Page 76 of Checks & Bonds

Another photo showed us in the kitchen of his apartment. I sat on the counter, legs wrapped around his waist as he kissed my neck. The carefree laughter evident in our postures made it clear how much I had been living in the moment, completely unaware of the consequences.

But it was the last picture that made my breath catch in my throat. We were in his shower, steam rising around us, water droplets clinging to our skin. His hands were on my waist, lifting me slightly as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. Our faces were close, lips barely touching, eyes locked in an intimate gaze that spoke volumes.

I could almost hear his voice whispering sweet nothings into my ear as I looked at that photo. The tenderness in his eyes contrasted sharply with the cold reality I now faced.

I swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in my throat. These images were more than just pictures; they were memories of a time when I felt free and unburdened by expectations or responsibilities. But now they were weapons that could be used against me.

When had he taken these? It was like he set it up because he was in the shower with me and no phone –

How did I not know?

My fingers hovered over the screen as I debated what to do next.

I needed to talk to Dan. Confront him about these photos and find out how they ended up where they did.

But first... first I needed to breathe.

I swallowed hard and closed my eyes for a moment, trying to steady myself. My mother’s voice echoed again in my mind: "You've embarrassed us."

No matter how much I wanted to rebel against her control, I couldn't deny the truth. These photos could shatter everything I had left—my engagement with Henry, my family's reputation, even my future.

As I scrolled further, my breath hitched. More photos appeared, each one more incriminating than the last. Naked photos of me. Photos of us together in moments I thought were private. Moments I didn't even know Dan had captured.

My fingers trembled as I continued to swipe through the images. There was one of me standing in front of the mirror, completely exposed, with Dan's reflection visible behind me, a satisfied smirk on his face. Another showed us entwined on his bed, the sheets barely covering our bodies. My face was turnedtowards the camera, eyes closed in what I thought was a moment of intimacy.

The more I saw, the more a wave of emotions crashed over me—embarrassment, shame, and a deep sense of betrayal. How could I have been so naïve? How could I have let myself be so vulnerable with someone who would do this to me?

I felt used. Every photo was a reminder of how I had let my guard down, believing that Dan genuinely cared about me. Instead, it seemed like he had been documenting our time together for his own twisted amusement.

My stomach churned as the reality of the situation sank in. This was my fault. I had thought I was taking control of my life by rebelling against my parents' wishes and engaging in this secret affair. But now it was clear—I had made a mess of everything.

I thought back to all the times I had justified my actions to myself, convinced that I was doing what was best for me. But now? Now all I could see were the consequences of my choices laid out in front of me in stark detail.

I swallowed hard, fighting back tears. How could I ever face Henry after this? How could I explain what I'd done?

This wasn't just about breaking off an engagement anymore; it was about trying to salvage whatever pieces were left of my life.

And as much as it hurt to admit it... I'd brought this upon myself.

I poured myself a cup of coffee, the rich aroma mingling with the bitterness rising in my throat. My fingers trembled as I held the mug, staring into the dark liquid as if it could offer answers.

Dan. I needed to talk to Dan.

Why would he do something like this?

Dan broke up with me. He chose to do that.

The memory of our breakup replayed in my mind like a cruel joke. It had been sudden, out of nowhere. One minute we werelaughing, sharing inside jokes, and the next, he was cold and distant. He said he couldn't handle the secrecy anymore, that it was too much for him. I remembered standing there, stunned, as he walked away without looking back. I had felt abandoned, like I wasn't worth fighting for.

But now, as I stared at the incriminating photos on my phone, none of it made sense. Why would Dan release these photos? If he was done with me, why go to such lengths to destroy what little I had left? The betrayal stung even more because I couldn't find a logical reason for his actions. It felt vindictive and unnecessary.

I racked my brain, trying to understand his motives. Was it revenge? Did he want to hurt me because I moved on with Henry? But no—he knew the engagement was arranged. He knew it wasn't love but obligation.

As I sat there in the quiet kitchen, coffee growing cold in my hands, the confusion only deepened. Dan's actions were a puzzle with pieces that didn't fit together.

My phone pinged, the screen lighting up with texts. Ivy's name appeared first, then Brooke's. My heart stopped when I saw Minka's name.

Would Henry's sister be understanding? She had had her own scandal at the start of the year, but still. Did I even deserve it?

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