Chapter 13

Deliveries were intermittent, all intercepted by Zayden. He remained at my side, bringing his work to the hospital. Despite my foolishness, I understood his intentions, though I couldn't respond. Alvin consumed too much of my life; I longed to excise him from my being. The process was agonizing, like cramping and skinning, leaving me exhausted and near death. Later, I learned Zayden had released Alvin's interview detailing the cause and effect. Alvin apologized, his on-screen tears betraying a childlike grief. A young boy, captured in a single brushstroke, caught my eye—that clear, gentle boy, forever confined to youth, to my memories for sixteen years. Goodbye, my youth.

After discharge, Zayden nearly moved in. Only sleep drew him home. The company attempted to conduct business at my house, a practice I protested, assuring them I was recovered. He refused all my objections, leaving me no choice but to comply. I worked from home for a month. Even after my return to work, Zayden's presence at my house didn't diminish.

Chapter 13 (continued)

Isabell's video surfaced, showing her earlier plea that I not involve Alvin due to their past. Her fans and bystanders rallied to her defense, while I faced a brutal backlash. Comments ranged from accusations of causing Alvin's tumor through malicious thoughts, to vitriolic attacks on my character and even calls for my death. The internet's capacity for cruelty overwhelmed me. I huddled under a blanket, the white sheets stained dark under my eyes. After a long while, Alvin and Zayden's voices argued outside my door. I stayed hidden, only faintly hearing Alvin promise an explanation. I closed my eyes, burying myself like an ostrich.

Chapter 12

A day later, comprehension dawned: this man's influence permeated my life, omnipresent and pre-planned. Two years later, one afternoon, he summoned me to his office. He praised my recent proposal's success, commending my team and my performance. Then, he revealed his cost-saving measure: "Marry me, Jacqueline, and I won't have to pay your salary." I was speechless, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

We married later, with Ruth and Trey standing in as my parents. That day, Zayden and I changed our names, addressing Ruth and Trey as "Mom" and "Dad" in a touching ceremony. Ruth's joy was evident. Alvin, noticeably thinner, offered his blessings. I smiled, leading Zayden to toast, leaving the past behind.

Isabell's role in the affair was soon revealed. Alvin's interview, alongside Zayden's release of the full hospital video, exposed her actions and unleashed public condemnation. She was revealed as a habitual offender. I received countless apologies, reading only one before dismissing the rest. What meaning did they hold? Their idle gossip, their casual cruelty, had destroyed my life.