Chapter 20%
Preston didn’t follow me after I walked away. But he didn’t stop texting mell
“Zoe, are you okay?”
“I’m sorry. Please talk to me
“I love you. Let me prove it wasn’t me.“\/
essages were gentle, full of concern and regret.
He didn’t demand or accuse. Instead, his messages
But I didn’t reply, I couldn’t.
Even though a part of me wanted to believe him, the image of him kissing another woman played in my mind on repeat. I couldn’t let my guard down–not again.!!
So I silenced my phone. For days, I stayed in a hotel, hiding from the world. The curtains were drawn, the television muted most of the time, and I tried to pretend that the outside didn’t exist
But the world didn’t forget me!!
The news was relentless, my name plastered across headlines again.
“Zoe Hart: Betrayed Again?”
“The Billionaire’s Wife Faces Another Cheating Scandal
“Is Zoe the Problem? Why Do Men Keep Leaving Her?“!
I stared blankly at the screen, the words burning into my mind. They weren’t just reporting–they were pitying me. Sympathizing. Speculating that I was the one to blame.8
I grabbed the remote, my thumb hovering over the power button, when the broadcast shifted.
Preston.&
He stood behind a podium at a press conference. It looks like he didn’t get enough sleep. I felt guilty. I love him but cheating on me again, I was done with it
“I want to make this clear,” he said, “The video circulating of me is fake. I did not cheat on my wife. I have never been unfaithful to her, and I never will be
My chest tightened as I watched him, his voice carrying a conviction I hadn’t heard in days 2
“I love Zoe,” he continued. “She is my wife, and I will do whatever it takes to protect her and clear my name. I’ve also issued a reward for anyone with information on Madison Moon’s whereabouts. This ends now.“}
I turned the television off, sinking back onto the bed &
It was like I was stuck in an endless loop, the same nightmare replaying over and over. First Ethan, then Travis, and now this.
Was it me? Was I cursed to always feel this way, to never be free of betrayal?
Tears rolled down my cheeks as I buried my face in my hands. I had forgiven Ethan. I had forgiven Travis. But none of it felt like it
mattered
Madison !
She was the only one left, the last shadow hanging over me. If I wanted peace, I had to end this 8
As I sat there, my phone buzzed ♬
I grabbed it, my heart skipping when I saw the caller ID.
Ethan
I hesitated, debating whether to answer. But curiosity got the better of me.
“Hello?”
“Zoe,” Ethan said, his voice softer than I expected. “Are you okay?“!!
I blinked, caught off guard. “Not really, I admitted.
There was a pause on the other end. “I heard about everything. I’m sorry, Zoe. You don’t deserve this.”
I stayed silent, unsure how to respond.
“I’ve been looking into Madison, Ethan continued. “She’s still out there, Zoe, I’ve got a few ideas where she might be hiding.”
That caught my attention. “Why are you helping me?” I asked, suspicion creeping into my voice!!
He sighed “Because Towe you, Zoe For everything. I broke your heart, and I know I can’t undo that. But
how“:
I swallowed hard, my throat tight. “Thank you” I said quietly
maybe I can at least help you
you
He gave me a list of locations–places Madison might be hiding. Each one sent a chill down my spine, but I wrote them down. “Good luck. Zoe,” Ethan said before hanging up 1
I didn’t waste time
I grabbed my bag, throwing on a coat and sunglasses before stepping out of the hotel room. The h echoing as I moved toward the elevator i
hallways wo
were quiet, my footsteps
I couldn’t let this drag on any longer I had to confront Madison, to end this chapter of my life once and for all.
12:32 PM
But just as I turned a comer, I collided with someone.
my throat.!!
“Sorry,” I said quickly, stepping back and looking up. My breath caught in my
It was Preston.
“What are you doing here?” I demanded, my voice sharp with frustration.A
The man blinked, clearly confused. “What?” he repeated, his brows furrowing. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know why you were asking me that?”
“So, what now, Preston? You’re gonna pretend that you don’t know me?”
“Preston?” His brows furrowed. “I’m sorry! I think you got the wrong person.”
I froze, staring at him. His voice, his face, even the way he carried himself–it was all Preston. But the words didn’t match.
“You’re lying,” I said, narrowing my eyes
“Look, lady” he said, stepping back, “I don’t know who you are or what you’re talking about“}
I clenched my fists, my pulse quickening. Was this some sick joke? Was he playing with me, trying to gaslight me into thinking I was losing my mind?
Before I could speak, a woman appeared, walking up to him with an air of familiarity that sent a cold chill through my body.
It was her
The woman from the video.
She slipped her arm through his and smiled up at him. “What’s going on?” she asked, her voice sickeningly sweet as she looked between
My rage boiled over.
“Your” I hissed, stepping forward. My fists clenched at my sides, my entire body trembling with fury.
“What’s your problem?” the woman asked her brow furrowed as if she was genuinely confused.8
I didn’t think. I lunged at her, my anger exploding into action.
She shreked, stumbling back, but before I could reach her, the man grabbed me, his hands firm but not aggressive.3
“Stop!” he shouted, holding me back.
I glared at him, my heart pounding, my vision clouded with fury. “So what, Preston?” I spat. “You’re going to pretend you don’t know me? Is this how you deal with it when you-”
“Wait” the woman interrupted, her voice sharp and cutting through the chaos.8
Both the man and I turned to her!
“Why do you keep saying Preston?” she asked, her tone laced with genuine confusion. “My boyfriend’s name is Alestair.”
I froze, the air leaving my lungs as I stared at her.
