C01
My best friend, Jennie Steinfeld, killed my mother by hitting her with a car the day before my wedding. Instead of blaming her, my fiancé publicly flaunted their marriage certificate.
I took Jennie to court and crashed their wedding to demand justice for my mother’s death. Instead of receiving sympathy, I became everyone’s laughingstock.
My childhood buddy, Corey Gail, proposed to me in front of everyone while I was at my lowest point, saying he would be my rock forever. I said yes and entrusted him with handling the entire car accident case. I believed him when he told me Jennie had been sentenced to prison.
Still, in the third year of our marriage, I accidentally overheard a conversation between him and his lawyer. “Mr. Gail, did you really marry Winona Zettel just for that letter of understanding? It was just a car accident case–why go this far?”
“The only way I could write the letter on her behalf as a family member was by marrying her. It was the only way to secure Jennie’s freedom. As long as she’s happy abroad, that’s enough. As for me … it doesn’t matter what happens.”
The marriage I thought was my salvation turned out to be a carefully orchestrated lie. The letter of forgiveness in my name and Jennie’s freedom were all he ever wanted. It was me who should’ve left all along.
Corey stared at Jennie’s overseas images on the office computer, smiling heartily and regretfully. “Three years of seeing her happy is enough, even if her happiness doesn’t come from me. As for Winona … I’ve spent the rest of my life making it up to her. This matter is over.”
The company’s legal counsel was furious but helpless. “Mr. Gail, the company’s just started to thrive. How could you risk everything for a criminal case? If a rival company finds out about this, it won’t just be you–every business under the Gail family’s name will pay the price! Jennie deliberately killed someone. Why would you involve yourself in this mess? She doesn’t even love you!
Corey’s expression turned cold and his tone became harsh. “Enough. I told you never to mention this again. I don’t believe Jennie intentionally killed anyone. It must have been an accident. I’ve already taken care of Aunt Edna’s funeral arrangements. It’s my way of giving the Zettels closure. As long as I could save her, I’d give anything, even my own life!”
The lawyer grew anxious. “And what about Mrs. Zettel? She’s bound to find out eventually. If she ever visits Jennie in prison, your entire plan will fall apart. You used her name to free the person who killed her mother. How do you expect her to live with that?”
Corey paused for a moment before lighting a cigarette. “Then I’ll make sure she never finds out. It’s been three years. Jennie should be getting out of prison soon. Make the arrangements and remember–don’t let Winona find
out.”
“Mr. Gail, as your lawyer, I have to remind you: justice always catches up to you. What you’ve done won’t leave no trace. For a murderer, you’re hurting someone even more innocent. If Mrs. Zettel ever finds out, you’ll lose everything!”
Tears rolled down my cheeks and dripped from my chin. My hands trembled so much that I could barely hold onto my lunchbox. Footsteps echoed closer and I hurriedly hid in the stairwell.
So, my mother’s fatal car accident had never even been filed as a case. Jennie wasn’t imprisoned or paying for her crime like Corey had said. Instead, she was living a carefree life abroad.
Moreover, all of this was orchestrated by the husband I loved with all my heart. His humility, patience and
Loving a Liar
compromises were all for saving the woman he truly loved.
For three years of marriage, I had lived in a web of lies he had carefully crafted. I thought I was happy, but I was in hell all along. How ironic.
Stumbling, I ran down the stairs and stood at his company’s entrance.
