He Chose Power, I Chose Love

Keith

de me just hours before. The sun streamed through my window, almost mocking

f my apartment. It was him. Graham. I answered, my

ed you there for introductions, for the optics. It' s critical." His voi

id, my voice steady. I could h

My entire career depends on tonight!" His voice rose, laced with pani

to prop up yours." I was wearing a simple black dress, one I had chosen

cern and urgency. "Kassidy? What's wrong? Is everything alright?" He covered the receiver, muttering to me, his eyes wide

manipulation. I didn't even need to hear her voice to know it was

almost tearful. He was a master actor. "Ella, you have to go

laugh escaping my lips. "There

kly recovered, his panic returning. "Ella, please! Just go to the gala. Make sur

another word. His confusion would be brief. His relief would be immediate. He would t

bly imagined me greeting his donors, smiling, putting out any fires. He would preen, believing he

raham. No Ella. Just nervous campaign staff, trying to cover for the missing candidate. His family, already there, starte

urious, not panicked. "Ella! What the hell is going on?

g my lips, genuine and cold. "You didn't real

y games with me!" he roared, his voice echoin

lear and strong. "The one you were so eager to 'd

a symphony tuning up, the excited buzz of anticipation. It was

dn't have. That's impossible!" His voice was laced with

m" had been a weapon. My "obedience" had been a trap. And he had walked right into it, blind and arrogant. The thought of his face, co