Reckoning
Elara’s footsteps echoed in the empty lobby of her former firm, the polished marble floors gleaming under the harsh fluorescent lights. As she rode the elevator to the top floor, her heart pounded in her chest–a mix of trepidation and determination coursing through her veins.
This was it–the moment she had both dreaded and anticipated. After weeks of careful planning and strategizing with Damian, the time had come to confront Charles Montgomery, the man she had once trusted with her very future. The same man who ruined her life.
The elevator doors slid open, and she strode down the familiar hallway, her heels clicking with purpose. She paused briefly outside the ornate double doors of Charles‘ office, taking a deep, steadying breath before pushing them open.
Charles looked up from his desk, his eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected visitor. “Elara! What a…” his voice trailed off as he took in her deadly expression. “What can I do for you?”
“Save it, Charles,” she said, her voice low and controlled. “We both know why I’m here.”
“I don’t know what you are talking about,” Charles replied. “What are you talking about?”
She moved closer, her gaze never leaving his face. “How long? How long have you been betraying me, selling me out to Daniel Regars?”
He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his expression changing from surprise to resignation. “Elara, I… I didn’t have a choice. They threatened me, threatened my family. I…” He paused, swallowing hard. “I’m sorry.”
Her eyes narrowed, the apology doing little to extinguish the fury burning within her. “Sorry? You’re sorry?” She slammed her palm on the desk, the sound echoing in the silent room. “You ruined me, Charles! You destroyed everything I worked for, all because you were too weak to stand up to them!”
Charles flinched, guilt and fear etched across his features. “I never meant for it to go this far,” he stated, his voice barely above a whisper. “I… I thought I could control it, keep them at bay. But they just kept pushing, demanding more.”
Elara shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. “And you went along with it. Every time, you chose them over me–over the woman you claimed to care about, to mentor.” She leaned in, her eyes blazing. “You betrayed me, Charles. And for that, I will never forgive you.”
“You know Daniel,” he began. “You understand the consequences if I don’t help him. You’re well acquainted with him.”
“I’m not acquainted with him,” she yelled. “I have no business with him.”
“Was he not your boyfriend back in school?” he asked.
Elara laughed. “My boyfriend?” She scoffed. “Did he tell you that???
“Never mind. I was threatened by him. I had no choice.”
“You choose to destroy me because of his threat?” she demanded. “Tell me?”
“Do I have a choice? I have to do this to protect my family,” he responded. “I sacrifice you to protect my loved ones.”
Silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the sound of Elara’s ragged breathing. She watched as Ch… weight of her condemnation, his facade of composure crumbling.
“What do you want from me, Elara?” he asked, his voice tinged with desperation. “Tell me, and I’ll do it. Anything, just please…”
Elara straightened, her expression hardening. “I want you to turn yourself in. Cooperate fully with the investigation, and maybe just maybe you’ll avoid the same fate as the Regars.” She paused, her lips curling into a sardonic smile. “Of course, that’s assuming the press and public don’t tear you apart first.”
Charles opened his mouth to protest, but Elara cut him off with a sharp gesture. “Save it. I’m done listening to your excuses.‘
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