MARCELLA

PLAN B

I sobbed like a child who had been denied chocolate, feeling helpless and defeated. Elias's betrayal cut me really deep, and I couldn't bear the thought of him ruining my reputation with whatever video he took of me, but Alexis's warm embrace and gentle words of encouragement comforted me.

"Marcella, it's not the end of the world," she said, trying to make me feel better. "We'll find a way to make it through this without Elias soiling your name."

I looked up at her, tears streaming down my face. "But how? He's going to ruin me, Alexis. I've come too far to let him win." My voice...