Page 101 of The Love Syllabus

“Kerry,” he says, his voice deep, steady. “How you want to handle this is your choice. But don’t ever think for a second that I think that you’re weak.”

I swallow the lump in my throat.

“I know you,” he continues, lifting my hand to his lips and kissing my knuckles. “And you’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met.”

Tears sting my eyes, but I blink them away and prepare for the night.

The second we step out of the car, we’re engulfed in flashing lights and reporters calling our names.

Vic and I own it. Like dozens of appearances before, we smile, we pose, we laugh, we fall into a natural rhythm with one another, except this time, it’s real. He keeps his hand firmly on my waist as we pose for pictures, all confidence, all power. I love his steady touch, and the press eats us up.

They call us theitcouple. They ask about the show and his nominations and congratulate him on the season 2 renewal.

All is well, until an eager reporter steps forward. “Kerry,” he calls, his voice cutting through the noise. “When did the abuse begin?”

“Who started abusing who first?” The reporter asks.

Vic tenses beside me, his entire frame going rigid. “What the hell kind of question is that?”

“Kerry, care to comment on this?” Another reporter steps up, holding up a phone.

I look down, and my stomach drops. It’s my mugshot.

The one from the night I left. The one Cory’s been holding over my head for years. The one that nearly cost me everything.

My pulse roars in my ears. My vision blurs at the edges, the world is closing in too fast, too tight.

No, no, no.

I grip Vic’s sleeve so tight my nails sink into his skin. My knees feel weak, the air turns suffocating, and suddenly, I swear I hear echoes of that night—glass shattering, fists pounding against walls, Cory’s voice, cruel and violent.

A distant ringing floods my ears, muting everything around me. I see lips moving, hear muffled voices, but I can’t process anything but that image of me— wild-eyed, bruised, and hair tangled.

The reporter begins reading off charges.Assault with a deadly weapon. Destruction of property. Battery.

My head spins. My pulse roars. My past is unraveling backwards in front of the entire world.

Vic doesn’t hesitate. He immediately moves to shield me, wrapping his arm around my waist and ushering me into the building.

“Breathe, baby. I’ve got you.” He whispers into my ear. His voice is gentle, commanding, and safe.

I nod weakly, pushing down the rising panic. Then, our phones explode with notifications.

Beverly Mills-Greer Crew

Gabe: That mugshot wasn’t in the files we recovered. Cory must’ve leaked it.

Serena: Don’t let this ruin your night. We’re handling it.

Hawkins: I’m sorry. We didn’t see this coming. We’ll fix it.

Mom: We love you Kerry!

I clench my jaw, shoving my phone back into my clutch.

Vic turns to me, his expression pure concern. “Let’s go back to the lake house.”

“No.” I say, my voice is firm and steady.

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