Chapter 45: Taking Control
Diane’s POV
I ended the call with Jessica, my heart pounding in my chest. For months, I’d avoided this moment, pushed it away, pretended it wasn’t necessary. But now, with my pregnancy becoming more difficult to hide and Liam becoming more and more willing to make my life miserable.
"She’s coming tomorrow," I said aloud to myself, still gripping the phone. "At 10 AM."
I took a deep breath, one hand instinctively moving to my belly. The twins fluttered inside me, a gentle reminder of everything at stake.
I found Joan in the kitchen, arranging fresh flowers in a vase. She looked up as I entered, her smile fading when she saw my expression.
"Everything okay?" she asked, setting down the scissors.
I leaned against the doorframe, suddenly feeling the weight of my decision. "I just called Jessica. From the Daily Chronicle."
Joan’s eyebrows shot up. "The reporter?"
I nodded, moving to sit at the kitchen island. "She’s coming tomorrow morning. With her camera crew."
Joan put down the flowers she was holding and came to sit beside me. "Diane, are you sure about this? Once it’s out there—"
"I know," I interrupted, my voice steadier than I expected. "But I’m done hiding, Joan. I’m done letting Liam control the narrative. It’s time I took the bull by the horns."