Chapter 2: Fractures

They moved into a private room. The door shut behind them, sealing off the whispers.
Damian plugged the flash drive into his laptop with steady hands. Elena stood frozen across the room, her arms wrapped tightly around herself.
Mary didnât sit. She simply waited.
The screen flickered to life.
File after file.
Proof.
Undeniable.
Time seemed to stretch painfully as Damian scrolled. His jaw tightened, his breathing slowingânot with panic, but with realization.
Finally, he looked up.
âElenaâŠâ His voice was quieter now. Not angry. Not yet. âWhy?â
Elenaâs composure brokeânot dramatically, but in a quiet collapse. Her shoulders lowered. Her voice softened.
âI didnât mean for it to go that far,â she said. âI was desperate. I thought if I just⊠borrowed it⊠I could fix everything later.â
Maryâs expression didnât change. âBut you didnât.â
Elena shook her head slowly. âNo.â
Tears filled her eyesâbut they didnât fall.
âI was afraid,â she admitted.
For a long moment, no one spoke.
May you like
Then Damian closed the laptop.
âThis doesnât end tonight with another lie,â he said firmly. âIt ends with the truth.â