair and forcing her head toward him. His pupils were blown wide, his breathing heavy as he stared down at his wife.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he ground out through clenched teeth, his voice dropping low. “I’m not having an affair, and I’m not filing for divorce.”
Before Scarlett could fight back, his free hand moved to her throat. Panic shot through her as she desperately tried to pry him away, but his grip only tightened, making it harder for her to breathe.
“And you won’t say a damn thing about this, either,” he hissed. “Not to anyone. Your pride won’t let your parents be right. You’ll just keep looking the other way…”
His hold tightened further, and Scarlett let out a frightened sound. Acting on instinct, she drove her knee upward, catching him off guard and forcing him to loosen his grip long enough for her to wrench herself free and scramble back to her feet.
“Ugh!” Josh groaned, doubling over for only a second before following after her. “You little bitch!”
Scarlett bolted up the stairs, a plan already forming in her mind. She’d lock herself in their bedroom, grab his phone, and call the cops. Maybe what he said about her parents was true, but the man she’d seen tonight terrified her. He’d become violent. He’d pinned her down and wrapped his hand around her throat. She had no doubt there would be marks left behind. Whether she managed to make it to the bedroom or not, there would still be evidence.
She could still get away.
But just as Scarlett reached the top of the stairs, she was violently yanked backward by her hair.
She screamed, clawing behind her in an attempt to get Josh off, but before she could react, he had her pinned against the upstairs balcony overlooking the living room.
“Josh! Please! Don’t do this!” she pleaded, her breaths coming rapidly as he pressed her harder against the railing.
“What?” He leaned closer, his breath brushing her cheek. “Do you hear yourself, Scar? What do you think I’m gonna do…?”
The way he spoke only sent her nerves spiraling higher. It was as if the furious version of him had vanished and been replaced by something far more unsettling. His voice was calm now, almost gentle, but his grip on her hair remained painfully tight.
“Honey…” he whispered, bringing his face closer to hers. “I would never.”
You jolted upright, desperately trying to catch your breath as your eyes darted around the darkness of your room. Your hand immediately flew to your neck, finding it slick with a thin layer of sweat. Your heart pounded wildly in your chest, beating as though you’d just run a marathon.
Blinking away the lingering fear from the nightmare, you glanced over at the clock on your nightstand.
12:00 a.m.
Reaching for your phone, you checked for any notifications from Scarlett, only to find nothing. The empty screen made an uneasy feeling settle deep in your stomach.
Maybe she hadn’t confronted Josh tonight.
Still, something nagged at you. You couldn’t shake the feeling.
You: Scarlett? Are you awake? Did you talk to him?
You stared at your screen, waiting for the familiar bubbles to appear. They never did.
Frowning, you sent another message.
And then another.
Still nothing.
She was probably asleep, you told yourself.
With a sigh, you set your phone back down on the nightstand and sank back against your pillow, your eyes fixed on the ceiling above. But despite your efforts to calm yourself, that uneasy feeling refused to go away. Something felt off, and no matter how many times you tried to convince yourself otherwise, you couldn’t shake the terrifying images from your dream.
During your weekly dinner at The Electric Jane, you notices your best friend Scarlett is acting distant and upset. Scarlett eventually confesses that she suspects her husband, Josh, is cheating after finding an expensive jewelry purchase on their joint account.
Word Count: 1.6k
Warnings - marital infidelity, suspicion of cheating, emotional distress, anxiety, crying, mention of financial betrayal, strained friendship dynamics, alcohol consumption, mild language
Disclaimer - this is a work of fiction. contains themes of relationship conflict and infidelity. reader discretion is advised.
** BASED OFF ‘NO BODY, NO CRIME’ BY TAYLOR SWIFT **
No Body, No Crime Masterpost
You switched off the engine and checked your lipstick in the rearview mirror one last time before grabbing your purse and stepping out of the car. After locking it, you made your way toward the restaurant, your heels clicking softly against the pavement. Cool evening air swept your long black hair over your shoulders just as the distant wail of ambulance sirens cut through the night, sending an uneasy chill down your spine.
You paused, turning toward the flashing lights as they sped past in a blur, racing toward some unseen emergency. Your gaze lingered on them until they disappeared from view, leaving behind a strange, unsettled feeling twisting low in your stomach. Swallowing it down, you straightened yourself up and pushed open the restaurant door, stepping inside.
