Page 55 of Always Been You
Trouble in Paradise. A world-renowned lawyer was spotted with the same built man on multiple occasions in compromising situations.
I barely register the words before my gaze locks on the photos.
One is from the night at the bar. The other is from this morning. All with Eddie.
My chest tightens.
I have been too relaxed. Too caught up in my own world to realize I was being followed. But it is not the invasion of privacy that makes my blood run cold. It is the video staring back at me. My face is plastered across the thumbnail.
Exclusive Interview with Derrick Maddox, Husband to Lawliss Dua.
I scoff. Husband. What a joke.
I click play, and Derrick’s face appears on the screen. His lip is swollen, a bruise darkening his cheekbone.
“She never wanted to take my name,” he says, voice thick with fake sorrow. “I really did love her, but now she has taken the building and prevented me from working for months. I have lost all my contracts. And now she is openly cheating on me.”
His voice cracks. His lips tremble just enough to look convincing.
Liar.
I slam the phone down.
The room goes silent.
I inhale through my nose, steady and controlled. I force myself to pick the phone back up and scroll down to the comments.
@MaddoxForever:Wow. I always knew she was too cold to be faithful. Poor Derrick.
@RealTeaSpill:Why do all these powerful women cheat? First that actress, then the athlete, and now this?
@Pretty_Jeanee:She stole his building, his career, and now this? Manipulative AF.
@myfriendlawyer:Did y’all notice she never took his last name? She never planned to stay loyal.
@rri_yya:This is what happens when women get too much power.
I tighten my grip on the phone. My pulse is hammering.
Then another wave of comments comes in.
@TeamLawliss:Y’all are so quick to believe a man’s sob story. She hasn’t even said her side yet.
@semidiva.lisa:Where’s the timestamp, though? Where’s the evidence? I’ll wait.
@FreeThinker89_Dzifa:Is Derrick Maddox really out here giving interviews? Be fcking for real.
@love_esqdua:Lawliss built herself WITHOUT that man. The Duas have been in existence for ages. Let’s not act like he made her.
I let out a slow breath, my jaw clenched. My name is in their mouths, being tossed around like a game, like I am not even a person.
I look up, my voice sharp. “Remind me again why the press release of my divorce never went out?”
Lauren shoots to her feet instantly, panic flashing in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Law. I’ll work on the situation now. I am so sorry.”
Before she can move, Adam, our head of security, steps in, his expression grim.
“The house is surrounded by paparazzi.”
