CHAPTER 43: Manipulated

Erin wore sunglasses as she descended from her penthouse to visit Zach's home. Intent on boarding a taxi, Orion intercepted her.

"Erin, let's talk, please," he pleaded, his voice trembling as he dismissed the waiting taxi. "Where are you going?"

"I don't want to talk to you! I don't even want to see you!" she shouted, tears streaming down her face.

"Erin... whatever you heard, it's true, but that's not my plan anymore. T-that's not what I want..."

"If that's the case, what is your plan, huh? Tell me!" She sobbed. "I lost the company, O, but that's not why I'm hurting now! It hurts so much to know that you're one of the people who deceived me. I gave you my deepest love. You took my trust, my body... You didn't spare even my sanity."

Tears welled up in Orion's eyes. "I made those plans before because I loved Daryl. Erin, I planned those things because of what I saw in the evidence I gathered back then. I thought you were flirting with Daryl. I thought you were the one at fault