Chapter 16%
“I don’t have anything to say to you.”
Sasha’s voice was sharp, her eyes filled with hatred as she sat across from me in the cold, gray–walled visiting room of the prison. She looked different–her once perfectly styled hair was unkempt, her complexion dull without the expensive beauty products she used to swear by
But her arrogance? That was still intact.
I leaned forward, folding my hands on the metal table.
“Then just listen.”
Sasha scoffed. “To what? More of your self–righteous nonsense? I don’t regret anything, Katherine.” She smirked, tilting her head. “You and Jeron deserve to be miserable. That is what you had done for me and Keith.”
She rolled her eyes and added. “If you think I would apologize, then no. You wouldn’t here that from me after everything. Keith and I were supposed to be happy, but you had ruined it when you left.“>
“I left to make you both happy,” I depended. “Isn’t that what you want?”
“Well, yes, but the moment you announced your marriage to Jeron and you became a billionaire, he didn’t like me! He realized it was you.”
“It’s not my fault,” I replied. “It was you and Keith.“N
“So I wanted to ruin you.”
“You failed.” I glared at her.
“Still, I won’t apologize and tell the truth!” she yelled.N
I exhaled slowly. I had expected her to be stubborn, but I had come prepared.}]
“I know everything, Sasha.”
She frowned. “Everything?”
I pulled out a file from my bag and slid it across the table. She didn’t touch it, but I saw the flicker of unease in her eyes.}]
“Your past,” I continued, keeping my voice calm. “Your affairs. Your illegal dealings in the modeling industry. The sponsors you paid
to boost your career. The high–profile married man you were involved with–who, by the way, has already replaced you with another woman.” I tilted my head.
“Does he even answer your calls now?”
Her jaw clenched, but she forced a laugh. “You’re bluffing.”
I smirked. “Am I?”
Sasha’s fingers twitched as she hesitated before finally opening the file. Her eyes darted across the pages, and for the first time since I arrived, I saw something that wasn’t arrogance or hatred.
I saw fear.
“If you don’t confess,” I said, my voice cold, “I’ll make sure everything in that file gets leaked. And trust me, Sasha, the man you were sleeping with won’t lift a finger to help you. You’ll be completely alone.“W
She swallowed, gripping the papers.
“I’m giving you a choice,” I continued. “Confess, and you might still have a chance at parole. You won’t spend the rest of your life behind bars. But if you refuse….” I leaned in.
“I’ll make sure you rot in here.”
Sasha’s hands trembled as she set the file down.
For a moment, she was silent. Then–she laughed, though it sounded more like a choked sob.
“Fine, she whispered. “You win.”
A week later, the news broke: Sasha Ross pleads guilty to attempted murder–eligible for parole in ten years.
It was finally over. I watched the news coverage from my bedroom, the weight on my shoulders finally lifting. I didn’t need to attend the trial, but Jeron and my mother had gone in my place.”
As I sat on my bed, I felt something I hadn’t felt in years. Relief.”
I had spent so long fighting–against Keith, against Sasha, against the ghosts of my past. Now? Now I could finally breathe.
A knock on my door interrupted my thoughts.
“Come in, I called.
One of the house staff entered, carrying a small bouquet of lilies and a box of pastries.
“These were sent to you, Miss Katherine,” she said, setting them down on my nightstand.
1 frowned. ‘From who?”
“There’s a note,‘ she said before leaving.
I reached for the envelope, my heart stuttering as I recognized the handwriting.
Keith.
I hesitated before opening it.
212
ARQ
12:05 PM
“Katherine, I don’t deserve your kindness, but thank you. I hope you find happiness–real happiness. Take care of yourself.“}
I stared at the words for a long time, my chest tightening. I would probably never see Keith again. And maybe that was for the best.
But for the first time, I realized–I didn’t hate him anymore.”
I had finally let go. I exhaled, setting the note aside.
I had spent so much of my life tied to my past. Now, I was ready to embrace my future.}
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