EPISODE TWO
1005 Words
The Rumors Take Flight
Maureen stepped into the office, holding her bag tightly. The usual morning chatter had died down the moment she walked in.
Some group of colleagues stood by the coffee machine, their low murmuring stopping as soon as they saw her. Someone touched another beside him, and a few exchanged glances before quickly turning away.
Maureen ignored it at first. Maybe she was just imagining things.
Then, her phone buzzed. Another message.
"Maureen, is it true? Were you really with Mr. Clems?"
She froze.
Another notification.
"Wow, never thought you would be that kind of girl. Disappointed."
Her pulse quickened as she clicked on the link attached to one of the messages.
A gossip blog. A picture of her from a charity event months ago, standing near Mr. Clems. The headline blared:
“EXPOSED! GEORGE's EX-FIANCÉE SECRETLY DATING OLDER BILLIONAIRE?”
A bitter feeling rushed through her.
She felt eyes on her— colleagues staring at news on their screens, then back at her, whispering behind their hands.
Taking a deep sigh, she moved toward the break room for coffee, trying to drown out the thoughts swinging in her head.
Then she heard it.
"Did you see the article? Apparently, she was sleeping with Mr.Clems for money."
"Disgusting. And she acted so innocent all this time."
The cup in her hand shaked.
Rage, humiliation, and disbelief swelled inside her, boiling over until she stepped forward.
"That’s a lie."
The two women gasped, their faces flashing with guilt before one of them smirked.
"We were just talking about what everyone’s saying," she said, feigning innocence. "If it’s not true, why is it all over the internet?"
Maureen pressed her fingernails into her palm . She wanted to scream, to shake them and demand they listen, but she knew better. Once a scandal spreads out ,no one cared about the truth.
Instead, she turned on her heel and walked away.
But the whispers followed her.
—
When Maureen got home, she was about throwing her bag on the couch when another message popped up.
Vivian: Come home. Now.
Her stomach twisted.
She found them in the dining room—Vivian, her mom, seated elegantly at the head of the table,while Celine and George sat comfortably, like they owned the place.
The moment she stepped in, Vivian’s cold gaze settled on her.
"You’ve embarrassed this family enough, Maureen."
Maureen’s breath caught. "You believe them?"
Vivian sipped her wine. "I believe what the world believes."
Celine leaned forward, her smirk widening. "Maybe you should’ve been more careful, sister. Oh, wait—how am I sure you're even my real sister."
George chuckled, resting an arm around Celine. "You should’ve seen this coming, Maureen. No one wants a woman with a ruined reputation."
Maureen’s vision faded with fury.
She stepped closer towards them, her voice not shaking despite the anger boiling inside her. "You both can go to hell for all I care."
She stormed out angrily, slamming the door behind her.
She had no idea where she was going.
But one thing was certain.
She wasn’t staying here.
Maureen wandered through the street,lost in thought. Her heels clicked against the pavement, each step feeling heavier than the last. The cold night air pressed against her skin, but she barely noticed. The city bustled with people and cars around her— laughter echoing from restaurants and the hum of cars speeding past—but it all felt distant,like she was walking through a world she no longer belonged to.
She reached for her phone pulling it out, her fingers trembling as she scrolled through her contacts. There has to be someone. Someone who believed her.
Her first call went to voicemail.
Then the second.
By the fifth, she knew.
They had all abandoned her.
Swallowing hard, she stared at the last name on her list—Mr. Clems.
Her thumb hovered over the call button. He was the reason for this mess, even if he had nothing to do with it. Maybe he could help. Maybe a single statement from him could set things right.
With a deep breath, she pressed the call.
It rang twice before he picked up. "Maureen?" His voice was cautious, careful.
She exhaled shakily. "You’ve seen the news."
A pause. Then a heavy sigh. "I have."
"Then tell them the truth." Her voice cracked. "Tell them we were never involved."
There was silence.
"It’s not that simple."he replied
Maureen’s stomach tensed. "What do you mean ? Just say it. Publicly." She cut in
He paused. Then gave a calculated response. "I have a reputation to protect too, Maureen. I can’t get involved in this mess."
The line went dead.
She stared at her phone, her vision fading as hot tears burned her eyes.
Even the man they accused her of being with wouldn’t defend her.
A low unsteady breath escaped from her lips. She felt her chest tightened as if the walls of the city were trapped on it. The whispers, betrayal and the humiliation was so suffocating.
She walked faster, passing honking taxis and neon lights, couples laughing and street musicians playing soft melodies. The world kept moving, oblivious of her shattered existence.
Her feet led her to a dimly lit bar.
She didn’t remember ordering the first drink. Or the second.
By the third, the bartender gave her a careful look. "Maybe you should slow down."
Maureen laughed bitterly, the sound hollow. "Why? Do you have somewhere to go?"
The alcohol dulled the stings from her pain, but it didn’t erase it. Nothing could.
She pushed off the stool, the room spinning slightly. The weight of exhaustion and heartbreak pressed down on her as she stumbled out into the night.
Her feet moved without stopping, leading her to a high-end hotel with golden lights and a grand entrance.
She stopped, staring at the boldly written sign above.
Her mind was in a blur state. Her body, light.
She stepped inside.
A reckless decision.
One that would change her life forever.
- Writer
