Chapter 9 - CAMBRIA GETS BOLDERCambria began appearing with Dorian publicly.
Not because Dorian wanted her there.
Because she understood photographs.
She arrived at the same restaurant.
The same fundraiser.
The same hotel lobby.
Paparazzi—or Savannah’s gentler version—captured images.
Cambria knew exactly how to stand near him without touching.
Enough to imply.
Never enough to prove.
Arielle saw one photo.
Dorian leaving a restaurant.
Cambria five feet behind.
Headline:
WESTBROOK MARRIAGE COLLAPSES AS CAMBRIA SLOANE STAYS CLOSE.
Dorian called furious.
“I did not invite her.”
Arielle replied:
“I didn't ask.”
“She followed me.”
“Then stop going places she knows about.”
“I’m trying.”
Arielle paused.
“Are you?”
Silence.
Dorian had begun to understand that intent was not the same as action.
Later that night Arielle received a message from Cambria.
A photograph of Dorian’s hand resting on a table.
No touch.
No context.
Text:
HE ALREADY CHOSE WHO TO BELIEVE.
Arielle replied for the first time.
YES.
Cambria responded immediately.
SO WHY ARE YOU STILL FIGHTING?
Arielle typed:
WHO SAID I’M FIGHTING FOR HIM?
No answer.
Arielle smiled.
That silence told her something.
Cambria had assumed the objective was Dorian.
It wasn't.
May you like
Not anymore.
Arielle wanted truth.
Related Stories
