CHAPTER 4 — Lauren Learns the Truth
CHAPTER 4 — Lauren Learns the Truth
Lauren Thorne was shopping on Fifth Avenue when every one of her credit cards stopped working.
The first boutique apologized.
The second quietly asked her to leave.
The third manager escorted her outside.
Confused, she called Matthew.
No answer.
Then she received an email.
HAMPTONS PROPERTY OWNERSHIP UNDER INVESTIGATION
Another.
EMPLOYMENT TERMINATED EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
Then a text from a friend.
"Lauren...you should turn on CNBC."
She did.
Matthew's face filled the screen.
Financial scandal.
Corporate investigation.
Possible shareholder fraud.
Domestic violence allegations.
Then...
A photograph appeared.
Mine.
Bruised.
Wrapped in hospital blankets.
The headline beneath it read:
CEO ACCUSED OF BRUTALLY ASSAULTING WIFE.
Lauren whispered,
"Oh my God..."
She had believed Matthew's lies.
He told her we were already separated.
That I refused to sign divorce papers because I wanted money.
He never mentioned twenty lashes.
May you like
She turned off the television.
And blocked his number forever.