“Good evening, ma’am. Do you have a reservation?”
“Yes. Under Y/L/N.”
The host glanced down at the screen, scrolling for a moment before finding your reservation. Table for two.
“Right this way.”
You offered him a small smile and followed him through the restaurant toward one of the booths. It wasn’t very crowded tonight. Not unusual for a Tuesday. The beginning of the week was always slow, which was exactly why you and Scarlett had chosen it as your night. Dinner, drinks, and catching up.
Scarlett had been your best friend since elementary school. You’d grown up side by side, surviving heartbreaks, family drama, bad decisions, and every messy stage in between. But life had a way of pulling people in different directions. College. Careers. Marriage. Responsibilities. Somewhere along the way, the two of you had started drifting apart until one day, a year ago, you came up with an idea.
“Every Tuesday,” you’d told her. “The Electric Jane. We’ll catch up, gossip. No excuses.”
And ever since then, that’s exactly what you’d done.
As you reached the booth, though, your smile faded slightly at the sight of the empty seat across from you. You slid into the cool blue booth while the host pulled out his notepad and pen.
“Can I get you started with drinks? Appetizers?”
“Just wine, please. Red.”
He nodded politely before walking off toward the bar.
You set your purse beside you and glanced toward the entrance again. Still no sign of Scarlett.
Which was strange.
She was usually here before you.
It wasn’t long before the host returned carrying a wine glass and a silver bucket with the bottle nestled inside. You watched as he uncorked it smoothly and poured a generous amount into your glass.
“Thank you,” you said softly.
“Let me know when you’re ready to order.”
With that, he walked away again.
You lifted the glass to your lips, taking a small sip as your eyes drifted back toward the entrance. Maybe she got held up at work, you thought. Scarlett had been buried in projects lately. But when the host eventually returned to the table, you realized nearly twenty minutes had passed.
“Ready to order?”
Before you could answer, movement near the front caught your attention. Scarlett was weaving through the restaurant toward the booth, looking noticeably more exhausted than usual.
“I’ll take a glass too,” Scarlett said as she slid into the seat across from you, shrugging off her jacket. “And another bottle of red.”
The host nodded before disappearing once more.
You watched quietly as Scarlett immediately grabbed the bottle already sitting at the table and poured wine into her glass nearly to the brim. She took a long swallow, then wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
“Scarlett… are you okay?”
“Mhm?” She finally looked up, like she’d only just realized you were there. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine. Work’s just been crazy. I got caught up, that’s all. Sorry for making you wait.”
Not long after, the two of you slipped into your usual routine. You ordered food, shared updates, laughed here and there but something felt off tonight. Scarlett nodded at the right moments, yet her attention kept drifting elsewhere, her mind clearly miles away from the conversation.
Eventually, you set your fork down with a quiet sigh.
“Scarlett, seriously… are you okay?” you asked gently. “I feel like I’ve been talking to myself for the past hour. You’re completely somewhere else.”
Scarlett slowly lifted her gaze to meet yours beneath the dim restaurant lighting. That’s when you noticed it. Her eyes looked swollen, slightly red, like she’d been crying before she got here.
Your stomach tightened.
“Is something wrong?”
“It’s Josh,” she admitted quietly after a long pause. “He’s been acting… different.”
You leaned forward slightly, resting your hands against the table.
Scarlett had been with Josh since senior year of high school. What started as football games, parties, and teenage flirting had quickly turned serious. They went to the same college, moved in together after graduation, and eventually got married. You’d met him plenty of times over the years, though you’d never really grown close to him. To you, he was simply Scarlett’s husband. Someone you tolerated more than genuinely liked.
“What do you mean by different?” you asked carefully.
Scarlett looked down at the wine swirling in her glass before speaking again.
“I think he’s having an affair.”
Your eyes widened slightly at the confession.
You took a moment to let the words settle between you. More than anything, you wanted to comfort her, to tell her everything would be okay, but you knew Scarlett too well to feed into her panic too quickly. Once she spiraled, it was hard pulling her back out.
“Scar…”
“No, Y/N. I know he’s cheating on me. I know it.” Scarlett’s voice rose sharply, loud enough to draw a few curious glances from nearby tables.
