The Truth She Chased

I adjusted my tie, smoothed my jacket, and stepped back. Victoria stared, wide-eyed,

speechless. Leonard remained frozen, gripping his glass like it anchored

him to reality. I turned and walked away. Each step echoed across the marble,

a quiet announcement that everything had changed. Behind me, voices rose—Leonard’s

panic, Brent’s disbelief, Victoria calling my name. I didn’t look back.

The ballroom doors closed behind me, muting the noise. The hotel lobby glowed warmly,

marble floors polished like a stage built for departure. I was halfway to the revolving doors

when I heard sharp heels striking stone. “Daniel—wait!” Victoria’s voice cut through the