Tangled Loyalties

seemed to stretch on forever. With its sleek lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, a

feel a sense of disconnection. Despite having lived in the mansion for seve

sparkling chandeliers. The room was filled with the sound of laugh

r. She had never felt like she truly belonged in this world,

ry, and the home theater. Each room was more opulent than the last, fi

ed in the world. She had grown up with a silver spoon in her mouth, never wanting for anything. But as she

at hand. She was on her way to meet with Jude's mother, Vi

iety spiking. She had never gotten along with Vivian, who se

ter ahead. She pushed open the door to Vivian's office, an

anded respect and attention wherever she went. She was tall and

ipping with condescension. "I'm so glad

repidation wash over her. She knew that Viv

d, gesturing to a petite woman with a clipboard. "We nee

relief wash over her. At least t

couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment. This was a

ng of guilt. She knew that she couldn't keep pretending forever, that eventuall

the task at hand. She smiled and nodded, making all the right no

sense of relief wash over her. She had made

leave, Vivian's voice s

ord with you?" Vivian a

repidation wash over her

" Cheryl replied, t

, a cold, cal

Vivian said, her voice dripping with condescension. "You will be expected

of anger, but she pu