Zamor

her blonde hair, making her glow. "This film," she said, her voice soft but clear, "is about the devastati

, and utterly captivating. The audience adored her, praising her "

"Karmen," I said, my voice barely a whisper. She

r eyes were wide, but there was a fli

words flat. "You're accep

eeded finesse. My touch. You know, to truly make it shine." Her words were like a ph

was ragged. "It was abo

Hayes from me. You made him abandon me when I needed him most." Her fac

Karmen had been targeted. Hayes' s rivals had hurt her. I also remembered the self

d out, trying to push her away. "And h

her face scarlet with rage. He rushed to her side, pulling her away from m

earing on her wrist as if from nowhere. Hayes' s eyes burned with fury. He b

pointing a trembling finger at me. "She

? Why would you hurt her?" He didn't even look at my neck, the red ma

to explain, but his voice

He looked at Karmen, his voice soft

ve it. He just b

You knew, didn't you? You helped her, didn't you?" The realization h

aid her for it. A generous amount. I thought you needed the money." He sai

ory. I had poured my heart into it, every memory, every painful detail of her breakdown, of the stalker, of the accident. I had even told

ayes, this was my mother's memory! This was my life! Did you think I wa

led something about Karmen needing a win, about

ed his name again, a soft, needy

ready on her arm, leading her away. I stood there

. I opened my laptop, my fingers flying across the keys. A public statement. The truth. I

o my dorm room e