The Hidden Truth
438 Words
Three days had passed since Ariana's project presentation.
Although the project was a success, someone inside Sterling Group was secretly trying to ruin her reputation.
Anonymous emails accused her of stealing ideas.
Rumors spread through the office.
Some employees began to avoid her.
As Ariana walked through the hallway, she heard whispers.
"Did she really cheat?"
"I don't know... but people are talking."
She kept walking with her head held high.
"I know the truth," she whispered to herself. "That's enough."
In his office, Adrian looked through the anonymous emails.
His expression hardened.
"This isn't a coincidence."
He called the IT department.
"I want to know who sent these messages."
"Yes, sir."
"And keep this investigation confidential."
Meanwhile, Ethan couldn't stop thinking about the photograph of Sophia meeting the mysterious man.
He hired a private investigator.
"I need the truth," Ethan said.
"No matter how painful it is."
The investigator nodded.
"I'll report back soon."
That evening, Sophia received another message.
Unknown Number:
"He's getting closer to the truth."
Her hands trembled.
She immediately replied.
"What do you want from me?"
A new message appeared.
"Meet me tomorrow. Come alone."
Sophia felt trapped.
The next morning, Ariana entered the office to find her desk covered with torn papers.
Someone had destroyed weeks of printed work.
She stood frozen.
"Who would do this?"
Just then, Adrian walked in.
He looked at the mess.
His voice was calm but firm.
"Don't worry."
"We'll find the person responsible."
He helped Ariana gather the papers.
For the first time in a long while, she didn't feel alone.
Later that day, Ethan's phone rang.
It was the private investigator.
"I've found something."
"What is it?" Ethan asked.
"The man Sophia met isn't a relative."
Ethan's heart pounded.
"Who is he?"
"His name is Victor Hayes."
"He has a criminal record for fraud and blackmail."
Ethan felt the room spin.
"Blackmail..."
"So Sophia has been hiding this from me."
That evening, Sophia arrived at an abandoned warehouse.
Victor was waiting.
"You took your time," he said.
"What do you want?"
Victor smiled.
"I want more money."
"I've already given you everything I could."
Victor stepped closer.
"If Ethan discovers the truth about what happened before your wedding..."
"You'll lose him forever."
Sophia's face turned pale.
"You promised never to mention it."
"I lied."
As Sophia turned to leave, she noticed headlights outside the warehouse.
A black car stopped.
Someone stepped out.
It was Ethan.
His eyes met Sophia's.
Shock filled both their faces.
"Ethan..." she whispered.
He looked from Sophia to Victor.
His voice was cold.
"So..."
"This is the truth you've been hiding."
- Writer
