#Chapter 74: Struck a Nerve

Aria My heart stopped the moment I saw the pictures on the screen. It was the image from the masquerade—the dip, the kiss, followed by my mad dash with no mask on. And it became clear to me, in that moment, that everyone in the office had seen it. Everyone. Which only meant one thing. “How bad is it?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “It’s everywhere,” Tracy admitted, glancing at the phone again before setting it down. “Everyone has seen it, and they’re not happy.” The words hit me like a freight train. I sank into a nearby chair, gripping the edge of the table like I might otherwise vanish from reality. Although I might not have minded if I did. “What are they saying?” I choked out. Tracy hesitated. Thankfully, she didn’t seem to be judging me. Just concerned more than anything. “It’s… not great, Aria. People think you’re…” She trailed off, but I didn’t need her to finish the sentence. I could fill in the blanks. People thought