Page 71 of One Pucking Secret
“My reputation is already tarnished. Besides, none of it matters if I have you, Sonia.”
“Think about what you’re saying!” Her voice rises, tinged with desperation. But I remain unmoved.
“It’s okay, Sonia.” I stand up, stretching out the stiffness of my charade. “I’ve made up my mind.”
She stands too, her composure cracking as the reality of losing her grip on my fame sinks in. But I’m already turning away. This is the power play where I don’t bend, and she doesn’t win.
She collapses back onto the couch, her golden curls bouncing, eyes wide and shimmering with fear. “It was Alec,” Sonia breathes out, voice barely a thread in the tension-filled room. “He orchestrated the whole thing, Wyatt. I was just… pulled along for the ride.”
“What do you mean?” I prompt, my heart thundering against my ribs like a caged beast ready to burst.
“Everything—the rumors, the setup—it was all him.” Her voice cracks as she clutches her hands together, knuckles whitening. “He said it was the only way to get what we wanted. But I didn’t know he’d go this far.”
My fingers twitch, eager to end this charade. “And you went along with it because?”
“Because he convinced me we’d be untouchable!” she cries out, caramel eyes now glistening with unshed tears. “I was desperate for you to come to your senses and take me back. I have a whole thread of messages and screenshots to expose Alec for what he’s done to you. I swear, Wyatt, I never wanted to hurt you—”
“Enough.” The word slices through the air, sharp and final. I stand, shaking off the last vestiges of pretense. “It’s been enough for quite a while, Sonia.”
Her eyes widen, her hands reaching out in a last attempt. “Wyatt, I—”
“Save it.” I pull my phone from my pocket, its screen bright and glowing with the truth. “I’ve got every word, Sonia. It’s over.”
She stumbles to her feet, her face draining of color. “You recorded this? That’s illegal—you can’t record me without my permission!”
Wyatt’s expression hardens, unyielding. “Kind of like it’s illegal to manipulate photos to destroy someone’s life? Relax, I’m not using this in court.” He lets the words settle, his gaze cold. “But if this recording were to accidentally leak, I wonder what your fans would think of the real you.”
Sonia’s mouth falls open, her voice reduced to a hiss. “You wouldn’t dare.”
He gives her a look, unflinching. “Try me.”
The bedroom door swings open, and Zach steps out, his presence filling the room like a silent guardian. “You heard the man,” he says, his voice carrying the weight of authority.
“Zach?” Her voice is a wisp of disbelief. “You were in on this too?”
“From the start,” he confirms with a slight nod. “Wyatt’s my best friend, after all.”
“Damn you both! You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.” With a feral screech, Sonia bolts for the door, slamming it behind her with a resounding crash that echoes in the hollow aftermath.
“Thanks, man.” I clasp Zach’s shoulder.
“Anytime.” He smirks, then follows Sonia out, making sure her exit is as swift as her rise to infamy.
Alone, I exhale a long-held breath and send a text to Chloe.
Wyatt: Mission accomplished.
Chloe: Amazing! Almost home.
A smile tugs at my lips, and the ice around my heart begins to thaw. We’re close now, so damn close to righting all the wrongs.
A few minutes later, the door swings open, and there’s Chloe—her smile is a beacon in the dim light of the entryway. I don’t hesitate. In three strides, I sweep her into my arms, and the world spins with us at its center, my heart hammering a victory beat. Her laughter rings in my ears, more beautiful than any arena chant.
“Let’s celebrate,” I declare as her feet find the floor again. Her green eyes shine in the revelry of our shared triumph.
“Sparkling water?” The word is barely out before I’m moving toward the kitchen, propelled by an energy that feels like it could light up the city.
“And some takeout,” she calls after me, her voice dancing through the air. “Your choice.”
