CHAPTER EIGHT:THE TRUTH IN THE PHOTOGRAPHY
438 Words
The rusty handle turned slowly.
Amara's heart pounded as she stepped backward, clutching the photograph tightly.
The greenhouse door creaked open.
"Amara!"
It was Adrian.
Relief washed over her as he rushed inside.
"There you are." He looked at her worriedly. "Are you hurt?"
She shook her head.
"I don't think so."
His eyes fell on the photograph in her trembling hand.
"What is that?"
Without a word, she handed it to him.
The moment Adrian saw the picture, his face hardened.
"Where did you get this?"
"It was left beside me."
He stared at the image for several seconds before folding it and slipping it into his coat pocket.
"It isn't what it looks like."
"Then tell me what it is."
Adrian looked away.
"I can't."
"You can't... or you won't?"
Silence answered her.
---
Back inside the mansion, Adrian ordered everyone into the drawing room.
The atmosphere was tense.
Every member of the Kingsley household sat quietly while security guards stood at each entrance.
Someone among them was responsible for the threats.
"I'll ask only once," Adrian said, his voice calm but firm. "Who is trying to scare Amara?"
No one spoke.
Vanessa folded her arms.
"You always assume the worst of me."
"You've given me reason to."
She smiled coldly.
"Maybe your new bride should ask about the woman in that photograph."
Amara looked from Vanessa to Adrian.
"You know who she is?"
Vanessa laughed softly.
"Oh, he never told you?"
"Enough!" Adrian snapped.
The room fell silent.
Vanessa stood.
"If you won't tell her, someone else will."
She picked up her handbag and walked toward the door.
As she passed Amara, she whispered,
"Some secrets destroy families."
Then she left.
---
Late that night, Amara wandered onto the balcony, unable to sleep.
She heard footsteps behind her.
It was Chairman Kingsley.
The old man leaned on his cane and smiled gently.
"You've been crying."
She quickly wiped her eyes.
"I'm sorry."
"You don't need to apologize."
He looked out across the moonlit gardens.
"Adrian has spent years blaming himself for something that was never his fault."
Amara frowned.
"What happened?"
The chairman sighed deeply.
"There was once another woman."
Before he could continue, a loud crash echoed from inside the mansion.
A servant ran onto the balcony, pale with fear.
"Chairman!"
"What is it?"
"The safe in Mr. Adrian's office has been broken into."
Adrian hurried into the office moments later.
The safe door hung open.
Most of the files were untouched.
Only one document was missing.
The original marriage contract.
Someone hadn't come to steal money.
They had come to steal the truth.
- Writer
