THE FAKE FIANCÉ CLAUSE

gossip blogs or public backlash. It was personal. By 8 AM, hashtags were trending. *#FakeFiancéeScam* *#ZaraEzediLied* *#TariDeservesBetter* Her phone wouldn't stop buzzing. Brands pulled out

ou used to be smarter than this. You let a man get in your head and forgot the game." Zara stepped closer. "I *built this from nothing. I fought for every inch. And you? You couldn't build, so you destroyed." Ada's smirk faded. "You always had the spotlight," she muttered. "I was always second. You were the face, the dream, the one Tari picked. I just wanted my cut." Zara stared at her for a long moment. "Get out. And don't ever speak my name again." Ada scoffed. "You think anyone will believe you now? Your little love story is unraveling-" Zara stepped forward, eyes cold. "I'd rather fall with the truth than stand on your kind of lies." - An hour later, Zara did what she hadn't planned to do before. She went live on Instagram. No filters. No script. Just her. The video lit up in seconds. "Hi. My name is Zara Ezedi. And yes - the contract you've seen is real." Pause. "But what's also real... is me." She took a breath. "I started this business from a sewing

heard him say those words - *"I caught real feelings for her"* she covered her mouth and sat down slowly. Mimi was across from her, blinking. "Girl... that man just fought for you in public." Zara whispered, "He didn't have to. But he did." And suddenly, all the walls she'd built didn't feel so necessary anymore. Because the realest love was never about just saying it. It was about showing up when it mattered. Later that evening, Zara stood backstage at a women-in-business summit she'd been scheduled to speak at weeks ago. The organizers had offered to cancel due to the controversy, but she insisted on attending. Not to clear her name. To remind herself that she still belonged in rooms like this. She wore a cream blazer and soft gold jewelry - elegance with an edge. Her walk was steady, but her fingers trembled slightly as she gripped her cue cards. Mimi leaned over and whispered, "You've got this." Zara nodded and stepped onto the stage. The applause was hesitant at first, then genuine. Her eyes scanned the crowd. Mostly women. Mostly dreamers like she had been - before contracts and fake love and betrayal. She began. "I was recently called a liar. A scammer. A woman who used love to build a brand. But if I've learned anything these past few days, it's that people