Anyta
The first time I saw my face on the cover of a magazine, I thought it was just another society gossip piece. I had become used to murmurs and stares since I left the Ashbourne estate all those years ago. But when I opened the paper that morning, my stomach dropped.
The headline read out to me in bold letters.
“ANYTA RUSHMORE'S SECRET AFFAIRS ABROAD?!"
My fingers trembled as I read the cruel words. They accused me of living off rich men's favors during my absence. They painted pictures of me sneaking into hotels, being kept like some secret mistress. They even had the audacity to question my son's legitimacy.
I pressed the paper against my chest, unable to breathe for a moment. My knees shook. The walls of the house were closing in.
It was not one paper. In a matter of minutes i
