Chapter 42 Keith’s POV Lily came up to me, her expression distracted. She leaned in, lightly touching my arm. “Keith, I need to step away for a bit. There are a few important people I need to speak with.” I nodded, though my mind was far from the evening’s events. “Sure, take your time.” She … Read more
Chapter 41 Emily’s POV The fatigue was beginning to weigh on me. Weeks of preparation for the banquet had finally culminated in this one night, and though everything seemed to be going smoothly, I couldn’t help but feel the exhaustion settle in. I had debated whether I should attend at all. Part of me wanted … Read more
Chapter 40 Keith’s POV The evening had taken an unexpected turn. What should have been a celebration of generosity had turned into a tense confrontation. I stood frozen, watching as Emily stepped in to defend the little girl, her voice calm yet firm, an authority that demanded attention. Rebecca’s dress, stained by an innocent spill, … Read more
Chapter 39 Keith’s POV The lights dimmed slightly as Emily stepped up to the podium, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. I watched. her closely, captivated by the confidence in her posture and the quiet strength in her eyes. As she began to speak, the room fell silent, all ears tuned … Read more
Chapter 38 Keith’s POV The invitation to the city’s largest children’s fund banquet had arrived a week ago. It wasn’t the kind of event I typically attended, but I felt an obligation to show up, especially since Lily insisted on going. The founder was supposed to express gratitude to all the donors, and there was … Read more
Chapter 37 Emily’s POV The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, gently waking me from sleep. I blinked, disoriented, my head throbbing with the dull ache of a lingering hangover. The events of the previous night were hazy, like a dream that was slowly coming into focus. I turned my head, feeling the slight pang … Read more
Chapter 36 Emily’s POV Present Day After the conversation with Frank, I felt a strange mix of relief and lingering sadness. For so long, I had carried the weight of my family’s judgment, the shame they had cast upon me for what happened with Keith. But here was Frank, sitting across from me, telling me … Read more
Chapter 35 18–year–old Emily’s POV Nine years ago Two months later, I found out I was pregnant, and the weight of that secret crushed me from the inside out. The last two months had been nothing short of hell. Everyone believed that I was the one who had seduced Keith, that I was some kind … Read more
hapter 34 18–year–old Emily’s POV Nine years ago I was jolted awake by the soft chime of a notification on my phone. My heart raced as I grabbed it from the nightstand, the glow of the screen cutting through the darkness of my room. It was a ping from the tracking app I’d secretly installed … Read more
Chapter 33 Emily’s POV I kept drinking at the bar, feeling the sting of Keith’s words replaying in my mind like a broken record. He had said that sleeping with me was just like making me a substitute for Lily, and that thought gnawed at me, each sip of alcohol only dulling the pain slightly. … Read more