Shadows of Betrayal
AUTHOR'S POV
The party, which had once been a vibrant display of opulence and celebration, now stood silent and tense as the police conducted their search. Officers moved through Damien Ryder's expansive home with calculated precision, their eyes scanning every corner for anything suspicious. Despite their thorough efforts, nothing incriminating was discovered.
Damien Ryder, known for his charm and wealth, watched the search with a mixture of defiance and resignation. His hands were cuffed behind his back, his usually composed demeanor now shadowed by a rare vulnerability. The announcement from the police rang in his ears: "Mr. Damien Ryder, you are under arrest."
Julianna's friends, realizing the gravity of the situation, quickly fetched her from her drowsy state. Stella, her closest confidante, gently shook her. "Julianna, we have to go," she urged, her voice laced with urgency. Julianna, still groggy from the alcohol, struggled to comprehend the chaos unfolding around her.
As they made their way to the police station, the reality of the night began to sink in for Julianna. Seated in the custody area, she fought to piece together the events that led to Damien's arrest. Her confusion was compounded by the worry gnawing at her heart.
"Why did they arrest Damien?" Julianna asked, her voice shaky.
Stella, sitting beside her, tried to offer some comfort. "We don't know yet, Julianna. Let's just stay calm and wait for more information."
Their wait was interrupted by the blaring of a television news report. The screen flickered to life with a breaking news segment. The headline read: "General Manager Shot Dead: Investigation Ongoing." Julianna's heart sank as the news anchor continued, "Earlier today, Mr. Fernando Williams, the General Manager at Ryder's Group, was found dead in his car, the victim of an apparent gunshot wound. The driver of the car is currently missing and is being sought for questioning."
Julianna's eyes widened in horror. "No... No, it can't be," she whispered, her voice cracking. "That's my father..."
She broke down in tears, her sobs filling the room. Stella and the other friends tried their best to console her. "Julianna, we're here for you," Stella said softly, hugging her tightly. "We'll get through this together."
Moments later, Julianna's mother, arrived at the police station. Her eyes were red from crying, but she maintained a strong front for her daughter's sake. "Oh, Julianna," she murmured, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "I'm so sorry, my darling. We're going to get through this."
Julianna clung to her mother, her grief mingled with a rising sense of betrayal. "I can't believe I trusted him, Mom. I should have listened to Dad," she said between sobs. "Why did Damien do this?"
A week passed, and though the police investigation continued, the initial shock began to wear off. Life resumed its usual rhythm, but the pain of losing her father lingered heavily in Julianna's heart. She spent her days in a haze of grief and anger, grappling with the question of why Damien Ryder, a man she had grown close to, would betray her in such a devastating manner.
One day, as she and her friends walked through the halls of their university, the weight of her father's death still pressing down on her, Julianna made a resolute decision. "I'm going to confront Damien Ryder," she declared, her voice filled with determination. "I need to know why he did this. Why him?"
Stella and the others exchanged worried glances. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" Stella asked cautiously. "He's dangerous, Julianna."
"I don't care," Julianna replied firmly. "I need answers. I can't move on until I understand why he killed my father."
YOU ARE READING
The Fictional Man Among Us
Romance"What's wrong here?" Ryder's voice was deep and authoritative, sending a shiver down my spine. My body reacted in ways I couldn't control. My thighs clenched together, a sudden throb of desire pulsing through me. I was startled by my body's reaction...
