FLAWLESS

CHAPTER 28

Shanelle POV

Walking up the familiar path to my parent's house, my heart felt heavy with anticipation. Last night's phone call from Mom and Dad had left me on edge. They wanted to talk about something important, and I knew exactly what it was. The magazine article. The one that had exposed me at the pharmacy, raising suspicions and casting a shadow on our family's name. Today, I would face the consequences of my actions, the consequences of breaking the promise I made to my father.

Pushing the front door open, I stepped into the house, feeling a mix of nerves and resignation. As I made my way to the living room, I spotted my father seated on the couch, engrossed in conversation with his secretary. His gaze met mine, and with a curt gesture, he dismissed the secretary, his stern eyes never leaving me. I knew the storm was about to hit.

"Shanelle," my father began, his voice laced with disappointment and anger. 

"Tell me it's not true. Tell me you're not taking drugs like they're saying in that ridiculous article."

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. There was no use in denying it. I had to be honest. 

"Dad, I've been dealing with panic disorder," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. 

"I've been taking some medication to help me cope."

His features twisted with frustration, and he unleashed his fury upon me. Blaming my career, my friends, and the environment I worked in – he found fault in everything that had led me to this point. His words cut deep, as he regretted ever allowing me to pursue modeling instead of joining a family company like Shelby and Shay.

I listened to his tirade in silence, my eyes fixed on a distant spot on the floor. He raged about the rumors, the news article, and how it all traced back to our family because I carried the Falcon name. Each word landed like a blow, but I knew better than to argue. It would only fan the flames of his anger.

"If this continues to spiral out of control," he finally declared, his voice heavy with a sense of finality.

"I will make you resign from your aunt's agency. No more modeling. You will work at the company, with your sisters."

My heart sank, panic rising within me. The thought of abandoning my dreams, my passion, was suffocating. But what choice did I have? I couldn't bear to see my family's reputation tarnished any further.

Gathering my strength, I looked my father in the eyes, my voice steady. 

"Dad, I will handle everything. I promise," I said, my words a desperate plea. "I will clear this rumor, and protect our family's reputation. You can trust me."

Satisfied with my response, my father released me from his scrutinizing gaze. I excused myself, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. I made my way to the bathroom, seeking solace within its walls.

Once inside, I locked the door behind me and stared at my reflection in the mirror. My father's words triggered my anxiety, and I knew I couldn't face the world outside without some help. As my trembling hand reached into my bag, I remembered my conversation with Kayleen just yesterday. She had warned me that taking those pills was not the easy way out. And yet, at this moment, it felt like the only way.

I held the pills in my hand, hesitating for a moment. But the fear and anxiety were overwhelming, and I knew I needed relief. Swallowing them down, I waited for their effects to kick in, for the crushing weight on my chest to ease.

As the medication began to take hold, a sense of calm washed over me. It was an artificial tranquility, but it was all I had at that moment. I plastered a smile on my face and unlocked the bathroom door, ready to face my mother and sisters who had arrived home.

Walking back into the living room, I greeted them with forced cheerfulness, hoping to hide the turmoil beneath. They exchanged glances, perhaps sensing that something was amiss, but I pushed it all down, burying it beneath a facade of strength and resilience.

Little did they know that behind that smile, I was struggling to keep my world from crumbling.