Chapter 2: What the Scars Remember
Sophia didn’t speak at first.
Karen gently led her to sit on the edge of the bed while a female officer draped a blanket over her shoulders. The room shifted from wedding suite to crime scene in minutes.
I knelt in front of her.
“You’re safe,” I said softly. “No one touches you again.”
Her eyes filled, but no tears fell.
“I tried to tell people,” she whispered. “When I was younger… teachers, neighbors… but he always knew before anyone could listen.”
Karen turned sharply. “He interfered with reports?”
Sophia nodded.
“He donated money. Sponsored events. Paid for silence.”
Karen’s jaw tightened. “Not tonight.”
Across the room, Mason leaned casually against the wall.
“All allegations,” he said. “No proof.”
Karen looked at him, unimpressed. “We’ll see.”
Sophia finally looked at me.
“I didn’t tell you because I thought… if you knew, you might look at me differently.”
I shook my head immediately.
“I only see you clearer now.”
May you like
And for the first time that night—
She believed me.
