6
The images exposed Sophia Rice’s true activities abroad- drinking in pubs and socializing with various men. Her claims about studying overseas and maintaining a long–distance relationship were nothing but fabrications.
In reality, she had eloped with her childhood sweetheart, craving excitement and rejecting an arranged matrimony. She deserted Michael Anderson, leaving him devastated. When her
plans crumbled, she returned, only to disrupt my existence.
I couldn’t fathom her motives. What had I done to deserve
this? The most agonizing revelation was Michael Anderson’s
complicity–he knew the truth all along yet allowed her back
into our lives.
These photographs were even discovered on Michael
Anderson’s personal computer.
But he was indifferent because Sophia Rice meant everything to him.
He was prepared to conceal the truth for her sake, even sacrificing me in the process.
“Emma, you…” Michael Anderson faltered as all eyes turned towards them.
Reminiscent of the wedding day scene.
Sophia Rice quivered slightly seeking sele
08:17 M
Mon,
Anderson’s embrace, while he gazed at me, dumbfounded. I then displayed another image on the screen behind me–a captured conversation between Sophia Rice and myself from
the day before the wedding.
In the message, she inquired whether I believed Michael
Anderson would choose her or me.
At that moment, I couldn’t grasp her meaning.
It wasn’t until Michael Anderson abandoned me without
hesitation that everything became clear.
I scrolled further, revealing to everyone the pictures I had
collected of Michael Anderson and Sophia Rice together, taken
during each of his visits to her.
The images captured them from various angles–filled with
affection and too intimate to be platonic.
I approached Sophia Rice and tossed a cardiac examination
report at her.
“Even your heart condition is a sham. Sophia Rice, your
performance is quite convincing.”
She promptly burst into tears, her lips quivering as she shook
her head.
“Emma, I’m at a loss for what you’re saying. I know you dislike me, but how can you concoct such falsehoods to incriminate
me?”
What a melodramatic display.
I ceased further discussion. “Regardless of its veracity, it will come to light,” I stated coolly.
The journalists present aren’t easily deceived, after all.
Sophia Rice’s strength gave way, and she stumbled towards
Michael Anderson for assistance.
Unexpectedly, Michael Anderson didn’t catch her this time. Instead, he rushed in my direction.
He had deceived, fibbed, and shielded a mistress, and now his actions were transparent to all.
His image was tarnished, and the product unveiling was a fiasco. The Anderson clan was on the brink of a severe blow.
I anticipated him confronting me.
However, Michael Anderson tightly grasped two photographs.
One showed him in a bath towel, embracing Sophia Rice.
The other depicted them kissing, eyes closed, with a package visible nearby.
His voice quivered as he seized my arm, “Emma, how did you acquire these images? It’s not as it appears…”
I scoffed and shoved his hand away. “Really? Were you coerced into kissing her?”
I had presumed Michael Anderson was aware of Sophia Rice’s
08:17 Mon, 3 Feb
51%8
online posts, but it was now evident he was oblivious.
No wonder he felt so assured when he dismissed the marriage issue as ‘insignificant. The audience shifted uncomfortably,
murmurs spreading rapidly. I nodded, savoring the unfolding pandemonium.
Facing Michael Anderson, I flashed a wicked grin and raised my voice, ensuring everyone’s attention.
‘As for myself, I began, pausing for effect, knowing they were all anxiously awaiting my next words. This had evolved beyond their deceptions; it was about exposing their true nature to
everyone.
Decisively, I switched the large screen to display a medical document. ‘I’ve suffered a miscarriage. As of now, Mr. Anderson and I are no longer spouses!
Michael Anderson stood immobile, his gaze fixed on the report, disbelief etched on his face as he grappled with the disclosure. The reporters, already possessing the photos I’d distributed earlier, now hurried to capture images of the miscarriage diagnosis on screen.
In a flash, the interview focus shifted entirely to Michael Anderson and Sophia Rice.
Amidst the commotion, I slipped through the crowd and made a smooth departure.
As I exited, Sophia Rice’s helpless sobs still echoed behind me. Michael Anderson was encircled by journalists, unable to escape, but I heard him calling my name desperately.
He shouted, questioning why I had terminated the pregnancy, and why I had done this to him.
I reached my vehicle, prepared to leave.
At that moment, Michael Anderson’s parents arrived, enraged. They demanded an explanation for my actions.
I flashed them a radiant smile. “Just a small token from me to
you,” I replied serenely.
Then, without another word, I entered the car and drove off,
leaving them to confront the chaos they had orchestrated.
The media prieing ignite
inundated me with phone calls, bewildered by what they perceived as my irrational choice to terminate my pregnancy.
They pressed me to work with Anderson’s crisis management team, seemingly more concerned about damage control than my own welfare.
I was stunned. As their sole offspring, I had forsaken numerous
chances over the years to remain close to them. I once believed
parental love was unconditional, but now I’ve come to a harsh
realization: some parents simply lack that capacity for selfless
affection.
They brought me up, yet I never experienced the kind of unquestioning love I had anticipated from them.
Moving forward, I’ll merely fulfill my financial duties to them. Subsequently, I’ll be at liberty to discover the world–its breezes, oceans, and peaks.
This public image crisis is enormous.
Anderson’s shares have plummeted to record lows for several consecutive days.
I’m unsure if this brings me joy, but I do sense a kind of liberation.
I’ve scheduled my departure for two weeks from now.
く