rra

posed to share with George. The moment the door clicked shut, the city's n

floor, the tight string of control finally snapping. The immense

the video in my head. Not to torture myself, but to burn the pai

e" flashed across the screen. I watched it

the floo

ease, let m

real, she s

you, o

itter, humorless smile on my lips.

contact, scrolled down, and

so-called friends who sent texts of fake concern, their wo

. George's hysterical voice screamed through t

just hung up and b

other, Justine Sloan. "After causing such a huge em

ed my lips. I bloc

ly, s

he shower on as hot as I could stand. The scalding water beat down on m

s I'd bought for the wedding festivities, the matching outfits we were supposed to wear. I

re, the gifts he'd given me...

ared out, the air in th

e doorbe

George. He looked pathetic, his hair a

in there! Let's talk!" he yelled,

, and walked into my bedroom

or nearly half an hour. I put on my headphones, t

stopped, I took them off. I k

. It involved two families. The Thorntons wouldn't

information on the Thornton family's busine

I needed an official, public s

ake that happen: the Thornton family matr

sent an encrypted email to my lawyer, asking

st a public release but confirmed it cou

ty lights, a plan alre

he initiative, seize control of this far

rnton estate and speak wi

route. Just then, a new text message arri

? To the Tho