Chapter 13 - Vanessa’s Betrayal of Daniel
Before Daniel hit rock bottom,
the final fracture between him and Vanessa
had been violently explosive.
It happened in the cramped studio apartment
Vanessa had rented
using the very last stolen cash reserves.
Daniel had pounded on her door at midnight,
screaming for help,
demanding money,
demanding comfort.
Vanessa had thrown the door open,
her face twisted in absolute fury.
Get away from me,
you pathetic loser,
she screamed,
shoving him backward.
Because of you,
my reputation is ruined!
Because of you,
I’m facing prison time!
I gave you everything!
Daniel roared back,
grabbing her shoulders.
I risked my career,
my company,
my life for you!
And what did you give me?
Lies!
Vanessa laughed hysterically.
You thought you were a genius,
didn't you?
You thought you could outsmart Claire and her mother.
You’re nothing,
Daniel.
You were always nothing.
She picked up a heavy glass vase
and hurled it at his head.
It shattered against the wall inches from his face.
Get out!
she shrieked.
Or I’ll call the cops and tell them
you forced me to participate in the fraud!
Daniel stared at her.
The woman he had traded his wife’s life for.
The woman who had whispered
Looks like I won
at the edge of a casket.
He realized then
that evil never forms true bonds.
It only consumes itself.
He turned around,
May you like
walked down the stairs,
and never saw her again.
