e McC

words, a silence that felt heavier than anything before it. Then, I hear

his angry shout. "Aubrie, you narcissist! What is wrong with you? T

t the line went dead. He had hung up

chest, her shoulders shaking with feigned sobs. He stroked her hair, murmuring reassurances. My mother and Esteban rushed to them, a united

, in the cold, damp shadows of a world I had built for others to enjoy. The pain in my stomach intensified,

eathing piece of the lie that had consum

hild into this world, a child whose father was a monster, whose family was

the dense, encroaching jungle. My feet stumbled over roots and uneven ground, but I

on sign flickering like a dying heart. The room was stale, smelling of old cigarettes and desperation. I collapsed ont

jolted me awake at dawn.

t broke out at the new resort. It's massive, moving fast. They need all

fire. At my resort. The irony tasted like ash in my mouth

g, my heart numb. I was a professional. I

through tear-filled eyes, a delicate hand pressed to her chest. Elias was looking down at her, a fierce, protective expression o

ort. He told me it symbolized his commitment to our shared future, our soaring dreams, our project.

in Kallie' s photo. Kallie' s caption read: "My brave eagle, my protect

ingle spark of love remained for Elias. Only a bitter, acrid taste. He had lied abo

I had left. I would dedicate myself to it, completely, wholeheartedly. I would rebuild, not

r. The conversation was brief, precise. I didn't mince words. I wanted all leg