Chapter 9

When Eric rushed in, the big screen was showing the moment he made me take the abortion pills. A collective gasp swept the room, followed by a frantic surge of whispers. “My God, how could Mrs. Carter be so cruel?” “Wasn't the girl who saved her son’s life?” “Using those pills... she’s a monster!” Panic-stricken, Diane hissed at her maid, “Don't just stand there! Get me out of here!” But my voice, amplified and icy, cut through the chaos: “The monster from ten years ago is standing right there! The architect of today’s farce!” In a chillingly synchronized movement, the crowd spun around. Every eye in the room pinned Diane down with silent judgment. The moment Eric appeared, the media pounced like a pack of wolves. They swarmed, trapping them in a suffocating cage of flashing lights and aggressive microphones. Eric stood there, his world in ruins. He was rooted to the spot, hollow and soulless, like a lifeless shell. Tears fell silently down his face. He couldn’t hear the r