Tangled Loyalties

: A GLIMPS

ns of her perfectly planned life. She attended a charity event with J

feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach. She felt like s

ude returned to the mansion, exhausted but s

Cheryl said, smiling swe

ce. "You look beautiful, as always,"

that Jude didn't truly see her, that he only sa

t help but feel a sense of disconnection. She felt like she was l

ark night sky. The stars twinkled like diamonds, a

ere, the cool night air filling her lungs. She felt like s

herself in the mirror. She was taken aback by the stranger sta

reflection. She saw a woman who was trapp

bt creep in. Was she truly happy with he

eel dizzy and disoriented. Cheryl stumbled back

nic wash over her. She didn't know what to do, didn't

e, Cheryl realized that she wasn't alone. S

with shaking fingers. As she waited for Leila to

a way to break free from the per

Leila answered, her voi

f wash over her. "I don't know, Leila," Cheryl said

ng. "You're not alone, Cheryl. I'

plain the feelings of doubt and uncer

. "I just feel like I'm living a lie. I'm

e, Cheryl. But you can face the truth. You

h over her. She knew that Leila was right. She had

wash over her. She realized that she had a choice to

ready to face whatever lay ahead. She was ready to br