ECHOES OF DECEPTION

y. She was awake, though she hadn't slept. The events of the night before played in her mind on an endless lo

he look at her with such disdain, as if she were nothing more than a stain on his life? The thought made

e done to deserve such cruelty from her own sister? Francesca closed her eyes, tryi

sat up, pulling the covers tightly around her. "Come

intensity that made Francesca's heart skip a beat. He was a man who commanded attention, yet

e like a balm to her frayed nerves. "

though it didn't reach he

of the bed. For a moment, neither of them s

e steady on hers. "But I want you to know that I'm here

ing up with tears. "Why are you doin

to be betrayed by the people you love most." His voice wavered slightly, betraying a depth of emotio

n her. For the first time in hours, Francesca felt a fl

ckle escaped her lips. "You know, my life was already a

s. "Well, if it's any consolation, you're not the only one.

by his candor. "Really? You, the mi

was this one time I accidentally scheduled a board meeting on the same day as my mother's bi

It felt good, like a release of the tension that had been building inside he

ng as he watched her. "That'

her voice quieter now. "For

ain. "I meant what I said, Francesca

them, the outside world fading into insignificance. But the momen

jump. "Francesca, darling, it's your mot

"One moment, Mama," she called back, q

g nod. "I'll leave you to it. But

r face etched with concern. She sat down b

ther began, her voice trembling. "What

th the burden of the truth. "I don't know, M

"Beverly has always been... troubled. Ever since she was a c

o this to me?" Francesca's vo

hings I should have told you, things that might have made a diffe

?" Francesca press

ed Chike. But he chose you, Francesca, without you even knowing it. He left Beverly, a

her throat. "I never knew..

tight embrace. "But Beverly couldn't see that. She let the bitt

on crashing down on her. How could she have been so blind

ouldn't let this tear her family apart. She had to find a way to

would be fraught with danger, filled with secrets