His Darkest Secret

a mix of emotions within me-an unsettling ble

with, who once treated me with unwavering

with their suspect, I c

hackled, his back hunched, and his once commanding presence had shriveled int

ble pang in my heart. Yet, I turned away, melting

ories of handing Bernard over to the autho

ears that soaked my pil

e young woman's grave, placing a bo

ad no real

wrecking my marriage. But now, a

et it

but notice her bright smile. Her eyes curved like crescent

n at the pe

omplexities. For her, everything should have been

le. She was young, naive, and inexperienced-s

ds of remorse weaving their way into my heart

en too i

her, she might still be alive. She could have be

truly

requested a final five minutes to speak with me, and desp

ndcuffs. He looked emaciated, his once expressive eyes now hollow, his chee

anger-only a holl

me, to seethe with rage. Bu

ng the minutes unbearably thin. The first two

ently, Bernard finally spoke, breaking the oppress

y I pushed her

off guard, but I answer

y. "She ruined your life, your career

a flash of self-derision flickeri

nsed instinctively, ready to reac

e did

n my spine. "Because she said she wanted to get back at you. She planted hidden cameras in the house after I moved ou

ny hint of deceit. But his gaze was steady, his ton

did he have

Shackles on his ankles clinked loudly against the f

in place, my

ed the internet for ways to detect hidden cameras and scoured every corner of the house.

with unease. The full weight of what that woman had done hit

s living under someon

d the gas tank in the kitchen and discovere

rs spilled uncontrollably down my cheeks as a ch

life come

was l

, divided in truth.

I had no choice but to accept it. Tim

yself into work with relentless determination. I stayed lat

uld I numb myself and

suffocating. At times, I wondered if the fou

hing more than a cru

n piecing myself back together, cl

ove again. The very thought of loving so

nough for