Chapter 25: The Mask Slips
I woke up to the incessant buzzing of my phone on the nightstand. Groaning, I reached for it, squinting at the bright screen. Sophie’s name flashed, and I felt a mix of anticipation and dread. After the media storm of the past week, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
"Hello?" I answered, my voice still groggy from sleep.
"Liam, what were you thinking?" Sophie’s voice came through, a blend of concern and frustration. "It’s all over the news. What is going on with you? How could you do such a horrible thing?"
I sat up, running a hand through my hair. "Sophie, what do you want me to do? Your sister wants to take everything that I’ve worked for away from me."
"But Liam, all of the things they’re saying... you know it’s not true."
This would break Diane completely.
I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. "It’s a mess," I admitted, surprising myself with my honesty.
"Look, why don’t you come over? We can talk about this face to face. I could really use your company, to be honest. I’ve missed you, Sophie, and everything I’m doing is because of you and for you." The lie hung in the air.
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and I held my breath, hoping she’d say yes. Despite everything—I craved her presence.
"I... I can’t, Liam," she finally replied, her voice tinged with regret. "I’m out of town for an event planning gig. I just called to understand why you did all this."
I could hear the conflict in her voice, the restraint. She was trying to be angry, to be disappointed. "I’ll see you when I get back. Talk to you later, Liam."