The Hidden Camera Captured Everything

tar. I sacrificed my own journalism career to be his "rock," the ghost in the bac

Britni, to our home. She took one look at me, then threw

ed me!" s

ped me across the face, his eyes

you do?!" he snarled,

pure hatred for me. He believed her instantly, ready to paint me

my life crumble under his cold, indifferent gaze,

s betrayal burning in my soul. And I remembered the one thing he'd for

pte

lia

y girl fantasies, not real plans fo

name sounded important, destined for big things. We grew up in the same elite circles, our childhoods a blur of shared holidays and whispered secrets

about. I did, of course. Always the compliant one. My fingers traced the faded continents, an innocent curiosity. Then Chandler grabbed my hand, squeezi

just felt a chill that had nothing

ultures. One segment featured a vibrant, colorful festival in a country marked red on Mr. H

ression. Later, she pulled me aside. She explained how hurtful such gener

r. They lectured him, but he just shrugged. "It was just a joke, Mrs. R

tch" and "Crybaby" whenever we were alone. He'd pinch my arm hard when no one looking, just enough to leave a bruise, smiling hi

greatness, but our paths would be forever intertwined, for better or worse. My aunt clapped her

o each other. He was my rock, or so I thought. We were twenty, raw with grief, when our families' lawyers and advisors pushed

'd said, running his hand through my hair.

r seven years, our m

ing. I saw the way she looked at him, the way he preened under her attention. Th

brushing off my concerns with a dis

nd a reporter asked me about my relationship status. I was tired of the charade.

s that, Aurelia? Do you want to ruin everything?" He'd screamed at me, accusing me of bei

he framing. The betrayal. His cold, indifferent gaze as m

He was beaming, shaking hands, the perfect politician. I was standing by the ch

ed, touching my arm. "Still single, dear

Not anymore." My voice was calm, steady. "Actually, I'm i

eyes widening. "My dear! How wo

ose back was to me. "He's... private

snap up, his shoulders stiffening before he even turned. He saw me, saw th

fool me anymore. "Oh, Aurelia," she chirped, her voice just a touch too sweet. "Don't tell me you

yourself." I took a sip of champagne. "I believe that's your specialty

ned her grip on Chandler's arm. He was staring at me, his charming smile gone, replaced by a dark, fur