Ninety-Nine Letters, A Thousand Lies

Burri

ical assault. My head throbbed. The world spun in a haze. But I kept my teeth clenched. My spine

silken threat against my ear. "You're a

in a shimmering gown I didn't choose. My hair styled into

rough the crowd like a queen. Surrounded by fawning journalists and industry titans. She caught my eye. A f

ard. Clearing his throat. He tapped a micropho

th. Confident. "Tonight marks a new chapter. For

rowd. Then, briefly, to me. My heart ha

brey." He gestured vaguely towards my neck. My hand instinctively flew up. Covering the angry red hickey. The one he'

. My cheeks burned. A wave of shame washed over me. He

ure you. It's simply a testament to the... passion we share. A little souvenir from

eam. To tear off the gown. To expose him for the monster he was. But

r of introducing you to the force behind our next groundbreaking venture. The woman who will lead our new architec

hed in the spotlight. Her smile radiant. Her eye

ent, in partnership with the Olsen Corporation. A groundbreaking initiative, driven by h

urnalists clamored. Flashes popped. Kennedy revelled in it. She was the

microphone in my face. "Mrs. Mcknight! About that hickey... is i

econd. My eyes met the reporter

said. His voice smooth. Controlled. "She's always been a private person. But yes. It was a very passion

leaned in. His lips brushing my ear. "Don't disappoint me

tle, meaningless gesture. My body felt numb. My mind retreated to a safe, dark place. The pain

for his wife at the gala!" "Aubrey Mcknight: Bruised but beautiful!" Th

I sat alone in the opulent suite. He' d left a small, velvet box on the dressing table

earlier, his hand lingering on my cheek.

asn't a good girl. I was a prisoner. But the fire was still there. A tiny, flickering

Pale. But her eyes still held that fierce spark

hick with shame. "He threatened me. And then... the

across the table. Gripping hers. "I'm so s

er. And Kennedy... she's a viper." Her eyes narrowed. "But what

in the eye. "I'm leaving. Soon. And I'm going to expose eve

e with shock. "Aubrey! Are you ser

hasn't succeeded. Not yet. I'm taking the job with the Olsen Corporation

e, predatory grin. "My God, Aubrey. You're a genius. A warrior." She squ

unwavering loyalty was a lifeline. A beacon in the

lve had settled deep in my core. I went back to the house. To the p

A sudden jolt. I stumbled. My head hit the door frame. Stars

e on her face. A heavy sculpture in her

ipping with fake concern. "So c

y temple. My vision swam. Kennedy's fac

igure. A man in a dark suit. He grabbed Ken

nnedy?!" His voice was low.

shrieked. Her voice trembling with

ed her. He knelt beside me. His fac

am?" he asked. His

. But only a cho

voice from downstairs. "Kenne

met Kennedy's. She was still pressed against

Spoke rapidly into it. In a

g in the scene. Me, bleeding on the floor.

nded. His eyes fixed on Kenne

ere. Bleeding. My heart, what was left of it, solidified

His touch firm but careful. He pulled out a clea

yes. Whispers. The public. Gathering li

he words were a bitter lie. But I wouldn' t give him t

of horror. "Aubrey! Oh my god!" She rushed to my side. Her arms

eyes blazing. She glared at Kennedy

oper. Not for Kennedy. But for myself. I wou

My voice stronger now. "J

. His laptop. Open on the nightstand. He must have forgotten it in the chaos. My fingers

. From an unknown sender. The subject li

screen glowed. Reveal