Chapter 11: The Power of One Photograph
Sonya’s caption read: Julian and I broke up earlier this month. There’s no need to explain, but it doesn’t change the beautiful memories We made during those eight years. Her post quickly trended, albeit not the headlines, but views spiked rapidly. Ashley was amazed and immediately commented.
“You two were really a couple?”
Sonya rolled her eyes.“What did you think?”
“I thought you were his creditor.”
Sonya leaned closer, watching Ashley rapidly type comments. But her comments were quickly buried.
“They’re controlling it.”
“What’s that?”
“You’re not starstuck, so you wouldn’t know. They control the public perception; they dictate what’s right and wrong.”
Ashley paused, tired from typing. “But this Seraphina thing is huge. Her rivals will jump in. Your post trending means someone’s boosting it. This is going to be more interesting.”
Ashley looked at the photo again. It was a graduation photo.
Eight people were in the picture. Julian, in his graduation gown, was in the center of the front row, holding hands with Sonya. She wasn’t graduating yet, so she wore a white dress. They were smiling, clearly a couple.
Next to Julian stood Seraphina,
Seraphina, making
their
heart shape with her
her classmate.
eves
bright, their faces radiant.
They were full of youthful energy,
“Sonya, you were so pretty. You completely overshadowed Seraphina,” Ashley said.“Everyone can see your relationship with Julian. Who’s the homewrecker? Who’s innocent? Crystal clear.”
Ashley continued scrolling, getting angrier.“Are they crazy? They’re saying this photo is a fake!”
Sonya hadn’t intended to cause a massive scandal. She just wanted to force Seraphina to clear her
name.
“Hey, someone from the photo commented,” Ashley said, showing Sonya her phone. “She said you and Julian were the golden couple in school; everyone knew you were together.”
Sonya looked at the commenter, Lily Lane. She was Seraphina’s classmate and Jake’s girlfriend at the time. Lily used to be one of her best friends.
“Hey, someone else commented.”
There were just three agreeing emojis.
Checking their profiles, Sonya realized it was Jake and Leo.
Ashley refreshed the page. The post got even hotter.
“Hee hee, it’s about to blow up.”
But when Ashley refreshed again, the post was gone.
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said
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Ashley parted her shoulder Forgen We can’t compete with a big ser and a rich guy”
The hospital director called Songs to his office
I was almon closing time. When Sony arrived, the director was leaving
“Let’s talk in the elevator,” he said.
Sonys followed him into the elevator. They were alone.
The director, a man in his sixties, was bald on top, his remaining hair white
He adjusted his glasses, pondering “Starting tomorrow, you won’t have to come to work”
Sonya frowned. “What does that mean?”
It’s temporary. We’ll discuss this again once things calm down. Please understand. The hospital cares about order and reputation. We can’t suffer losses because of one person.”
“But those are rumors”
That’s your concern. I just don’t want
I refuse”
Tm not asking for your opinion. I’m informing you.”
anything to
affect the hospital”
Sonya clenched her fists. This wasn’t the first time something like that had happened; the hospital would usually protect its doctors.
But this time, the hospital reacted so quickly. It was unreasonable
“Was this Julian’s idea?”
The director sighed I warned you. Don’t mess with the rich. It won’t benefit you.” Sonya took a deep breath. “You have no reason to suspend me. If I accept the suspension, I’m confirming the rumors. I’ll come to work tomorrow.”
“You should apologize to Mr. Jennings!
“You’re right. I should!”
Leaving the hospital, Sonya went to Jake’s bar.
The waiter thought she had a reservation and took her to Julian’s private room. “Dude, you’re going too far!” That was Leo.
“It’s none of your business!” Julian snapped. “Sonya and
you were together for eight years. Eight years! In the end, she’s the homewrecker, and she’s being attacked online. That’s unfair!”
“Shut up!”
“I’m on Sonya’s side.”
Sonya took a deep breath and entered the room.
It was dimly lit; only Julian and Leo were there. The table was covered with unopened bottles of alcohol.
“Sonya, what… what are you doing here?”
“I’m here to see him,” Sonya said, looking at Julian.
Julian looked up, slightly guilty, then looked down.
“You told the director to suspend me?” she asked.
Julian mumbled, “You can go back to work once things calm down.”
“Things calm down?” Sonya scoffed.“When I’m completely disgraced? When Seraphina’s image as a victim is firmly established? When you two get married?”
“Whatever you think.”
“I want you to clarify this.”
“Impossible.”
Sonya stepped forward,
grabbed a bottle, and smashed it against the
table.
The glass shattered; liquor spilled everywhere.
Leo recoiled; Julian’s eyes widened.
Sonya held the broken bottle, smashing it
on the floor
floor under Julian’s gaze.
“Do you think I’m a pushover?”
Julian took a deep breath.“If I clear your name now, Seraphina’s image will be ruined, her career might end. I have to put the blame on you.”
Sonya laughed.“Why? What right do you have to do that?”
“Sonya, enough. Stop it.”
Sonya nodded. She tried to save face for them, but they wouldn’t do the same for her. She pulled up a video on her phone.
In the video, Seraphina smiled at the camera. “Julian is like a car to me. I don’t need to love him, but I can drive him whenever I want. I’m the one who hold the wheel, and he’ll always obey me. Even though you’re his girlfriend, he’ll always be at my disposal.”
hapter 12 Geming