“Okay, okay…” you said gently, trying to calm her down. “Why do you think he’s having an affair?”
“Because,” she hissed, lowering her voice again, “he’s been coming home late every single night. And—”
She slid out of her seat and sat beside you instead, hurriedly digging through her jacket for her phone. After tapping around for a few seconds, she shoved the screen toward you.
“Look.”
You squinted at the recent transaction listed on the screen.
A jewelry purchase.
You looked back at her.
“And?”
“This is our joint account,” Scarlett said, her voice tightening. “I didn’t buy anything from there. He did. A month ago.” She swallowed hard. “I looked the store up online. It’s some ridiculously expensive jewelry place downtown.”
Her eyes began to water.
“He’s buying jewelry for his mistress with our money.”
You watched her emotions crack open completely as she dropped the phone onto the table and pressed a hand over her eyes.
“Okay, wait,” you said carefully. “How do you know it’s not for you?”
“Our anniversary isn’t for another six months,” she snapped, looking at you with tears already spilling down her cheeks. “I’m done, Y/N. I’m confronting him the second I get home.”
“Scarlett, no.” You caught her hand before she could move away, keeping your voice steady. “You can’t just walk in there accusing him. If you’re wrong, it’ll blow everything up.”
She stared at you, hurt flashing across her face.
“Whose side are you on? Mine or his?”
“Yours. Obviously yours,” you answered immediately. “But I don’t want you starting a fight without knowing for sure. I’m not saying ignore it, I’m saying… get more proof before you confront him.”
Slowly, you felt the tension leave her arm beneath your hand.
“Yeah…” Scarlett sighed shakily, dragging both hands through her hair. “Yeah, maybe you’re right.”
She looked exhausted now. Completely worn down.
“I’m sorry, Y/N. Really. I just… I haven’t slept since I found that charge and my head’s been going crazy thinking about it.”
“Hey.”
You wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into your side. She leaned against you instantly, resting her head on your shoulder like she had a hundred times before.
“Don’t apologize,” you murmured softly. “I care about you. We’ll figure it out, okay?”
You and Scarlett said your goodbyes not long after, each of you heading your separate ways for the night.
You slipped back into your car, tossing your purse onto the passenger seat before starting the engine. As you pulled out of the restaurant parking lot, soft music hummed quietly through the speakers, filling the silence of the drive home.
But your mind stayed on Scarlett the entire way.
The look in her eyes. The tears. The panic in her voice when she talked about Josh. It lingered with you all the way until you finally pulled into your driveway and shifted the car into park.
You grabbed your purse and stepped inside, shutting the door behind you. After shrugging off your coat near the entrance, you moved further into the house, only to pause at the soft thump-thump of hurried paws approaching across the floor.
A moment later, your cat brushed against your legs, weaving around you impatiently in search of attention. You bent down with a tired smile and scratched behind her ears, earning a chorus of soft purrs from the fluffy black cat.
“I missed you too, Luna,” you murmured gently.
Giving her one last pat, you straightened up and made your way upstairs toward your bedroom.
You stripped out of your clothes and dropped onto the bed with an exhausted sigh, the soft sheets instantly pulling warmth back into your body. Luna hopped up beside you a second later, circling twice before curling near your legs.
You scrolled through your phone mindlessly for a while, though none of it really held your attention. Your thoughts kept drifting back to Scarlett. The tears in her eyes, the shake in her voice, the way she’d looked completely unraveling right in front of you.
With a quiet sigh, you locked your phone and set it on the nightstand before reaching over to switch off the lamp. Darkness swallowed the room, leaving only the pale glow of moonlight slipping through the curtains.
Every Tuesday night, you and your best friend Scarlett meet for dinner to gossip about your lives. But when Scarlett confesses that she suspects her husband, Josh, is cheating on her, your quiet routine takes a dark turn. Days later, Scarlett vanishes without a trace and Josh moves on suspiciously fast. Convinced there’s more to the story, you become determined to get justice for your best friend.
Warnings - implied infidelity, manipulation, emotion distress, grief, obsession, strong language, suspense/thriller themes, mentions of violence, mentions of m*rder, dark relationship dynamics
(each chapter will contain their own list of warnings.)
Disclaimer - this work is fiction. the events, situation are products of imagination. this story contains violence, suspense, and the mess of betrayal. reader discretion is advised.
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